Islesford

Islesford sits on Little Cranberry Island and displays traditional New England architecture with local shops and residences overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The village spreads across the island with small streets connecting neighborhoods to the waterfront.

Settlement began in the late 1700s when Benjamin Spurling established the first permanent home on nearby Great Cranberry Island in 1768. Those early settlers laid the foundation for the island community that developed afterward.

The Ashley Bryan School shapes community life as a two-room schoolhouse serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The school's name honors a renowned illustrator and reflects the island's connection to artists and education.

The island is accessible through regular mail boat service from Northeast Harbor or ferry connections from Southwest Harbor and Manset. Visitors should check schedules in advance since frequency varies by season.

The Islesford Historical Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and displays maritime items and photographs from the island since the 1800s. This collection tells stories of residents whose daily lives were tied to the sea.

Location: Hancock County

GPS coordinates: 44.26194,-68.23389

Latest update: December 9, 2025 08:10