Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Eastport, Maine

The City of Eastport comprises a collection of islands in Washington County, Maine. With a modest population, it is the least populated city in the state, yet it boasts numerous attractions for visitors to explore.

Eastport was incorporated as a town in 1798 and later became a city in 1893. Initially settled by the French, it gained notoriety for smuggling activities during the early 19th century.

The main island, known as Moose Island, is connected to the US mainland by a causeway. The islands lie nestled between Cobscook Bay and Passamaquoddy Bay, the latter recognized for its significant tides and vigorous currents.

Eastport features the deepest natural harbor on the eastern seaboard of the United States. This harbor remains ice-free year-round, historically serving as a center for fish catching and processing.

A visit to Eastport promises many memorable experiences. Below is a list of the 15 premier activities to engage in while in Eastport.

1. Shackford Head State Park

This State Park is situated on a peninsula of Moose Island, offering views over Cobscook Bay. Named in honor of John Shackford, a revolutionary soldier, the park spans 87 acres.

Its primary features include an array of hiking trails that provide picturesque views of small beaches and hidden coves. Amenities for visitors comprise picnic areas, and the diverse avian life, encompassing terns, sandpipers, woodland species, and bald eagles, enhances the experience. Note that some trails may be closed during nesting seasons to protect wildlife.

2. Whale Watching

During the summer and fall months, there is a remarkable opportunity to observe various whale species, seals, porpoises, and dolphins, along with numerous bird species. Engaging in a trip across Passamaquoddy Bay promises an unforgettable experience.

Tour operators offer excursions into these waters to track marine mammals specifically. While sightings cannot be assured, reputable companies typically meet customer expectations.

3. West Quoddy Head Lighthouse & State Park

The 540-acre expanse of this State Park, along with the historic lighthouse, provides an engaging day outing for visitors. The lighthouse, characterized by its distinctive candy-striped appearance, dates back to 1858, succeeding another structure that existed 50 years earlier. Notably, it is the easternmost lighthouse in the United States, gazing over Quoddy Channel, the boundary between the U.S. and Canada, towards the impressive red cliffs of New Brunswick on Grand Manan Island.

During the summer months, visitors can anticipate sightings of minke, humpback, and finback whales at sea, alongside a variety of ducks, waders, and seabirds. Furthermore, as migratory birds pass through, a significant number of shorebirds can be observed on either side of the summer season.

4. Walking Eastport City

For those inclined to stroll, Eastport provides an abundance of charming sights within its compact four-square-mile area; visitors can explore the entire city within a short time. However, numerous opportunities to pause for photographs may present themselves.

Whether it is the stunning landscapes or the sight of a soaring bald eagle or a minke whale offshore, visitors should ensure they have binoculars on hand. If your visit extends over several days, taking the same walk each morning may unveil different wildlife experiences.

5. Fishing

Historically, fishing and curing have been the primary economic activities within Eastport. Consequently, for those with a passion for fishing, opportunities abound, although the catch will likely be larger than sardines.

While other regions in Maine provide river and lake fishing options with fly and float methods, Eastport specializes in deep-sea fishing. Companies like Fundy Breeze and Eastport Windjammers offer excursions into the ocean with all necessary equipment included.

The seasonal catches often include tuna and mackerel, while sharks are also a possibility. Nonetheless, the most common catches are pollock, cod, and halibut.

6. McCurdy Smokehouse Museum

Located just four miles from Eastport, Lubec merits a visit for several enticing reasons. One attraction is the Smokehouse Museum, where visitors can delve into the history and processes integral to the local fishing industry that has sustained these communities for many years.

The museum is housed in a structure previously used as a herring processing plant from 1906 until 1991, when trade began to decline. It stands as the most exemplary representation of such a facility in the State of Maine and is now overseen by a society dedicated to preserving this significant element of local heritage. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

7. Lost Fisherman’s Memorial Park

If you opt to visit the Smokehouse Museum in Lubec, ensure you also allocate time to explore the Lost Fisherman’s Memorial Park located on Water Street. It serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers associated with life at sea, commemorating those who have tragically lost their lives in the North Atlantic over the years.

The memorial, although modest, features the Wave Sculpture in granite that inscribes the names of fishermen who have succumbed to the sea throughout the years.

8. Old Sow

Local charter companies provide a variety of sea tours, and one particularly intriguing option encompasses the natural phenomenon known as Old Sow.

Located in Passamaquoddy Bay, northeast of Moose Island, Old Sow is recognized as the largest whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can approach, albeit cautiously, to witness this captivating phenomenon. Historical accounts affirm that it has claimed several lives, prompting experienced captains to navigate the area with great care. For those apprehensive, viewing the whirlpool from a distance on land remains an option.

9. Pleasant Point Indian Reservation

Long before European settlers inhabited this coastline, Native Americans thrived in this region. To gain a deeper understanding of local history, a visit to this reservation and the Waponahki Museum—named for the ‘people of the dawn land’—is highly recommended.

Before any documented history, four tribes inhabited Maine, which underscores the museum’s importance.

Conveniently located near Perry, less than 15 minutes away from Eastport, the reservation is home to a community of approximately 3,500 residents.

10. Raye’s Mustard

The last operational stone-ground mustard mill in the United States is certainly worth a visit during your time in Eastport. This establishment has functioned as a working museum since it began mustard production in 1900.

The enterprise was initiated by J. Wesley Raye, whose family owned a smokehouse. Although the industry has dramatically evolved, Raye’s continues to produce mustard of exceptional quality, earning numerous accolades within the gourmet sector.

11. Machias Seal Island

A small, uninhabited rock located ten miles offshore from Maine, Machias Seal Island is classified as disputed territory. The island’s lighthouse is managed by Canadian authorities, who welcome visitors from both Washington County in Maine and New Brunswick in Canada.

The primary lure for travelers embarking on the one-hour journey to the island is the opportunity to observe various bird colonies, including puffins, razorbills, and auks. Access to the island is typically available only during the peak summer months, and guests should remain vigilant for weather conditions.

12. The Mermaid

Richard Klyver is renowned for creating a bronze statue that gazes out over the Bay. Although it may not match the fame of its counterpart in Copenhagen, it serves as a symbol of Eastport and the community’s maritime heritage.

While Klyver initially intended to produce a series of sea creature sculptures, he was persuaded to create a single mermaid through sponsorship support.

Notably, the nearby statue of a fisherman attracts significantly less attention from the public.

13. Eastern Maine Images Gallery

First-time visitors to Maine are often left in awe of its beauty. While capturing personal photographs serves as one method of reminiscing, the artistic endeavors of local professional Don Dunbar are on display to showcase the region’s potential.

His subjects range from local flora and fauna to fishing weirs, illustrating the expertise of his craft and potentially inspiring your future photographic pursuits.

The gallery, situated in a former bank, features photographs, canvases, and sketches, along with smaller items like postcards, puzzles, and books for purchase.

14. Eastport Breakwater Gallery

This gallery showcases an abundance of local art influenced by the surrounding environment. Any of the showcased work could serve as a delightful keepsake or gift for family and friends. Here, you will find the creations of both local artists and those from farther afield.

Located on Water Street, the gallery opens in early summer and typically closes during the early months of the year. Expect to view paintings, sculptures, fine crafts, and folk art, along with weekend tours and scheduled events.

15. Tides Institute & Art Museum

This Museum (TIMA) strives to extend its focus beyond the local area, considering the broader regional context, given its proximity to the Canadian border.

The extensive range of exhibits encompasses various aspects of life, including maritime history, cultural heritage, and terrestrial environment. A regularly updated schedule of events and artist residencies provides additional compelling reasons to visit the Water Street Museum in Eastport.