Welcome to Cranberry Isles, Maine (ZIP code 04625)—a tranquil archipelago off the coast of Mount Desert Island, where unspoiled natural beauty, maritime tradition, and island serenity define everyday life. Comprising five islands—Great Cranberry, Little Cranberry (Islesford), Sutton, Bear, and Baker—the town of Cranberry Isles is a hidden gem in Hancock County, just a short ferry ride from Northeast Harbor. Here, scenic harbors, historic homes, artistic spirit, and salty sea breezes create an unforgettable, off-the-grid coastal Maine experience.
A Timeless Island Community
The town of Cranberry Isles was incorporated in 1830 and has long been home to fishermen, lobstermen, artists, and summer families. Each island in the town has its own unique flavor:
-
Great Cranberry Island – The largest and quietest of the inhabited islands.
-
Little Cranberry Island (Islesford) – Home to a vibrant arts scene and historic village.
-
Sutton, Bear, and Baker Islands – Uninhabited or privately owned, but part of the scenic landscape and local lore.
Accessible only by boat, the Cranberry Isles offer a glimpse of a simpler, saltwater-rooted way of life, shaped by generations of coastal living and a strong sense of community.
Top 10–20 Attractions in & Around Cranberry Isles, Maine
-
Islesford Historical Museum (Little Cranberry) – Operated by the National Park Service; showcases island life, fishing history, and native heritage.
-
Islesford Dock Restaurant & Gallery – Iconic waterfront dining with art exhibits and stunning harbor views.
-
Cranberry House & History Museum (Great Cranberry) – Includes a local museum, performance space, and the Whale’s Rib Gift Shop.
-
The Islesford Artists Gallery – Cooperative gallery featuring local painters, potters, and sculptors.
-
The Whale’s Rib Gift Shop – Unique souvenirs, books, and locally made crafts.
-
Great Cranberry Island Trails – Peaceful walks through pine forests, tidal flats, and wildflower meadows.
-
Preble Cove – Serene coastal spot perfect for beachcombing and sea glass hunting.
-
The Pool (Islesford) – A quiet tidal basin ideal for kayaking and nature watching.
-
Ashley Bryan Center (Little Cranberry) – Honors the late artist, author, and island resident with art and storytelling events.
-
Hitty’s Heritage Trail – A gentle loop on Great Cranberry inspired by the storybook character “Hitty.”
-
Ferry Rides via Cranberry Cove Boating Co. or Beal & Bunker – Scenic trips to and from Northeast Harbor.
-
Picnicking at the Islesford Town Dock – Classic Maine experience with lobster boats bobbing nearby.
-
Island hopping by kayak or skiff – Explore the inlets, tidal beaches, and hidden coves.
-
Sutton Island shoreline (viewed by boat) – Privately owned, but spectacularly scenic from the water.
-
Seasonal art & music festivals – Hosted in the summer by island residents and nonprofits.
-
Clam digging & tide pooling – Low-tide adventures on quiet beaches.
-
Sunset views from Great Cranberry’s western shore – Watch the sun melt into the Atlantic.
-
Acadia National Park (Mount Desert Island) – Just across the bay for day trips and hiking.
-
Seal Harbor & Northeast Harbor – Launch points with restaurants, shops, and waterfront access.
-
Island birdwatching – Look for osprey, eiders, and shorebirds along trails and coves.
Lodging & Dining on the Cranberry Isles
Due to their size and remote nature, lodging options on the Cranberry Isles are limited—but that’s part of the charm.
Where to Stay:
-
Islesford Vacation Rentals (Little Cranberry) – Quaint cottages and homes for weekly rental, often with harbor views.
-
Great Cranberry Guest Houses – Quiet getaways perfect for artists, writers, and nature lovers.
-
Airbnbs & VRBOs – Seasonal cottages and family homes, some pet-friendly, ideal for couples and small groups.
-
Nearby Hotels in Northeast Harbor – For those who prefer to stay on Mount Desert Island and ferry in.
Where to Eat:
-
Islesford Dock Restaurant – A local treasure for seafood, cocktails, and harbor sunsets.
-
Cranberry House Café – Seasonal café offering homemade treats, sandwiches, and coffee.
-
Picnic & Cook Your Catch – Many rental homes offer grills and kitchens—ideal for lobster feasts.
-
Mount Desert Island Options – Just a boat ride away for more dining choices in Northeast Harbor and Bar Harbor.
Census & Demographic Snapshot
-
Population: Approximately 160 year-round residents (population increases significantly in summer)
-
Area: Town covers five islands totaling about 45 square miles (land and sea)
-
Median Age: Higher than average—attracts retirees, artists, and seasonal families
-
Housing: Mix of century-old cottages, updated seasonal homes, and year-round island residences
-
Main Industries: Lobstering, boatbuilding, tourism, art, and seasonal hospitality
-
Transportation: Primarily ferries, private boats, and walking—no cars on some islands
Top 10 Search Questions About Cranberry Isles, Maine
-
How do you get to Cranberry Isles, Maine?
Via ferry from Northeast Harbor or Southwest Harbor; private charters also available. -
What are the Cranberry Isles?
A town in Hancock County made up of five islands: Great Cranberry, Little Cranberry (Islesford), Sutton, Bear, and Baker. -
Can you visit all five Cranberry Isles?
Great and Little Cranberry are open to the public; others are private or uninhabited. -
What is there to do on Cranberry Isles?
Visit museums, kayak, hike trails, enjoy seafood, explore art galleries, and relax. -
Are cars allowed on the Cranberry Isles?
Very limited—most people walk or bike; Great Cranberry allows vehicles. -
What is Islesford known for?
Its dockside restaurant, artist colony, and the Islesford Historical Museum. -
Is lodging available on the islands?
Yes, through seasonal rentals, guest houses, and private cottages. -
Can you kayak to the Cranberry Isles?
Yes, experienced paddlers can cross from MDI on calm days. -
Are there beaches on the Cranberry Isles?
Yes—several pebble beaches and tidal flats, especially on Great and Little Cranberry. -
Is Cranberry Isles part of Acadia National Park?
While not officially part of the park, the islands are managed in partnership with the National Park Service and lie adjacent to park waters.
A Brief Look at Cranberry Isles’ History
Settled in the 18th century by fishermen and maritime families, the Cranberry Isles were named for the wild cranberry bogs that once grew in abundance. The area thrived on lobstering, boatbuilding, and seasonal trade. Little Cranberry, or Islesford, evolved into an artist’s haven in the early 1900s, attracting painters and writers who found inspiration in the island’s light and isolation. Today, the islands maintain a strong sense of place and tradition, shaped by the rhythms of the tides and the stories of the sea.
Summary
Cranberry Isles, Maine is a step into the quieter, more soulful side of coastal life—where sailboats drift by pine-studded shorelines, artists paint by the harbor, and lobster traps line the docks. Whether you're walking a forest trail, watching the sun set over Somes Sound, or simply sitting with a good book as the sea breeze rolls in, the Cranberry Isles offer something rare and restorative.
Unplug, unwind, and rediscover Maine island life—only on the Cranberry Isles.