Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

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View of the drive into Saint Croix Island International Historic Site.
View of the drive into Saint Croix Island International Historic Site.
A wayside discussing the history of the island along the interpretive trail.
An interpretive trail guides visitors through the history of the island and the people who called it home.
A bronze sculpture of a Passamaquoddy person reaching out to assist the French settlers.
The Passamaquoddy's assistance kept the French explorers alive.
A bronze sculpture of Pierre Dugua with a reenactor standing nearby.
Pierre Dugua and his men spent a dealthy winter on Saint Croix Island.
Three visitors read an interpretive wayside along the trail.
As you walk along the trail waysides provide more information about surviving that deadly winter of 1604-05.
Photos: National Park Service

About Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

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.

Quick Facts

State Maine
Designation International Historic Site
State Code ME
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…

Location & Map

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site is located in Maine.

Operating Hours

A park ranger will be available at the Visitor Center at the following days and times.

Wednesday Closed
Monday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Thursday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Sunday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Tuesday Closed
Friday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Activities

Paddling Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching

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.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 84 Saint Croix Drive, Calais, ME, 04619
Phone 2074540418
Email sacr_information@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Explorers and Expeditions Animals Birds Climate Change

Things To Do

Explore the Self-guided Interpretive Trail

Explore the Self-guided Interpretive Trail

A short, accessible interpretive trail features bronze figures of the French and Passamaquoddy, as well as displays that discuss historical…

Visitor Centers

Saint Croix Island Ranger Station

The ranger station provides information for the area and the history of Saint Croix Island and marks the start of the interpretive trail leading out…

Hours: 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.

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