North Haven Maine
North Haven Island - A small island community in the middle of Penobscot Bay that offers both entertainment and relaxation for visitors
Penobscot Bay, with its scattered islands, is one of the most beautiful spots in Maine. One of these small islands, North Haven (about 9 miles long and 3 miles wide) is located right in the middle of this gorgeous Penobscot Bay. North Haven is one of only 14 remaining year-round un-bridged islands in Maine. It is separated from the better-known Vinalhaven by a mile-wide strait of water known as the Fox Islands Thoroughfare.
In its beginnings, North Haven was once the North Island of Vinalhaven. It was set off from Vinalhaven and incorporated as Fox Isle in 1846. In 1847, the name was changed to North Haven. Today, North Haven is its own distinct community, but it still lives and works closely with its Vinalhaven neighbor.
North Haven is a small, tightly knit community of 350 year-round residents. The island community is home to the smallest school district in the State of Maine. The North Haven Community School serves grades K through 12 and has a total enrollment of about 70 students.
When you are in Rockland, you can access the Maine State Ferry System and travel 12 miles to North Haven. In good weather, the trip takes close to an hour. The ferry departs three times each day at 9:30 a.m., 2:15 p.m., and 5:15 p.m. For more information, call 207-596-2203. Equinox Island Transport (207-236-6890) also offers service to North Haven. You can also travel to North Haven via air taxi (207-594-0747) from the Rockland airport.
There are two lodging choices in North Haven:
• Our Place Inn and Cottages: This is located about two miles from town and is open year round. The establishment is comprised of a 19th century farmhouse and three separate self-contained cottages. For more information, call 207-867-4998.
• Nebo Lodge: This location is open June through December and is owned and operated by U.S. Congresswoman and North Haven resident Chellie Pingree. Breakfast is included with a stay at Nebo Lodge, and dinner is also available, as is a full bar. Nebo Lodge also offers free wireless Internet access. For more information, call 207-867-2007.
Surprisingly, there is plenty to do in the small community of North Haven. One notable attraction is the North Haven Arts and Enrichment at Waterman’s Community Center. This non-profit organization includes a 134-seat theater, state of the art sound and lighting equipment, a spacious community room for special events, and a popular coffee shop. They offer a wide range of programs throughout the year, including several summer camps for children.
The Carrier Ceramic Art Gallery has regular open hours during July and August. During the rest of the year, the gallery is open by appointment. The pieces in the gallery are created and fired in Silvia Carrier’s studio space, which is adjacent to the gallery.
There are three restaurants on the island, one of which is open year-round. There is a small grocery market, a public library, a medical clinic, and a post office. There are also two gift shops, several public beaches, an award-winning 9-hole golf course, a historical society museum, and a farmer’s market that takes place on Saturday mornings. Whatever you choose to do in your stay at North Haven, just take the time to enjoy this slower pace of life.
Photos by Elisabeth Burnett. We would like to thank Elisabeth Burnett for granting us permission to use her images of North Haven. You can view more images of North Haven and Maine by visitng Elisabeth's Flickr page.