Points of Interest
Swans Island Library and Museums
The Swan's Island Library and its contents were completely destroyed in a fire on July 24, 2008. In July 2011, a brand-new library was completed offering residents and visitors a state-of-the-art building at the site of the former library.
The Swan's Island Educational Society oversees both the Swan's Island Library and Seaside Hall Museum. The S.I.E.S. is a non-profit, tax exempt organization dedicated to the preservation of the past and the enhancement of the future of Swan's Island.
The Swan's Island Library and its contents were completely destroyed in a fire on July 24, 2008. In July 2011, a brand-new library was completed offering residents and visitors a state-of-the-art building at the site of the former library.
The Swan's Island Educational Society oversees both the Swan's Island Library and Seaside Hall Museum. The S.I.E.S. is a non-profit, tax exempt organization dedicated to the preservation of the past and the enhancement of the future of Swan's Island.
From the ferry go 0.5 miles to T intersection, turn left, continue 0.4 miles. The library site is on the right. Total one way from ferry: 0.9 miles.
Swans Island Market & Supply
General grocery store where you can purchase most common grocery items. They also offer freshly caught seafood sourced locally.
General grocery store where you can purchase most common grocery items. They also offer freshly caught seafood sourced locally.
Carrying Place
The Indians used to carry their canoes across this narrow strip of land which connects the two parts of Swan's Island. Looking southwest, the view is of Toothacher Cove with Marshall Island and Isle au Haut in the distance. The view to the northeast is of Back Cove with the mountains of Mt. Desert Island beyond. A pebbly beach on the Toothacher side provides a nice wading spot. Masses of the seaweed, Irish moss, grow on the rocks just below the low tide mark.
The Indians used to carry their canoes across this narrow strip of land which connects the two parts of Swan's Island. Looking southwest, the view is of Toothacher Cove with Marshall Island and Isle au Haut in the distance. The view to the northeast is of Back Cove with the mountains of Mt. Desert Island beyond. A pebbly beach on the Toothacher side provides a nice wading spot. Masses of the seaweed, Irish moss, grow on the rocks just below the low tide mark.
From the ferry go 0.5 miles, turn right at T intersection, go 2.3 miles, turn right after Oddfellows Hall (large cedar shingle building on right). Go 0.5 miles, park in parking area on left, adjacent to the beach. Total one way from ferry: 3.3 miles.
Fine Sand Beach
Fine Sand Beach is the jewel of Swan's Island. It offers unspoiled beauty for all to enjoy. The path to the beach proceeds through a forest of spruce and fir. The beach is best visited at low tide when the full expanse of the pure white sand is exposed. The sandy bottom is ideal for swimming and wading - the water is invigorating. At low tide many kinds of snails (whelks and periwinkles) are exposed on the rocks on either side of the beach and growths of Irish moss and kelp grow just below low tide. Harbor seals often bask on the outer ledges visible from the beach.
Fine Sand Beach is the jewel of Swan's Island. It offers unspoiled beauty for all to enjoy. The path to the beach proceeds through a forest of spruce and fir. The beach is best visited at low tide when the full expanse of the pure white sand is exposed. The sandy bottom is ideal for swimming and wading - the water is invigorating. At low tide many kinds of snails (whelks and periwinkles) are exposed on the rocks on either side of the beach and growths of Irish moss and kelp grow just below low tide. Harbor seals often bask on the outer ledges visible from the beach.
Follow directions to the Carrying Place. Continue north on the paved road and take the second gravel road on the left (up the hill and 0.4 miles from the Carrying Place). Continue down the gravel road for 0.7 miles and park in the parking area at the bottom of the hill. Take the path leading from the left (south) side of the parking area and go 0.5 miles to the beach. Total one way from ferry: 4.5 miles.
Hockamock Head and Burnt Coat Harbor
Hockamock Head Lighthouse was built in the 1800's and was operated manually until 1974 when the light was automated. The sweeping view from Hockamock Head (an old Indian name) encompasses Harbor Island (directly across the channel) along with Gooseberry and Marshall Islands off to the West. The lighthouse marks the entrance to Burnt Coat Harbor, one of the best protected harbors on the Maine coast. Its shelter provides anchorage for hundreds of fishing and pleasure boats. The harbor is the hub of the fishing and lobstering industry on Swan's Island.
Hockamock Head Lighthouse was built in the 1800's and was operated manually until 1974 when the light was automated. The sweeping view from Hockamock Head (an old Indian name) encompasses Harbor Island (directly across the channel) along with Gooseberry and Marshall Islands off to the West. The lighthouse marks the entrance to Burnt Coat Harbor, one of the best protected harbors on the Maine coast. Its shelter provides anchorage for hundreds of fishing and pleasure boats. The harbor is the hub of the fishing and lobstering industry on Swan's Island.
From the ferry go 0.5 miles to T intersection, turn right, continue straight along the main road through the village of Swan's Island (3 miles). Burnt Coat Harbor can be seen on the left. Continue straight for .8 miles to the parking area at the lighthouse. The road is rather hilly for bicycles, but worth the extra effort for the views. Total one way: 4.5 miles.
Quarry Pond
The quarry was last operated in 1925 when granite was taken out on ships and used for cobblestones in major eastern cities.
The quarry was last operated in 1925 when granite was taken out on ships and used for cobblestones in major eastern cities.
From the ferry go 0.5 miles to T intersection, turn right, continue 1.8 miles ( a rather hilly stretch for bicycles). Turn left at the crossroads and go straight on the paved road through the village of Minturn for 1.5 miles. Bear right at the Y and continue on for 0.7 miles, bearing right again on the one-way loop road. Just as the road turns back away from the water, there is a road turning right, down to the Quarry Wharf, which offers beautiful views of Burnt Coat Harbor, Harbor Island, and the lighthouse. To get to the quarry, go back onto the main road and continue for a short distance. The quarry is visible high on the right and set back from the road. Turn right and go back to the parking area. (To leave the quarry, turn right from the quarry driveway and continue around the one-way Minturn loop road until it intersects the main road back to the ferry in 0.5 miles). Total one way from ferry: 4.5 miles.
Burnt Coat Harbor Light House
The lighthouse, properly known as the Burnt Coat Harbor Light Station, is sometimes referred to as the Swan’s Island Lighthouse or the Hockamock Head Lighthouse. The light station and the park are owned and operated by the Town of Swan’s Island.
The website is managed by Friends of the Swan’s Island Lighthouse, a Maine non-profit corporation that supports the Town of Swan’s Island as the Town works to restore, preserve and manage the light station and its surroundings.
The lighthouse, properly known as the Burnt Coat Harbor Light Station, is sometimes referred to as the Swan’s Island Lighthouse or the Hockamock Head Lighthouse. The light station and the park are owned and operated by the Town of Swan’s Island.
The website is managed by Friends of the Swan’s Island Lighthouse, a Maine non-profit corporation that supports the Town of Swan’s Island as the Town works to restore, preserve and manage the light station and its surroundings.
433 Harbor Road Swan's Island, Maine
Oddfellows' Hall
Sunday Morning Pancake Breakfast
Every other Sunday
7 – 9 AM
All you can eat
Adult - $8.00
Under high school - $5.00
Babes in arm - Free
Sunday Morning Pancake Breakfast
Every other Sunday
7 – 9 AM
All you can eat
Adult - $8.00
Under high school - $5.00
Babes in arm - Free
Sweet Chariot Music Festival
Shanties on Shipboard
Burnt Coat Harbor
August 5–7, 2014
3:30 PM
Free for All
Must have boat, no matter how grand or humble
Evening Concerts
August 5–7, 2014
Oddfellows' Hall
7:30 PM
Tickets: $20
Reservations Suggested
225 Seats Only
We tend to sell out.
Shanties on Shipboard
Burnt Coat Harbor
August 5–7, 2014
3:30 PM
Free for All
Must have boat, no matter how grand or humble
Evening Concerts
August 5–7, 2014
Oddfellows' Hall
7:30 PM
Tickets: $20
Reservations Suggested
225 Seats Only
We tend to sell out.
Seaside Hall
The Seaside Hall building, which served as a museum of the island's past, was sold in 2007, and was moved to a new location by the new owners. The museum's collection was removed from the building in the summer of 2007 Many of the articles were moved to the Olde Atlantic Schoolhouse, which served as the library. It was destroyed in a fire in July, 2008, along with all contents. The Swan's Island Historical Society has begun collecting artifacts of significant historical value in an effort to establish a new collection.
Seaside Hall was built in 1905 on the shore of Mackerel Cove by the Atlantic Improvement Association. The building was used by residents of Atlantic for recreational purposes, plays and dances.
Swan's Island Lobster & Marine Museum
The museum features antique fishing equipment and old-time fishing techniques for cod, haddock, mackerel, halibut, swordfish, herring and lobster. A century-long collection of lobster gear, historic navigation equipment, boat models and photographs are all on display. There is a Natural History Museum adjacent to the Lobster & Marine Museum.
Visit the Swan's Island Lobster & Marine Museum page.
The Seaside Hall building, which served as a museum of the island's past, was sold in 2007, and was moved to a new location by the new owners. The museum's collection was removed from the building in the summer of 2007 Many of the articles were moved to the Olde Atlantic Schoolhouse, which served as the library. It was destroyed in a fire in July, 2008, along with all contents. The Swan's Island Historical Society has begun collecting artifacts of significant historical value in an effort to establish a new collection.
Seaside Hall was built in 1905 on the shore of Mackerel Cove by the Atlantic Improvement Association. The building was used by residents of Atlantic for recreational purposes, plays and dances.
Swan's Island Lobster & Marine Museum
The museum features antique fishing equipment and old-time fishing techniques for cod, haddock, mackerel, halibut, swordfish, herring and lobster. A century-long collection of lobster gear, historic navigation equipment, boat models and photographs are all on display. There is a Natural History Museum adjacent to the Lobster & Marine Museum.
Visit the Swan's Island Lobster & Marine Museum page.
Ferry Service
Located 6 miles south of Mt. Desert Island (home to Acadia National Park), Swan's Island, Maine is home to a resident population of about 350 people. Access to the island is by ferry out of Bass Harbor. There is year-round ferry service to the island.
Located 6 miles south of Mt. Desert Island (home to Acadia National Park), Swan's Island, Maine is home to a resident population of about 350 people. Access to the island is by ferry out of Bass Harbor. There is year-round ferry service to the island.
Ferry Service times and pricing info
Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri., & Sat.
May 12 thru October 18
Departs
Swan’s Island
6:45 a.m.
8:15 a.m.
9:45 a.m.*
1:30 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
Bass Harbor
7:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.*
11:00 a.m.
2:15 p.m.
3:45 p.m.
5:15 p.m
Sundays
May 18 thru October 19
Departs
Swan’s Island
8:15 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
3:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
Bass Harbor
9:00 a.m.
10:30 p.m.
2:15 p.m.
3:45 p.m.
5:15 p.m.
* Does not operate on Wednesdays
Ferry Rates from Bass Harbor to Swan's Island
Round Trip Adult - $17.50
Round Trip Child (5 yrs. to 12 years) - $8.50
Under 5 years of age - No Charge
Round Trip Vehicle (includes driver) - $49.50
Reservation - $8.00 One-Way
Round Trip Bicycle (Adult) - $15.00 plus fare for passenger
Round Trip Bicycle (Child) - $8.00 plus fare for passenger
Four car and two truck reservations are available on each trip
Ferry capacity is 16 or less vehicles depending on the size of vehicles
http://www.maine.gov/mdot/msfs/swansisland.htm
Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri., & Sat.
May 12 thru October 18
Departs
Swan’s Island
6:45 a.m.
8:15 a.m.
9:45 a.m.*
1:30 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
Bass Harbor
7:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.*
11:00 a.m.
2:15 p.m.
3:45 p.m.
5:15 p.m
Sundays
May 18 thru October 19
Departs
Swan’s Island
8:15 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
3:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
Bass Harbor
9:00 a.m.
10:30 p.m.
2:15 p.m.
3:45 p.m.
5:15 p.m.
* Does not operate on Wednesdays
Ferry Rates from Bass Harbor to Swan's Island
Round Trip Adult - $17.50
Round Trip Child (5 yrs. to 12 years) - $8.50
Under 5 years of age - No Charge
Round Trip Vehicle (includes driver) - $49.50
Reservation - $8.00 One-Way
Round Trip Bicycle (Adult) - $15.00 plus fare for passenger
Round Trip Bicycle (Child) - $8.00 plus fare for passenger
Four car and two truck reservations are available on each trip
Ferry capacity is 16 or less vehicles depending on the size of vehicles
http://www.maine.gov/mdot/msfs/swansisland.htm
Maps