Swan’s Island is located in Blue Hill Bay, approximately six miles by Maine State Ferry from Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor.
The 7,000-acre island is heavily wooded with the typical rocky coastline of Maine. Besides the historic Burnt Coat Harbor Lightstation, the island offers visitors spectacular scenery, several historic points of interest, and an opportunity to enjoy a more relaxed, natural pace of life. Swan’s Island is home to 300 year-round residents and 700 additional seasonal residents during the summer months.
Places To Go & Things To See
The Swan’s Island Lobster & Marine Museum
The Swan’s Island Lobster and Marine Museum is located about 100 yards from the island’s ferry terminal. It has a unique collection of local artifacts that tell the fishing industry’s story on Swan’s Island. The museum is open June through September, Monday-Friday, 11 am – 3 pm. For more information, visit the website, find the Museum on Facebook, or call 207-5626-4423.
Swan’s Island Library
The library is located at 451 Atlantic Rd. The Swan’s Island Library offers visitors books, magazines, historical and art exhibits, movies, DVDs, 24-hour internet access, and more. The Library hosts many cultural and educational events throughout the summer. See https://swansislandeducationalsociety.org
Swan’s Island Historical Society
The Historical Society is located at 9 Harbor Road and offers the visitor historical displays and artifacts. The Society also hosts several special events including Ice Cream Socials during the summer months. See https://www.swansislandhistory.org for more information.
Events & Festivals
Visitors should check the Town Office bulletin boards and the Town website for information on special events, including Sunday Morning Pancake Breakfasts, July 4th Celebrations, Lobster Dinner at the Firehouse, and the Sweet Chariot Music Festival. See https://www.swansisland.org/directory/swans-island-town-office/
Town Office
The Swans Island Town Office is located at 125 Harbor Road and offers visitors information, potable water, and the island Post Office.
Mill Pond Park
Mill Pond Park is located on Minturn Road and looks out across Burnt Coat Harbor. The park has a picnic area, grills to cook on, a flower garden, and a playscape for younger children.
Beaches & Hiking
There are 1.8 miles of marked trails in the lighthouse park area.
There is a trail maintained by Maine Coast Heritage Trust at High Head Beach. There is a right of way from Jericho Bay Road to Fine Sand Beach. There is a cross-island trail (Goose Pond Road) from Stanley Point Road to Goose Pond and Atlantic Road.
There are four beaches with public access. Two are in the lighthouse park, Long Point Beach and Burying Point Beach. The other two, marked on available maps, are Carrying Place Beach and Fine Sand Beach. Carrying Place Beach is the only beach that is easily accessible by car. Maps with hiking trails and beaches indicated are available at the Keepers House.
Baird’s Quarry
Baird’s Quarry (“the quarry pond”) is a popular spot for freshwater swimming and a great place for a picnic. It is located on Quarry Pond Road, just off the Minturn Loop.
Geocaches On The Island
There are several geocaches on Swan’s Island, including two caches on Hockamock Head, plus one at Baird’s Quarry and Noah’s Ballast. To find out more CLICK HERE.