Located in Maine, Monhegan Island is one of the places that can be called a hidden gem. If you are planning to travel to Maine in the United States, this is one place that you need to go to.

Known for its fishing villages and the artists’ colony, Monhegan island is a place that deserves a lot of attention. If you are someone who likes to travel to unique and lesser-known places around the world, then this is the place for you.

Keep reading till the end to learn more about the thighs to do on Monhegan island…

Best Things To Do In Monhegan Island: Top 7!

Things To Do In Monhegan Island
Image Source: m.psecn.photoshelter.com

What are the best things that you can do on Monhegan Island? If that is something that you are searching for, then it is best that you keep reading this article till the end.

Located in Maine. Monhegan is a very small island that is less than 12 square kilometers in area. It is located in the Gulf of Maine, nearly twelve miles away from the mainland. This island is known for the fishing community as well as for the popular artist’ colony from where world-renowned painters and artists have come to exist.

If you are planning to travel somewhere far from the mainland and want to be surrounded by greenery and the view of the sky meeting the sea, it is best that you visit Monhegan island in Maine.

Here are some of the best things that you can do on the island of Monhegan. Take a look at them:

1. Enjoy The Scenery

scenery in Monhegan Island
Image Source: downeast.com

The first and the most important thing that you need to do on Monhegan Island is to enjoy the scenery of the place. The outstanding scenery comprises the natural beauty of the Atlantic Coastline.

With flowers and trees surrounding this island everywhere you go, you will be able to experience a certain thrill and pleasure as you walk the roads and head to the shore. The scenery of this island is truly one of a kind.

2. Fishing

Fishing in Monhegan Island
Image Source: mlcalliance.org

Apart from the scenic beauty of the place, Monhegan island is also famous for its brilliant fishing community. It is one of the oldest thriving fishing communities in the United States, and one of the main livelihoods of the people living here is fishing.

You will find the freshest fish and the best lobsters while you are fishing. How do you think that the cafes here produce the best seafood? Well, while you are on the island, you can spend some time catching fish and lobsters. A place that you must visit is Fish Beach.

3. Head Over To The Lighthouse

Head Over To The Lighthouse
Image Source: nelights.com

Next on the list is the Monhegan Island Lighthouse. Visiting this place is a must if you are into old architecture and history. Years ago, this lighthouse was considered to be the original landmark of the island. And that is the reason why a lot of activities started surrounding this lighthouse.

Even though it still functions as a lighthouse and guides the ships, the inside of this architecture is now turned into a Museum of Art and History. You can visit this place during late June and mid-September.

4. Watch The Sunset

Watch The Sunset
Image Source: d3rw5v15h1jwdg.cloudfront.net

Is there something else that you would want to do while on the island other than relaxing at the view of the sunset? I don’t think so. Evenings and dusk at Monhegan island are all about the sunset. Watch the sun setting and disappearing the moment it touches the ocean. Along with that, experience the magic of the sky and the ocean water turning orange and red.

5. Eat At The Local Cafes

Eat At The Local Cafes
Image Source: dynamic-media-cdn.tripadvisor.com

One cafe that you need to visit in Monhegan is the Barnacle Cafe. It is located at the Island Inn, which is the largest lodging on the island, which I have kept for the last; this cafe is one of the most popular ones on the island.

Opened in the year 1997, the Barnacle Cafe is located at a place where visitors can arrive at and depart from while visiting the island. The name of the cafe is associated with the history of the island, which proves that i6 was a place for quenching the thirst of visitors who were looking for something fresh.

Some of the things that you must try here at Barnacle Cafe are brownies and cookies. Apart from that, chowder and sandwiches also pull in a lot of crowds. And do not miss having a sip of the coffee. It is made locally from freshly roasted Monhegan Coffee roasters.

6. Check Out The Artists’ Colony

Check Out The Artists' Colony
Image Source: ca-times.brightspotcdn.com

The artists’ colony is one of the oldest places on the island. Ever since its establishment in the 1890s, this colony has been the home to a lot of artistic talents on the East Coast. The most famous painters or artists belong to the New York School of Art and the Academy of the Fine Arts, Pennsylvania.

Some of the most renowned alumni of the Artists’ Colony include Robert Henri, Edward Hopper, and Rockwell Kent.

7. Take A Ferry Ride

Take A Ferry Ride
Image Source: monheganwelcome.com

If there is something that you absolutely cannot miss on Monhegan island, then it is taking a ferry ride. The Monhegan Island ferry ride is one of the most popular things to do here.

The ferries here travel back and forth between the mainland and the island. And you do not have to think much about the timings. They are pretty frequent. You can try to get on one from Port Clyde, Boothbay Harbor, or even New Harbor.

The time it takes to finish the ride depends almost entirely on the pace from where you are taking the ride. It can take anywhere between 1 hour to 2 hours.

8. Stay At The Island Inn

Stay At The Island Inn
Image Source: islandinnmonhegan.com

Last but not least in this list of the things to do on Monhegan Island is a stay at the Island Inn. In all honesty, a trip to Monhegan Island is incomplete without a proper stay at the famous and oldest inn or lodging.

With a massive number of thirty-two rooms and accommodation suites for sightseers and tourists, this inn is a treat to people who are suckers for historical architecture.

But it is not only famous for its architecture. It is also known for its delicious and mouthwatering lobster and pancakes. And not to forget the stunning view from the balcony that lets you enjoy the sunset!

Read More: 9 Best Cinnamon Rolls In Las Vegas That You Can Not Miss

Wrapping It Up!

Monhegan Island is located in Maine, United States. It is one of the oldest places in the States and it is best known for its scenic beauty. If you are someone who is tired of touring the cities of the United States, maybe it is time for you to head over to this beautiful island and engage with the local islanders.


In case you were searching for the best things to do in Monhegan Island, I hope that this travel guide has been of help to you. If there is anything else that I can help you with, feel free to write it down in the comment box below.

Read Also:

Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related