Adventurers wanting to visit the picturesque five-acre island at the entrance to Camden Harbor, will need a boat. Curtis Island is only accessible by boat.
Since 1934, the island has been named in honor of Cyrus H. K. Curtis, who was the publisher of the Saturday Evening Post. He was a benefactor and longtime summer resident of the town of Camden, located on the mainland, not far from the island.
Curtis Island is a public park, officially becoming the property of Camden in 1998. The island features a forested trail leading from a stony beach landing area, across the island to the southeastern end, where a working 25-foot tall, white, cylindrical lighthouse will delight lighthouse fans. The brick tower lighthouse was automated in 1972 and today, the light is solar-powered with a range of 6 nautical miles. An active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation, the Curtis Island Light Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Typically, the lighthouse is not open to the public.
In 1993, a rare whale beached on the shore of the island. One of the lighthouse caretakers, Dee Dee Conover, discovered the 13-foot, young beaked whale. Even though it did not survive, it is notable because only 16 beaked whales have ever been found in North America.
Visitors to the island have scenic views of the ocean, as well as the boat-filled harbor, the quaint seaside town of Camden and the beautiful Camden Hills beyond. Adventurers who visit during the annual Camden Windjammer Festival, held in early September, are treated to a plethora of windjammers and historic schooners sailing around the island into the harbor and out to sea for their own adventures.
Note: the “Open from” dates listed are when a local kayak outfitter operates tours to the island.
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