It's really impossible to find just one beautiful area in Maine; we're lucky enough to be surrounded by natural beauty at every turn! When pressed to decide upon just one beautiful place, we'd put Monhegan Island at the top of the list. Take a look!
Monhegan is a tiny island about 10 miles from the mainland. Only about 65 people live there.
The only way to reach Monhegan Island is by water. Boats leave from three harbors: Boothbay, Port Clyde, and New Harbor.
This beautiful island is only about one square mile, but it's incredibly charming.
Famous explorer John Smith visited this island in 1614 and noted that it offered great fishing. Today, tourists come for the quiet solitude and artist community.
You'll find several galleries and art studios around the island; the artist's colony has thrived here for more than 100 years.
Click here for a map and listing of the artists’ studios.
This island is so picturesque that you'll want to bring your own easel to capture some of the idyllic scenes.
Take a stroll through the little lanes here. You won't find maintained roads, and you'll only see an occasional farm truck here. This is a quiet little hamlet, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Atlantic.
Visit the lighthouse, which was built in 1824. You'll also find the Monhegan Museum of Art and History here, located in the old lighthouse keeper's house.
Take a hike around the island for an eagle's eye view. You'll find 12 miles of trails here, but watch your step because some of these paths are steep and rocky.
Be mindful to stay off private property while you explore, and take your trash with you when you leave; the services here are very limited.
Stay overnight at the Island Inn between Memorial Day and Columbus Day.
Click here for a listing of other inns on the island.
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Make plans now to visit during the spring and summer — this tiny island can't accommodate too many visitors at once, and you don't want to miss sunsets like this.
Have you visited Monhegan Island? We'd love to hear about your adventures there!
Here's another drop-dead gorgeous spot in Maine, and it offers some wonderful winter hiking opportunities.
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