Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park

Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park is a nature reserve in Maine that combines coastal woodlands, wetlands, rocky shorelines, and open meadows. The property spreads across about 1,345 acres (545 hectares) along the waters of Penobscot Bay.

The sanctuary was established in 1971 when Anita Harris donated land she had acquired during the 1960s to preserve the coastal environment. Her gift transformed this area into a protected space for public use.

The cemetery on the grounds honors early settlers from the area, allowing visitors to connect with those who first inhabited this coastal region. Walking through the property, you can feel how people have long lived in relationship with this landscape.

The park has about 11 miles (18 kilometers) of trails open for hiking and cross-country skiing in different seasons. Kayaking and canoeing are possible from Tom Cod Cove, which offers water access.

The sanctuary extends beyond the mainland to include a separate island with its own trails and viewpoints along the rocky coast. This island portion offers a different perspective on the landscape and creates distinct exploration routes for visitors.

Location: Maine

Inception: 1971

Website: https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=9

GPS coordinates: 44.35530,-68.79690

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45