Vinalhaven

Vinalhaven is a town on an island in Penobscot Bay with a sheltered harbor and rocky shorelines spread across its landscape. Most buildings cluster around Carvers Harbor, while the rest of the island remains mostly wooded with scattered abandoned quarry sites.

The island became a major granite quarrying center starting in 1826, supplying stone for major structures including the Brooklyn Bridge and federal buildings until around 1920. When the industry declined, fishing became the main livelihood and remains central to the community today.

The name comes from an early settler family, and the place still reflects its past as a hub for granite extraction and fishing. You can see how the buildings and streets carry the marks of this industrial heritage in their everyday appearance.

The island is only accessible by ferry from the mainland, with multiple daily departures from Rockland. Visitors should plan for the crossing time and be aware that services and shops are fewer than in larger towns.

Old granite quarries across the island have filled with water and become natural swimming holes that people use on warm days. These abandoned excavation sites offer an unexpected swimming experience tucked away in the forest.

Location: Knox County

Inception: 1789

Elevation above the sea: 12 m

GPS coordinates: 44.04806,-68.83167

Latest update: December 19, 2025 22:52