Cruising the Coast,
Exploring Midcoast Maine:
Muscongus Bay &
the St. George Peninsula

Part II of LandVest’s multi-part series highlighting some of our favorite islands, harbors, conserved locales, anchorages, and watering holes.

Muscongus Bay is framed by a beautiful, extensive coastline and connects the waters of John’s Bay to the St. George Peninsula and Penobscot Bay. Dotted with multiple islands that are popular with artists, conservationists, summer communities and year-round residents, this area is often bypassed as boaters (or drivers) hurry towards the more well-known destinations of Camden/Rockport and Mount Desert Island. This area, benefitting from less traffic, pristine waters and bountiful preserved land, is definitely worth a visit!

Muscongus Bay, Hog Island
Hog Island, Muscongus Bay, Maine
Muscongus Bay, Maine. Monhegan Island
Monhegan Island, Muscongus Bay, Maine

Hog Island consists of 330 acres on the bay and is part of the Todd Wildlife Sanctuary named after Mabel Loomis Todd, Emily Dickinson’s original editor. Todd began purchasing land on the island to save the trees from being harvested, and eventually established a rustic summer camp for her family and friends.  Todd’s daughter further cemented the family’s preservation efforts by opening the Audubon Nature Camp in 1936. (Roger Tory Peterson, author of the notable Peterson Field Guide series, was an early instructor at the camp). The island continues to serve the bird-loving community with the educational and environmental programs of the Hog Island Audubon Camp which offers a land base for bird lovers traveling to the island sanctuary.

Step back in time and visit the quiet and delightful Monhegan Island. With few cars and no paved roads, the island maintains a rustic charm appealing to artists and adventure seekers hoping to leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The island is known for its artist’s community as many famous names have traveled there to paint the bucolic scenery and iconic lighthouse.  Outdoor enthusiasts love Monhegan too! The island offers 12 miles of well-maintained walking paths with beautiful views. Located 12 miles from the mainland, there are several travel options available.

Muscongus Bay, Betsy Wyeth's Home
Betsy Wyeth’s Home on Allen Island, Muscongus Bay, Maine

Andrew and Betsy Wyeth turned the neighboring islands of Allen and Benner into a museum-worthy compound. The numerous buildings were impeccably restored using salvage and local materials and include Andrew Wyeth’s former studio and archives; while a significant collection of his work hangs on the walls of the main residence, the Oar House. There is no public transportation to the island but the Wyeth family kindly maintains moorings for public use.

Provision for any of these island adventures with a trip to the town of Port Clyde at the tip of the St George Peninsula. This old shipbuilding and fishing village provides a welcoming and friendly atmosphere and the full-service Port Cylde General Store and Marina, owned and operated by Linda Bean, will take care of all your needs. Linda Bean also offers daily seasonal art tours, Wyeth’s by Water, departing from the General Store in her lobster boat.

Interested in living here? Please visit our available properties:

Aspinwall  | $2,675,000 | 113± Acres
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Eastern Views-Louds Island | $395,000 | 23± Acres
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Wheeler Bay | $795,000 |  1.91± Acres
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Turkey Point | $2,250,000 | 58.87± Acres
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Crazy Point Lane | $949,000 | $1.6± Acres
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For more information on these properties in Midcoast Maine, please contact Terry Sortwell, tsortwell@landvest.com or Joe Sortwell, jsortwell@landvest.com in our Camden office, 207-236-3543.