Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site is a international historic site run by the National Park Service in Maine.

In the park service’s words

The winter of 1604-1605 on Saint Croix Island was a cruel one for Pierre Dugua's French expedition. Iced in by freezing temperatures and cut off from fresh water and game, 35 of 79 men died. As spring arrived and native people traded game for bread, the health of those remaining improved. Although the expedition moved on by summer, the beginning of French presence in North America had begun.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Explore the Self-guided Interpretive Trail (10 to 20 Minutes): A short, accessible interpretive trail features bronze figures of the French and Passamaquoddy, as well as displays that discuss historical events and the interaction of the two cultures.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon 8:00AM - 4:00PM; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu 8:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 8:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 8:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 8:00AM - 4:00PM. A park ranger will be available at the Visitor Center at the following days and times.

Getting there

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site is best reached by private vehicle. The site is located 8 miles (13 km) south of Calais, Maine, on US Route 1, and can be reached either by Route 9 from Bangor or US Route 1, the coastal route from Portland and points south. From US Route 1, turn onto St. Croix Drive. The entrance gate is on the right. The visitor center is inside the ranger station.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Saint Croix Island Ranger Station: Mon 8:00AM - 4:00PM; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu 8:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 8:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 8:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 8:00AM - 4:00PM. Park grounds are normally open year-round during daylight hours. During winter -- typically the about mid- October to the week of Memorial Day -- services are limited. The displays and bronze statutes along the interpretive trail are covered to prevent damage from inclement weather, and the visitor center is closed.

Weather

Located in Maine, Saint Croix Island experiences all four seasons. Summer temperatures range from 50-80F (10-27C). Fall temperatures range from 25-70F (-4-21C). Typically the first is in frost mid-October and first snowfall begins in November and can continue through April with an average accumulation of 67 inches (170 cm). Winter temperatures range from 5-30F (-15 - -1C). Spring temperatures range from 20-60F (-6-16C).

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Acadia, about 75 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Saint Croix Island International Historic Site (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.