Ironbound Island, situated in Frenchman Bay off the coast of Winter Harbor, Maine, boasts a rugged appearance that suits its name. As you approach it by boat or kayak, you'll encounter towering granite cliffs and striking outcroppings. You might even catch a glimpse of nesting eagles. However, kayakers, particularly those with little experience, should be aware that the waters surrounding Ironbound Island can be treacherous. The island's exposure to the open sea means that weather conditions can change rapidly, and the island faces the full force of ocean winds and waves directly.
Ironbound Island has been privately owned by the Blaney family since the early 1900's when Dwight Blaney (1865 - 1944), a distinguished draftsman and artist from the Salem and Boston area of Massachusetts, purchased the island for his summer home. Ironbound was perfect for providing much inspiration and numerous locations that enabled him to paint without being interrupted. In effect, the island itself became his studio, and soon word got around.
The famous American artist John Singer Sargent (1856 - 1925) painted his well-known On the Verandah
watercolor here. The painting showed Dwight Blaney, his wife, Edith and their two daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret, at their summer home on the island. Dwight Blaney's own art studies of the island's mollusks led to the discovery of previously unknown species. The diverse and rugged coastline offered many opportunities for interesting compositions.
Ironbound Island can be viewed from a variety of places surrounding Frenchman Bay such as Mount Desert Island or the western shoreline of Winter Harbor or Gouldsboro, Maine. These locations are especially nice at sunrise when the sunlight sets the cliffs ablaze. The island can easily be seen from Cadillac Mountain as well. The island covers approximately 831 acres, is a registered critical area for old growth pine, and is protected by a conservation easement.
For obvious reasons, a kayak or other boat is the best way to view Ironbound Island and the cliffs on the eastern side. Other than this, I would suggest viewing with binoculars or a good telephoto lens from Winter Harbor or the section called Grindstone Neck. Not only is the view of the island rugged, having Champlain Mountain or Cadillac Mountain as a backdrop is difficult to beat. The best view is in the morning because later in the day the eastern side is in shadow. Do not let this stop you no matter what the time of day it is. The views are wonderful.