View of the drive into Saint Croix Island International Historic Site.
An interpretive trail guides visitors through the history of the island and the people who called it home.
The Passamaquoddy's assistance kept the French explorers alive.
Pierre Dugua and his men spent a dealthy winter on Saint Croix Island.
As you walk along the trail waysides provide more information about surviving that deadly winter of 1604-05.
Physical Address:
84 Saint Croix Drive
Calais, ME 04619
Mailing Address:
84 Saint Croix Drive
Calais, ME 04619
contact-details
Phone Number: 2074543871 Voice
Phone Number: 2072888813 Fax
Phone Number: 2072888800 TTY
Email Address: sacr_information@nps.gov
Description:
Fees
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
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 designation:International Historic Site
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.
For detailed directions, please visit this link.
Directions
Operating Hours:
Ranger on Duty Hours, May 26, 2024 to October 31, 2024 (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
A park ranger will be available at the Visitor Center at the following days and times.
Winter closure November 1, 2024 to May 23, 2025
The park has limited services during the winter months. The visitor center is closed and the interpretive path sculptures are covered.
Weather Information:
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).
Activities
Paddling
Junior Ranger Program
Wildlife Watching
Paddling
Junior Ranger Program