Mackworth Island

When Mike and I first visited Portland, we took a ride on an adorable antique narrow gauge railcar that worked its way across the city waterfront. The railcar was run by the Maine Narrow Gauge Railway Co. & Museum and our guide was either a direct descendent or illegitimate son of Santa Clause. It was our first long view of the waterfront and we were intrigued by all the Calendar Islands. What secrets did they hide and how the heck did we get out to them?


View from the narrow gauge

After nestling into the city for a few months, we finally decided to make our way to an island that promised birding, beautiful trails and views of Portland and Casco Bay. Mackworth island was our destination, it is the current site of the Baxter School for the Deaf which lies on the island's interior; the 1.25 mile nature trail encircles the outer perimeter. The island is a legislated bird sanctuary and is connected to the city of Falmouth by a drive-able causeway. A parking lot is situated at the end of the road that hikers and day visitors can park at free of charge. A wacky dude in the visitor booth will tell you jokes and hand you a map/visitor guide that outlines the bird and animal life and history of the island.


Causeway to Mackworth


Sunlit hiking trail through pine forest







Apparently, a man with the sweet name of Sir Ferdinando Gorges (whom Fort Gorges in Casco Bay is named after) gave the island to his deputy Arthur Mackworth and island has retained his name. The visitor guide will inform you that one of Maine's most illustrious governors, Percival Baxter, once called the island his home and even built a notable pet cemetery for his beloved hounds which still stands today. The island is located along the mouth of the Presumpscott River that was an important early native trade route for the Wabanaki Confederacy. Long before any white governors made themselves king of the island, a Wabanaki Chief, Cocoawesco, claimed the honor. The Baxters donated native artifacts they found on the island to the Maine State Museum.


Baxter's pet cemetery. Sometimes you can see the ghosts of the hounds walking along the trail at dusk...not really!

The most magical part of the island, however, are the fairy houses!