Chebeague Island

Located in Casco Bay off the eastern coast of the United States, Chebeague Island, also referred to as Great Chebeague Island, is one of 12 major islands within the Calendar Islands and is the largest island within Casco Bay not connected to mainland Maine by a vehicle bridge.

Where is Chebeague Island located?
- Chebeague Island, also known as Great Chebeague Island, is located approximately 10 miles off the coast of Portland, Maine.
What is the origin of the name "Chebeague Island"?
- The name of Chebeague Island is thought to have evolved from the Wabanaki Confederacy term chebiscodego, which roughly translates to “island of many springs.”
How was Chebeague Island used before European settlement?
- Prior to the arrival of Europeans in North America, the island was used by indigenous tribes as a fishing and gathering location during the summer months.
When did European settlers arrive on Chebeague Island?
- In 1746, European settler Zachariah Chandler purchased 650 acres on the island.
What industries contributed to early commerce on Chebeague Island?
- In the following years, much of the island’s land was cleared for farmland, with early island commerce developing around the fishing and stone sloop construction industries.
How did Chebeague Island become a tourist destination?
- Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the island became a popular tourist spot for New England urbanites looking for weekend getaways and vacations in more natural, non-industrial settings.
When did Chebeague Island become independent from Cumberland, Maine?
- In 2002, the island began to pursue secession legislation to become an independent entity from the town of Cumberland, Maine, which it had been affiliated with since the late 19th century. In 2006, the island’s independence vote successfully passed in both Maine legislature houses, and the island’s secession officially took place on July 1, 2007.

What is Great Chebeague Island's significance within the Town of Chebeague?
- Today, Great Chebeague Island is the largest of 17 islands that comprise the Town of Chebeague, which was officially incorporated in 2007.
Is Great Chebeague Island connected to mainland Maine by a bridge?
- As the largest island within Casco Bay that is not connected to mainland Maine by a bridge, the island is one of only two islands within the bay with a substantial year-round population.
What is the population of Great Chebeague Island?
- The three-mile-long island has a year-round population of approximately 350, with summer population more than tripling due to tourist activity.
How is Little Chebeague Island connected to Great Chebeague Island?
- During low tides, a foot-travel sandbar connects the island to nearby Little Chebeague Island, which is owned by the Maine Bureau of Parks and operated as an undeveloped public park area offering camping and swimming facilities.
How can visitors access attractions on Great Chebeague Island?
- A single paved loop road spans the length of the island and provides access to most attractions, though some beaches and attractions are only accessible via unpaved roads.
Are the beaches on Great Chebeague Island open to visitors?
- All beaches on the island are considered state land and are accessible for visitors at any time.
What safety precautions should visitors take on the island?
- Visitors are advised to take caution on shorelines and while boating, as ocean floor geography and tide conditions can vary drastically and cause dangerous conditions at short notice.
Where should visitors swim on Great Chebeague Island?
- As water conditions in the ocean rarely reach above 60 degrees Fahrenheit even in the summer months, visitors should use shoreline inlets and coves for public swimming, which offer warmer water conditions.
What wildlife can be observed on Great Chebeague Island?
- A variety of wildlife may be observed on the island, including deer, red foxes, loons, and gray and black back gulls. Harbor seals and porpoises may also be observed along the island’s shoreline.

What is the Chebeague Island Historical Society?
- The island’s historic schoolhouse, which was closed in 1956, has been converted into a museum facility for the Chebeague Island Historical Society, which is open to the public during the summer months and offers a variety of exhibits on the island’s social and cultural history.
What year-round public facilities are available on Chebeague Island?
- Year-round public facilities include the Chebeague Island Library and the Chebeague Island Boatyard, which offers storage and mooring services for boaters.
What is the oldest public institution on Chebeague Island?
- The island’s only church, the Chebeague Island Methodist Church, is its oldest public institution, dating back to the late 18th century.
Does Chebeague Island offer community events or programs?
- A community center offers public event programming, including a variety of themed summer camps for local youth.
Where can visitors play golf on Chebeague Island?
- Nine holes of golf are offered at the Great Chebeague Golf Club, with shoreline views at every hole.
What dining options are available on Chebeague Island?
- Several restaurants are located on the island, including the Slow Bell Cafe and the Niblic, located at the Chebeague Island Boatyard. A gift shop at the Niblic also sells crafts and goods created by local artisans.
Where can visitors purchase groceries and produce on Chebeague Island?
- Produce and goods are sold at Doughty’s Island Market and the seasonal Second Wind Farm.
What accommodations are available for visitors on Chebeague Island?
- Overnight accommodations are offered at the Greek Revival-style Chebeague Island Inn, a restored 1920s-era hotel with 21 guest rooms and a full-service fine dining restaurant.
How can visitors travel to Chebeague Island?
- Chebeague Island is accessible from the mainland via the Casco Bay Lines passenger transit service, which transports more than one million annual travelers to eight islands within Casco Bay and provides mail service and education transportation for island residents.
What is the history of Casco Bay Lines?
- The service, which began year-round transit in 1878 as the Casco Bay Steamboat Company, was rebranded as Casco Bay Lines in 1919 and taken over by the nonprofit Casco Bay Island Transit District corporation in 1981.
What ferry services and excursions are available on Chebeague Island?
- Daily ferry service is provided from Portland and nearby Bailey, Peaks, Great and Little Diamond, Long, and Cliff Islands and Diamond Cove. A variety of scenic tours and special excursion cruises are also offered, including music cruises featuring local musicians and special event cruises in correlation with major holidays.
What other transportation options exist for traveling to Chebeague Island?
- Ferry service is also provided by the Chebeague Transportation Company, which departs from Cousins Island, and by several private water taxi services.

Best Time to Visit	Places to Stay	Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Cool but beautiful as the island starts to bloom, perfect for peaceful retreats.	Chebeague Island Inn – A charming and historic inn with ocean views.	Explore Hamilton Beach – A quiet spot for beachcombing and enjoying the sea breeze.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and lively, ideal for boating, hiking, and outdoor dining.	Private vacation rentals – Many charming island homes are available for short-term stays.	Rent a bike and explore the island – Enjoy scenic coastal roads and hidden beaches.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning autumn foliage, great for quiet getaways.	Chebeague Island Inn – A cozy retreat with fewer crowds.	Take a ferry ride – Enjoy the scenic trip from Portland or Cousins Island with fall colors.
Winter (December-February) – Quiet and serene, perfect for a peaceful island escape.	Limited accommodations – Some vacation rentals may be available in the off-season.	Enjoy the solitude of the island – A perfect time for reading, writing, or simply relaxing by the coast.

Chebeague Island

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