View of the drive into Saint Croix Island International Historic Site. Photo: NPS Photo

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

International Historic Site · Maine

The winter of 1604-1605 on Saint Croix Island was a cruel one for Pierre Dugua's French expedition.

  • LocationCalais, ME
  • Entrance No fee listed
  • HoursToday: Closed
  • Weather now36°F Overcast
  • Alerts 1 active alert

Overview

Iced in by freezing temperatures and cut off from fresh water and game, 35 of 79 men died. As spring arrived and native people traded game for bread, the health of those remaining improved.

Although the expedition moved on by summer, the beginning of French presence in North America had begun.

Topics
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
  • Climate Change
  • Explorers and Expeditions
A wayside discussing the history of the island along the interpretive trail.
An interpretive trail guides visitors through the history of the island and the people who called it home. — NPS Photo

Alerts (1)

InformationOperating Hours & Seasons

The park is normally open year-round during daylight hours. Some park facilities are closed during the winter.

More on NPS.gov about Operating Hours & Seasons (opens in a new tab)

Things to Do

1 experience from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.

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Activities in the park

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Facilities & Services

Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Other Visitor Services

  • Park Entrance

    Saint Croix Island Ranger Station

    Facility

    The ranger station provides information for the area and the history of Saint Croix Island and marks the start of the interpretive trail leading out to the viewpoint…

    Details
    The ranger station provides information for the area and the history of Saint Croix Island and marks the start of the interpretive trail leading out to the viewpoint overlooking the island. During winter, typically the end of October to Memorial Day, services are limited. The displays and bronze statutes along the interpretive trail are covered to prevent damage from inclement weather, and the visitor center is closed.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Today: Closed · Ranger on Duty Hours, May 23, 2026 to October 31, 2026 (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)

Hours by area (2)
  • Ranger on Duty Hours, May 23, 2026 to October 31, 2026 (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)Today: Closed

    A park ranger will be available at the Visitor Center at the following days and times.

    Monday8:00AM - 4:00PM
    TuesdayClosed
    WednesdayClosed
    Thursday8:00AM - 4:00PM
    Friday8:00AM - 4:00PM
    Saturday8:00AM - 4:00PM
    Sunday8:00AM - 4:00PM
  • Winter closure November 1, 2026 to May 21, 2027Closed

    The park has limited services during the winter months. The visitor center is closed and the interpretive path sculptures are covered.

    MondayClosed
    TuesdayClosed
    WednesdayClosed
    ThursdayClosed
    FridayClosed
    SaturdayClosed
    SundayClosed

Entrance fees

No entrance fees listed.

Address

84 Saint Croix Drive
Calais, ME 04619

Weather & conditions

36°F
Overcast · feels like 30°
  • Today 48° 33°
    Overcast
    88% rain
  • Tomorrow 55° 43°
    Overcast
    92% rain
  • Thursday 53° 38°
    Sunny
    17% rain

Updated 47 min ago

What to expect by season

Located in Maine, Saint Croix Island experiences all four seasons. Summer temperatures range from 50-80F (10-27C). Fall temperatures range from 25-70F (-4-21C). Typically the first is in frost mid-October and first snowfall begins in November and can continue through April with an average accumulation of 67 inches (170 cm). Winter temperatures range from 5-30F (-15 - -1C). Spring temperatures range from 20-60F (-6-16C).

Photos

Getting There

84 Saint Croix Drive
Calais, ME 04619

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site is best reached by private vehicle. The site is located 8 miles (13 km) south of Calais, Maine, on US Route 1, and can be reached either by Route 9 from Bangor or US Route 1, the coastal route from Portland and points south.

Full directions

From US Route 1, turn onto St. Croix Drive. The entrance gate is on the right. The visitor center is inside the ranger station.

Mailing address: 84 Saint Croix Drive, Calais, ME 04619

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