Visit Us
Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge is open during daylight hours from September 1 to March 31 and closed to public use during the seabird nesting season: April 1 to August 31. Rocky shorelines, swift currents and tides severely limit public use. Access to the island is by boat only, with a limited area of shoreline suitable for safe landing. Commercial tour boats provide views of nesting seabirds and seals up and down the Maine coast. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce in Bath for information on tour boats that may provide boat tours around Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Other Facilities in the Complex
Pond Island Light, Phippsburg, Maine
Station Established - 1821
Present Lighthouse Built - 1855
Automated - 1963
Height of Tower - 20 feet
Height of Focal Plane - 52 feet
Original Optic / Present Optic - Fifth order Fresnel / 250 mm
Fog Signal - Two blasts every 30 seconds
Other Structures Still Standing - None
Locations
Because the refuge lands and islands are scattered along the whole Maine coast, the refuge has two offices. One is located in Milbridge, Maine, approximately 35 miles east of Ellsworth. The other office is located in Rockland, heading toward Owls Head. Printed materials are available at both offices 24 hours a day.
The mainland divisions are located in Milbridge, Steuben, Corea and Gouldsboro. There are opportunities for bird watching, wildlife photography, and hiking on the Petit Manan Point Division, in Steuben as well as trails in Corea and Gouldsboro.
To reach the Rockland office and Visitor Center:
Follow U.S. Route 1 to the intersection with route 73 in downtown Rockland. Turn south on to route 73 for ¼ mile then turn left onto Water Street. The office is a large white building on your right.
To reach the Milbridge office:
Follow U.S. Route 1 to the center of Milbridge. Turn onto Water Street at the Gulf station. The office is a large white building on your left.