Located off the eastern coast of the United States near Portland, Maine, Mackworth Island is part of the city of Falworth, Maine and is a designated bird sanctuary, offering a variety of natural outdoor activities for visitors.
⮕ Mackworth Island History
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Who were the original inhabitants of Casco Bay?
- The islands of Casco Bay were the traditional home of members of the Wabanaki Confederacy, a group of affiliated First Nations indigenous tribes.
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What is the origin of the name Casco Bay?
- The bay’s name is believed to have been derived from the Abenaki indigenous term aucocisco, which roughly translates to “place of herons.”
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Did European explorers name Casco Bay?
- The name may have also evolved from mapping of the Maine coastline done by Portuguese explorer Estêvão Gomes, who referred to the bay as bahía de cascos (“bay of helmets”).
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When was the first European settlement established in Casco Bay?
- By the early 17th century, the first permanent European settlement in the region was established on the site of present-day Portland, Maine, referring to the bay and settlement as “Casco.”
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Why are the Casco Bay islands called the Calendar Islands?
- The bay’s islands are sometimes called the Calendar Islands due to a famous 1700 quote by English Colonel Wolfgang William Römer, who stated there were “as many islands as there are days in the year.”
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What is the history of Mackworth Island?
- In 1631, the 100-acre Mackworth Island was granted to its namesake Arthur Mackworth by Sir Ferdinando Gorges.
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Who was the most well-known resident of Mackworth Island?
- The island is best known as the former home of Maine Governor Percival P. Baxter, who deeded his summer home and the surrounding land to the State of Maine in 1943 for the creation of a wildlife sanctuary and public state facilities.
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What is the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf?
- In 1957, a portion of the deeded lands on Mackworth Island were used to construct the private Maine School for the Deaf, known today as the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf.
⮕ Mackworth Island Attractions
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What is Mackworth Island used for today?
- Today, Mackworth Island is operated as a legislated bird sanctuary and serves as a natural refuge, offering visitor trails and opportunities for outdoor activities.
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Is the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf open to visitors?
- No, while the island is open to the public, the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf campus is not open to the public.
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How can visitors access Mackworth Island?
- A causeway at the mouth of the Presumpscot River connects the island to mainland Falmouth. It is accessible from Andrews Avenue and Route 1.
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When is Mackworth Island open to visitors?
- The island is open year-round, with visitor access permitted between 9:00 AM and sunset.
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Is there parking available on Mackworth Island?
- Yes, but visitor parking is limited, and all visitors must pass through a tollhouse upon entry.
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What is the main hiking trail on Mackworth Island?
- A 1.25-mile loop trail maintained by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands encircles the 100-acre island.
- The trail provides views of the rocky shoreline and Casco Bay, with opportunities for surf fishing.
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Is the Mackworth Island trail accessible?
- The trail surface is made of packed soil and wood chips, which may become slippery in wet weather.
- The main loop is generally level, with slopes reaching a maximum incline of 10%.
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Are there any accessibility concerns on Mackworth Island?
- There are no major barriers like stairs along the main trail, but some side trails leading down to the shoreline may be too steep for certain visitors.
- Young visitors should be monitored closely around the steep shoreline access areas.
- One access trail on the island’s south side has recently been outfitted with a handrail and stairs to improve accessibility.
⮕ Mackworth Island Info and Travel Planning
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What types of trees and plants are found on Mackworth Island?
- Much of the island is heavily wooded with oak and pine trees.
- An open area near the entrance and parking lot is populated with native wildflowers, including baneberry, goldenrod, nightshade, and wood anemones.
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What wildlife can be found on Mackworth Island?
- The island is home to wildlife such as foxes, grouse, rabbits, skunks, and squirrels.
- Visitors can also spot bird species including warblers and sparrows.
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What unique structures are located in the forest?
- One notable structure is the Listening Tree, which features a growth resembling a giant human ear.
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Are there places to rest along the trail?
- Yes, several benches and swings are placed along the trail, offering spots for visitors to rest and enjoy views of Casco Bay.
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Is intertidal pool exploration allowed?
- Yes, intertidal pool exploration is permitted within the island’s shoreline areas; however, collecting is not allowed.
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What birds can be seen while visiting Mackworth Island?
- The shoreline offers excellent bird-watching opportunities, with species such as eider ducks, great blue herons, osprey, and cormorants.
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Can visitors explore the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf?
- No, the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf is not open to the public.
- However, visitors may explore Governor Baxter’s pet cemetery, where his horse and Irish setters are buried.
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What is the Fairy House Village?
- The island is best known for its Fairy House Village, located on the trail’s inland side near the pet cemetery.
- Miniature fairy houses have been constructed by the island’s guard, Steve King, and displayed alongside a fairy poem written by King.
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Can visitors build their own fairy houses?
- Yes! Visitors are invited to create their own fairy houses to add to the village.
- All fairy houses must be made from fallen natural materials found on the forest floor, such as pinecones, pebbles, twigs, and acorns.
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