Eagle Island State Historic Site sits in the island-dotted waters of Casco Bay, a 17-acre retreat that served as the summer home of Admiral Robert E. Peary, the Arctic explorer credited with leading the first expedition to reach the North Pole in 1909. The island and its preserved home offer a rare window into the life of one of America’s most celebrated explorers.

The centerpiece is Peary’s stone-and-wood residence, built into the island’s natural ledge and filled with Arctic artifacts, taxidermy collected during his expeditions, and personal effects that bring his story to vivid life. The home’s fieldstone fireplaces and stuffed birds feel frozen in time — a genuine time capsule rather than a sanitized museum recreation.

Beyond the house, trails loop through spruce forest and along rocky shoreline, offering views across Casco Bay toward the Calendar Islands. Birdwatching is rewarding here, with osprey, cormorants, and eiders commonly spotted. Tidepooling along the eastern shore keeps kids occupied for hours. Pack a picnic — there are no concessions on the island, but the grassy clearings near the dock are perfect for spreading out.

Eagle Island is accessible only by boat, with seasonal excursion services running from Portland and Harpswell. This adds to its charm but requires planning. The site typically operates from mid-June through Labor Day, and calm summer days are ideal for the crossing.

Arrive expecting a quiet, unhurried experience. This isn’t a place you rush through — it rewards those who slow down and linger.

Explore Nearby

• Halfway Rock Light — Lighthouse in Maine
• Ram Island Ledge Light — Lighthouse in Maine
• White Mountain National Forest — National Forest in New Hampshire, Maine
• White Mountain Trail — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire
• Kancamagus Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire