Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
International Historic Site ยท Maine
NPS Photo
Island in Maine, United States
Saint Croix Island, long known to locals as Dochet Island, is a small uninhabited island in Maine near the mouth of the Saint Croix River that forms part of the CanadaโUnited States border separating Maine from New Brunswick. The island is in the heart of the traditional lands of the Passamaquoddy people who, according to oral tradition, used it to store food away from the dangers of mainland animals. The island was the site of an early attempt at French colonization by Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons in 1604. In 1984 it was designated by the United States Congress as Saint Croix Island International Historic Site. There is no public access to the island, but there is a visitor contact station on the U.S. mainland and a display on the Canadian mainland opposite the island.
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.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Ranger on Duty Hours, May 23, 2026 to October 31, 2026 (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
A park ranger will be available at the Visitor Center at the following days and times.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00AM - 4:00PM | Closed | Closed | 8:00AM - 4:00PM | 8:00AM - 4:00PM | 8:00AM - 4:00PM | 8:00AM - 4:00PM |
Winter closure November 1, 2025 to May 22, 2026
The park has limited services during the winter months. The visitor center is closed and the interpretive path sculptures are covered.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Saint Croix Island International Historic Site?
Saint Croix Island International Historic Site is free to enter.
What are the best activities at Saint Croix Island International Historic Site?
Popular activities at Saint Croix Island International Historic Site include: Paddling, Junior Ranger Program, Wildlife Watching.
What is the weather like at Saint Croix Island International Historic Site?
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).
How do I get to Saint Croix Island International Historic Site?
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.
Entrance Fees
Free Admission
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).
Directions
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.
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Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in Maine
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