Saint Croix Island International Historic Site image

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

Tourist attraction Historic site

👍👍 This is definitely off the beaten path but we were visiting Bar Harbor and my girls collect Junior Ranger badges so we decided to make the 2 1/2 hour trip. It was a gorgeous ride in very remote parts but beautiful scenery. Make sure you have your GPS directions set before you leave! This is the only... People often mention site, center, area, park, visitor, island, history,


Address

84 St Croix Dr, Calais, ME 04619

Website

nps.gov

Contact

(207) 454-3871

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (60 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 9 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: site (9) center (9) area (8) park (7) visitor (7) island (6) history (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Emily S. 1 year ago on Google • 275 reviews
    This is definitely off the beaten path but we were visiting Bar Harbor and my girls collect Junior Ranger badges so we decided to make the 2 1/2 hour trip. It was a gorgeous ride in very remote parts but beautiful scenery. Make sure you have your GPS directions set before you leave! This is the only national park that is an international park, which is cool. You walk down a little path that has information on the site until you reach the beach coast. This was super fun and cool to walk around, as it was covered in rocks my girls loved to climb over. The coolest part was Canada was right across the water and our phones switched time zones for a bit. Our girls got a kick out of this.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Perks A. 3 years ago on Google • 981 reviews
    This is better than your average tourist drop by center. They have quite a bit of information and some interactive learning. I found it to be quite nice.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dawn A. 1 year ago on Google • 127 reviews
    I was on an adventure with a friend to check out the state parks in the northern part of Maine and this was one of the places that we stopped. It's not a destination but it's definitely worth stopping if you're already in the area. It's interesting and informative and it's a beautiful spot. If you walk down to the edge of the beach by the water, be aware that your phone may let you know that you're in Canada.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great site. The ranger was super nice and helpful. Nice small trail with information about the island and a viewing area. The NPS Passport Stamp was readily available.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Megan J. 7 years ago on Google
    MUST VISIT - Site is across from the island on the mainland! This under-appreciated site is a real hidden gem. Saint Croix Island is the origination site of the Acadian culture. At the park, you'll find historical information (including larger-than-life-sized statues), an absolutely gorgeous view, and hopefully Ranger William Della Rocco to give you the same great introduction to the first Acadians and the importance of the region during the period of the fur trade.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Magda G. 9 months ago on Google • 773 reviews
    Beautiful statues art works of a history that is rarely taught in the U.S.A. It is a must visit site while in Calais, Maine.

  • 5/5 Rena C. 8 months ago on Google • 398 reviews
    It is so interesting to hear about what the soldiers, artisans, and gentlemen went through to try to settle in this area. The history of the area and fortitude of the men to try to make the settlement work is amazing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laurie R. 5 years ago on Google
    A truly lovely stroll through history. The visitor center was closed bit we walked the short interpretative trail. The statues were quite moving and interesting. The viewing area for the island was nicely done. We look forward to going back and seeing the visitors center.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Judy M. 1 year ago on Google • 216 reviews
    If your in the area this is a nice place to visit. 30-45 minutes is plenty of time if you are limited on time. The drive to get here is nice too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Brett B. 8 months ago on Google • 396 reviews
    We were there on a Tuesday, stopping as we returned from a trip, and found the Visitor Center closed. There is no interpretation outside but you can get your National Park Pass stamp and I think they may have had a brochure available. Disappointed. There really wasn't anything to see or learn without the Visitor Center being open.

  • 5/5 Adam L. 7 years ago on Google
    Definitely worth stopping here, as it is rich in history, the only international historic site in the United States, and is a has a great visitor center. The receptionist inside is very enthusiastic, and is willing to tell you anything about the park. The offer a Junior Ranger Program, a National Park Passport stamp that you can't get anywhere else, and a small bookstore. I loved walking on the interpretive trail, there are statues, info plaques to read, and a pavillion with a view of St. Croix Island and a model of the first French settlement in North America, which was on the island. All in all, definitely worth going to here. Unsure of how to get here? When driving on Route 1, there's a huge sign that reads, "Saint Croix Island International Historic Site." Turn right at the huge sign and there is the visitor center. They have closed the island, or highly discourage people to go to it. because it is eroding away fast, and they want to preserve it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Adam V. 10 months ago on Google • 301 reviews
    We as a family really enjoyed this park. Although it was small, there were 2 park Rangers that new what they were talking about, and engaged us. This is an International park and there is no fee. A brief history of the area and the people before and after the European arrival can be found inside the visitor center or outside at the information displays. We arrived in Maine quickly across the border. Both sides had kind efficient border agents that made it a breeze. Surprisingly this US site which has more relevance for Canadians is much better than its Canadian counter across the bay. Had a short informative hike with a Ranger while there.

  • 5/5 John C. 7 months ago on Google • 202 reviews
    Interesting monument to the beginning of the end of the Passamaquoddy. In the displays there is no mention of French women - hard to make a permanent settlement with only men. I guess they assumed the Passamaquoddy ladies would fall all over them.

  • 5/5 D T. 1 year ago on Google
    A beautiful spot of historic significance . An easy stroll through the woods with statues & signs explaining the history of the area. Unfortunately the visitor center was closed.

  • 5/5 Timothy Ford M. 7 years ago on Google
    This is a fascinating site. Visitor Center Hours May 21 - June: 9 am to 4:30 pm, closed Tuesday and Wednesdays July - October 10: 9 am to 4:30 pm, daily

  • 5/5 Jason G. 5 years ago on Google
    An off the beaten path National Park site, it is fascinating. Well marked trails, and helpful museum. Worth a visit to see where French Canada started

  • 5/5 Isaac B. 8 months ago on Google • 98 reviews
    A very interesting place! The visitor center has a bunch of info about the settlement and a small gift shop. You can walk the short path from the visitor center and see the island from afar. I recommend visiting!


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