Peaks Island, Residential island in Casco Bay, Maine.
Peaks Island is a residential island in Casco Bay near Portland, Maine, covering roughly 720 acres with narrow streets, wooded trails, and rocky shorelines throughout. The community is organized around walkable neighborhoods connected by paths suited for pedestrians and cyclists.
The island became a center of military importance during the Civil War, and later hosted heavy artillery installations during World War II that protected the coastline. Both periods left lasting marks on how the community developed over time.
The island served as a strategic military stronghold for the region, and local residents developed a close-knit community shaped by its isolated location. This heritage remains visible in how people gather at the dock, use the narrow lanes, and maintain the quiet character of the place.
Ferry service from Portland to the island runs multiple times daily and takes roughly seventeen minutes to reach Forest City Landing at the main dock. Once there, most of the place is easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle since the lanes are narrow and designed for slow travel.
The island is home to an unusual museum devoted entirely to umbrella covers, displaying protective sleeves collected from around the world. This quirky institution captures the attention of visitors looking for something truly unexpected.
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