Islesboro is a vibrant island community in Waldo County, Maine, located approximately three miles off the coast of Lincolnville in the Penobscot Bay.  The name has evolved from Long Island to Islesborough eventually settling on Islesboro.  Our narrow, 14 mile long island was incorporated into the United States in the late 18th century after being settled by fishermen and farmers. In the late 1800s and early 1900s a summer colony was established by the wealthy.  The private Tarratine Club started in that period still carries on traditions today as do many of our other longstanding community organizations.

We now have over 600 year-round residents.  We have amenities such as a state-of-the-art Community Center complete with a workout facility, cafe, and cultural arts programming for all.  Our health center, a newly renovated K-12 school, a preschool, and the Boardman Cottage nurture our people.  We have a variety of stores and businesses making sure we have what we need to carry on.

Living on an island requires a strong community.  We are fortunate to enjoy a community with roots spanning multiple generations of our year-round and seasonal families.  Our residents come from all walks of life.  Some have spent the majority of their lives here working in traditional roles such as skilled craftsman building houses, painting, lobster fishing, and other trades.  Other residents spent time around the world before settling here.  Some bring experiences from high level positions in large corporations and government.  Our population swells in the summer when many of these people return to vacation with family and friends.  We all find our own ways of enjoying life out here.

Use the Google Map below to explore the island.  If the information on the site leaves you with questions please contact us.

The most common way to get here is on the Margaret Chase Smith ferry operated 365 days a year by the Maine State Ferry Service.  The ferry accomodates vehicles as well as foot passengers.  During the summer months the boat can fill up so be early.  There are water taxis with more flexible schedules for foot passengers.  There are floats providing public access to boaters.  We have an airport supporting small personal aircraft and some local commercial flights.  There is a bus line connecting us with regional transportation systems.  Details are listed on the Getting Here page.