National park · United States
Mackworth Island
Enter Mackworth Island for free; walk the 1.5‑mile loop (easy, 30 min) any daylight hour, or combine with a Portland beach walk – avoid windy days in winter.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
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Area
0 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (0 km²)
approximate
Established
1800
Best months
May–Aug
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 0 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (0 km²)
- Island covers about 0.4 km² (100 acres); figures from Maine government.
- Established
- 1800
- Best months
- May–Aug
- Permits
- Not needed
Mackworth Island is a 100‑acre bird sanctuary near Portland, Maine, offering a short paved loop, lighthouse views and free day‑use access.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1800.
Size and age
0 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (0 km²) · national park since 1800
Island covers about 0.4 km² (100 acres); figures from Maine government.
Why go
- Free bird‑watching on a protected 100‑acre sanctuary.
- Short, well‑marked loop with shoreline views and a historic lighthouse.
- Close to Portland for a quick day‑trip without a car.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprGo
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepGo
- OctCaution
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanCold, windy, limited daylight.
- FebSame as Jan.
- MarCool, increasing daylight.
- AprMild, more sun.
- MayWarm, birds active.
- JunLong days, good for walking.
- JulSummer, but can be windy.
- AugWarm, still good for trails.
- SepCooler, fewer crowds.
- OctShorter days, wind picks up.
- NovCold, limited hours.
- DecCold, windy, daylight short.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OspreyMar–Sep · Nesting on cliffs; watch from the trail. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Gulls and shorebirdsMar–Oct · Common year‑round. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Gate & visitor centre | Entry booth, parking, restrooms. | Open during daylight. |
| Trail loop | 1.5‑mile paved path around the island, bird‑watching spots, lighthouse. | Open all day. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from Maine government site; approximate for orientation.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Island entry | Free | person | Free, but gate is open only daylight hours. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Entry permit no permit
Park rules
- Pets
- Dogs not allowed on the island to protect wildlife.
- Camping
- Not permitted; island is a day‑use sanctuary.
- Fires
- No open fires or BBQs; use designated grills on the mainland.
- Stay on trail
- Off‑trail walking may disturb nesting birds.
Where to stay
Near the park
Portland hotels
Range from budget motels to boutique inns, 5‑15 min drive.
Near the park
Portland campgrounds
Campgrounds on the mainland with facilities.
Safety
Wind medium
Tides low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Flat, paved loop suitable for wheelchairs and strollers; gate ramp available.
Visiting lightly
- Leave no trace; pack out all litter.
- Support the island’s bird‑conservation program with donations at the gate.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Mackworth Island?
Entry is free; the gate is open only during daylight hours.
What are the best hikes in Mackworth Island?
The main 1.5‑mile loop is easy and suitable for all ages; it includes a short side path to the lighthouse.
When is the best time to visit Mackworth Island?
Late spring to early fall (May–September) offers warm weather, longer daylight and active bird life.
Can I bring a dog?
No, dogs are prohibited to protect nesting birds.
Is camping allowed on the island?
No, the island is day‑use only; camp on the mainland.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
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Sources
Ask about Mackworth Island
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