Monhegan, Maine
Artist colony on the edge of the Atlantic. A car-free island 12 miles out to sea with 150-foot headland cliffs, a historic lighthouse, wildflower meadows, and a century of artistic inspiration.
Monhegan is unlike any other place in Maine. The island is less than two miles long and has about 30 year-round residents. There are no cars, no paved roads, and no chain anything. What it has is 150-foot headland cliffs dropping into the Atlantic, a lighthouse that has been painted by three generations of American artists, 17 miles of trails through cathedral spruces and wildflower meadows, and a quiet that settles over everything. Painters have come here since the 1850s, and studios dot the village.
Hike the cliff trail first. The Monhegan Island Cliff Trail along the eastern headlands is why most people come. The 150-foot cliffs drop straight into the Atlantic with no railings, no fences, just raw coast. The views are staggering and unlike anything else in Maine.
Walk Cathedral Woods. In the island’s interior, towering spruce trees create a cool, cathedral-like canopy over a trail carpeted with moss and ferns. The fairy houses tucked among the roots add a whimsical touch. It is a completely different world from the exposed cliffs.
Visit the lighthouse and museum. The Monhegan Lighthouse has guided mariners since 1824. The keeper’s house is now the Monhegan Museum of Art & History, with works by Rockwell Kent, Jamie Wyeth, and other artists who have been drawn to this island for over a century.
Take your time. Monhegan is not a place to rush. There are no cars, no schedules once you are on the island, and nowhere to be but exactly where you are. Find a rock on the headlands, sit down, and watch the ocean. That is the point.
Bring everything you need. There is no ATM, limited food service, and no convenience store in any real sense. Bring cash, water, snacks, rain gear, and sturdy shoes. The trails are rooty and rocky. Flip-flops will not survive the cliff trail.
The Monhegan Boat Line from Port Clyde gives you roughly 5-6 hours on the island for a day trip. Start with the cliff trail (2 hours), loop through Cathedral Woods (30 minutes), visit the lighthouse museum (30 minutes), eat lunch, and catch the afternoon boat back. It is tight but doable.
Monhegan Brewing Company is one of the smallest and most remote breweries on the East Coast. The beers are brewed on the island with whatever Matt Weber has available. The taproom is tiny and the experience is uniquely Monhegan. Cash only.
A Century of Artists
Monhegan’s artistic legacy runs deeper than any other place in Maine. Robert Henri brought his students here in the early 1900s. Rockwell Kent painted the headlands. Edward Hopper captured the lighthouse. George Bellows depicted the surf. Three generations of Wyeths have worked here. Today, a dozen or more studios open to visitors in summer, and the Monhegan Museum mounts exhibitions that place the island’s art in the broader context of American painting.
The island’s wildlands are protected by Monhegan Associates, a conservation organization that manages the 17 miles of trails and ensures that the interior forest and headland cliffs remain undeveloped. This preservation is why the island still looks essentially as it did when those early painters arrived.
Is Monhegan safe for children?
The cliff trails have no fences or railings and drop 150 feet to the ocean. Children must be closely supervised on the headland trails. Cathedral Woods and the village trails are safe for all ages. The island is otherwise very safe with no cars and a watchful community.
Can I camp on Monhegan?
No. Camping is not permitted on Monhegan. Overnight visitors stay at one of the island's inns. Book well in advance for summer dates.
What is the weather like on Monhegan?
Fog is common, especially in June and early July. Temperatures are cooler than the mainland. Wind is constant on the headlands. Bring layers, rain gear, and a hat. A foggy day on the cliffs can be more dramatic than a sunny one.
When is the best birding on Monhegan?
Monhegan is a famous birding hotspot during spring (May) and fall (September-October) migration. The island is a critical stopover for warblers, thrushes, and other migratory songbirds crossing the Gulf of Maine. Rare species turn up regularly.
Spring
May. Boat service resumes. Spring bird migration brings rare warblers. Island is uncrowded and wild.
Summer
June-August. Open studios, cliff hiking, and daily boat service. Fog is common but adds atmosphere.
Fall
September-October. Fewer visitors, fall bird migration, and wildflowers on the meadows. The best time to visit.
Winter
November-March. No regular boat service. The island's 30 residents live in beautiful isolation.
Things to Do
Monhegan Island Cliff Trail
A dramatic coastal trail along 150-foot headland cliffs on the island's eastern shore, with crashing surf and open Atlantic views.
Monhegan Lighthouse
The island's 1824 lighthouse and the Monhegan Museum of Art & History in the former keeper's house, with works by Rockwell Kent, Jamie Wyeth, and others.
Cathedral Woods
A mystical trail through towering spruce trees and mossy boulders in the island's interior. The light filtering through the canopy is extraordinary.
Lobster Cove
A rocky cove at the island's southern tip with tide pools, driftwood, and views of Manana Island.
Burnt Head Trail
Exposed cliff trail along the southeastern headlands with some of the most dramatic ocean views on the island.
Where to Eat & Drink
The Monhegan Brewing Company
BreweryTiny island brewery serving craft beers in a rustic taproom. One of the most remote breweries on the East Coast.
The Fish House
SeafoodSimple wharf-side spot serving fish tacos, lobster rolls, and chowder made from the day's catch.
The Barnacle
Cafe / BakeryIsland cafe and bakery with fresh pastries, coffee, and simple lunch fare.
Where to Stay
B&Bs & Inns
(3)The Island Inn
InnHistoric inn overlooking the harbor with simple rooms, a restaurant, and the classic Monhegan experience.
Trailing Yew
InnRustic, no-frills island inn with oil lamps, shared baths, and communal dining. The authentic Monhegan lodging experience.
Monhegan House
InnThe island's largest inn with harbor views, a dining room, and comfortable rooms in a historic building.
Events & Festivals
Artists' Open Studios
Island artists open their studios to visitors throughout the summer, offering a chance to see work in progress and buy directly.
Monhegan Museum Exhibition
Annual exhibition at the lighthouse museum featuring Monhegan's artistic legacy and contemporary island-inspired works.
Christmas Walk
Annual holiday gathering for the island's small year-round community with caroling and candle-lit walks.
When to Visit Monhegan
Spring
Mar - May
32-52F
Boat service resumes in late May. Island is wild and uncrowded. Birding is excellent during spring migration.
Summer
Jun - Aug
50-72F
Peak season with daily boat service, open studios, and the best weather for cliff hiking. Fog is common.
Fall
Sep - Nov
38-60F
September is magical with fewer visitors, wildflowers, and fall bird migration. Boat service reduces after Columbus Day.
Winter
Dec - Feb
22-35F
The island belongs to its 30 year-round residents. No regular boat service. Dramatic and solitary.
Nearby Towns
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before visiting Monhegan. Can't find your answer? Contact us.