Top 11 Things To Do In Harpswell, Maine

1. See Admiral Peary's house at Eagle Island

Eagle Island is at the outermost region of the archipelago in Casco Bay and is the site of Admiral Peary’s house. The rocky island was bought by American explorer Admiral Robert Peary, Sr., known for his expeditions to the Arctic between the late 19th century and the early 20th century. In 1967, the estate was handed over by Peary’s descendants to the State of Maine. Peary and his family lived in the house that was built on Eagle Island in 1904. Before Eagle Island State Historic Site opened to the public, parts of the wood-frame house were reconstructed. One of the circular bastions built when Peary was still alive contains artifacts from his expeditions. The main structures on the island, aside from the house and gardens, are a wooden pier, a visitor’s center, and a caretaker’s cabin.

Eagle Island State Historic Site

Address: Harpswell, ME 04079, United States

Website: Eagle Island State Historic Site

Opening hours: June 15, 2021 - Labor Day: 10am - 5pm

2. Check out tidal pools at Potts Point Preserve

At Potts Point Preserve, tide pools reveal sea urchins, hermit crabs, oysters, starfish, and beds of kelp. The spectacular ocean view is another reason why people visit this small preserve on a narrow peninsula. This nature preserve has an upland portion that can be reached over rocky terrain. Camping is not allowed, but visitors are welcome to stay for a few hours if they wish. Parking is available on the side of the road and you can walk along Potts Point Road to reach the preserve.

Potts Point Preserve

Address: Potts Point Rd, Harpswell, ME 04079, United States

Website: Pott’s Point Preserve

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

3. Take advanced rescue lessons with Casco Bay Kayak

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Casco Bay Kayak offers lessons not only for beginners, but also for seasoned paddlers. Personalized lessons and small group tours are the strengths of this outfit in Harpswell, where you’ll get access to public islands with stunning sceneries. You will find mesmerizing seascapes and see aquatic wildlife in their natural environment. Casco Bay Kayak also offers overnight camping trips. To get here, you may bring your boat or use the company’s fleet. Call ahead to determine if your group has a slot and can be accommodated at the time of your visit to Harpswell.

Casco Bay Kayak

Address: Jasmine Ln, Harpswell, ME 04079, United States

Website: Casco Bay Kayak

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 85 USD per person (half day tour); 140 USD per person (full day tour); 60 USD (2 hours- Introduction to Kayaking); 90 USD (4 hours- Introduction to Kayaking 2 and Rescue); 50 USD (2 hours - Rescue Technique Refresher Course)

4. Learn from local archives at Harpswell Historical Society Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Harpswell Historical Society was founded by locals in 1979 to preserve the Old Harpswell Meeting House, a Registered National Historic Landmark. Since it was constructed in 1901, it has functioned as a Bailey Store, and in the year 2000, The Society bought the museum. From this initiative grew other projects for the preservation of local heritage. Today, the Harpswell Historical Society Museum has a remarkable collection of artifacts. The museum features Harpswell memorabilia and a Brown Bess musket from 1775 that was widely used in the expansion of the British Empire. The archives may be accessed for research and are housed in climate-controlled vaults.

Harpswell Historical Society Museum

Address: 929 Harpswell Neck Rd, Harpswell, ME 04079, United States

Website: Harpswell Historical Society Museum

Opening hours: Sun: 2pm - 4pm (closed from Mon - Sat)

5. Explore a curved beach at Stover's Point Preserve

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you can find Stover’s Point Road, you are minutes away from Stover’s Point Preserve. The spot offers marvelous views of Harpswell Sound and the unique and historic Cribstone Bridge (Bailey Island Bridge). This curved beach harbors a salt marsh that is a popular spot amongst the locals. Recreation is allowed, but regulations are in place to preserve the area and maintain peace in the neighborhood. Visitors can drive to the edge of the beach to ride a kayak, go swimming, and explore the marshes. There is a tidal creek with warm water, which is a good place for the little ones to swim since it is protected from the ocean.

Stover's Point Preserve

Address: 69 Windsor Lane, Harpswell

Website: Stover’s Point Preserve

6. Catch your first fish at Cribstone Guide & Charter

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Cribstone Guide & Charter is a family outfit managed by a husband-and-wife team. Josh is skilled in building and repairing boats, while Emily grew up lobstering, clamming, and harvesting oysters. Both were raised in families of commercial fishermen. The couple has two kids, and both captains are keen on providing customized fishing charters and tours to individuals and families. Sign up for a fishing trip if you want to see Casco Bay and catch your share of trophy stripers, bluefish, and mackerels. This charter company will ensure a safe and fun trip. When booking charters and tours, tell Josh and Emily what you have in mind so that they can customize the activity for your group.

Cribstone Guide & Charter

Address: 59 Morse Shore Rd, Harpswell, ME 04079, États-Unis

Website: Cribstone Guide & Charter

Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)

Price: 125 USD per hour

7. Get plenty of exercise along picturesque Cliff Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

There are numerous adventurers who visit Cliff Trail, one of the most popular trails in Harpswell, on a regular basis. The rugged trail has markings along the way, so you can take it easy and enjoy the view. The main loop goes on for 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometers), and there is a cut-off trail with yellow markings. Highlights of the walk include Strawberry Creek, Long Reach Preserve, forest views, and a waterfall. There is marked area called the Fairy House Zones, which are said to host fairies, so be careful not to disturb them.

Cliff Trail

Address: 263 Mountain Rd, Harpswell, ME 04079, USA

Website: Cliff Trail

8. See geological wonders up close at Giant’s Stairs trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Giant’s Stairs trail is the epitome of coastal Maine scenery. It’s an easy trail with dramatic views of rock formations and Casco Bay. Earth-rending forces formed the rocks and pushed them out of the crust into incredible formations. There is an intrusive volcanic dike, a vertical seam of dark basalt formed when magma flows to the surface. The trail is open year-round and allows dogs as long as they are on a leash. The one-way distance is 0.7. miles (1.1 kilometers), and parts of the trail are laid across rocky ledges. Pinnacle Rock and Thunder Hole are some of the highlights of this trail.

Giant’s Stairs Trail

Address: Harpswell, ME 04003, USA

Website: Giant’s Stairs Trail

9. Savor Maine seafood at Dolphin Marina and Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Dolphin Marina and Restaurant opened its doors in 1966. Heart-warming food is served elegantly in this waterfront restaurant on Pott’s Harbor. Book a table and enjoy a 180-degree view of Casco Bay and its islands while having your fill of lobster stew, hand-cut steaks, and fish chowder in the multi-level dining room. When visiting Harpswell, don’t pass up the chance to savor Dolphin Marina & Restaurant’s coastal sceneries and blueberry muffins. They also have a full bar and you can enjoy your drink on the outdoor deck.

Dolphin Marina & Restaurant

Address: 515 Basin Point Rd, Harpswell, ME 04079, USA

Website: Dolphin Marina & Restaurant

Opening hours: 11am - 8pm (daily)

10. Appreciate the engineering marvel that is Bailey Island Bridge

The engineering features of Bailey Island Bridge, spanning Will’s Gut, make it a unique structure. It was built in the 1920s to connect Orr’s Island and Bailey Island. The engineer in charge had to think out of the box to accommodate the tides in the area. Bailey Island Bridge was built using narrow slabs of granite, and the cribwork allows the changing tides to ebb and flow.

Bailey Island Bridge

Address: Harpswell Islands Rd, Bailey Island, ME 04003, USA

Website: Bailey Island Bridge

11. Take home a basketful of treats from Black Sheep Wine and Beer Shop

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

When it’s time to settle back and talk about the places in Harpswell you have been, try to stop by Black Sheep Wine and Beer Shop. A hand-picked selection of more than 650 estate-grown wines and excellent craft beers await your discerning palate. You may purchase a gift basket that includes artisanal cheeses and chocolate treats to bring home as a souvenir. Look for the Harpswell town office by the ocean, and you will find this shop nearby.

Black Sheep Wine Shop

Address: 05 Mountain Rd, Harpswell, ME 04079, USA

Website: Black Sheep Wine and Beer Shop

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Experience new adventures at Harpswell

Be open to adventure when visiting Harpswell–a seacoast town made up of more than 200 islands on the Gulf of Maine. With Maine offering plenty of places to visit, Harpswell sure is one of the top choices for all kinds of travelers. For starters, you can expect excellent seafood and seaside views, but that’s not all. Experience tons of unique activities here in Harpswell, Maine.

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