Winter Harbor, Maine, a classic Down East fishing village in Hancock County in the U.S., got its name for the harbor not freezing over in winter. For obvious reasons, this made it a much desired port for the local fishermen and today, it still has a fully active fleet of lobster boats and scallop draggers.
Originally part of the town of Gouldsboro, it separated and became incorporated as Winter Harbor in 1895. The year 2020 census placed its year-round population at 461. This is almost a 53% drop in year-round population when compared to the 2000 Census population of 988 and can be directly attributed to the closing of the United States Navy base, NSGA Winter Harbor. At that time, the population dropped almost instantly to 492. The base had been in operation since 1935.
Winter Harbor GPS: Latitude 44.394857; Longitude -68.084164
Schoodic Peninsula encompasses about 2,266 acres (9 km2) of Acadia National Park land which covers the majority of the southern section of Winter Harbor. This is the only portion of Acadia National Park that is on the mainland of Maine. The majority of the park land, 30,500 acres of it, is to the southwest on the very large Mount Desert Island with 10,156 acres of this located within the town of Bar Harbor, also in Hancock County.
A very attractive section on the southwestern side of Winter Harbor is called Grindstone Neck. Its western shore provides spectacular views looking across Mt. Desert Narrows toward Ironbound Island, and the town of Bar Harbor and several of the mountains on Mount Desert Island. The southern part of Grindstone Neck, called Grindstone Point, has views of Mark Island Lighthouse, Ned Island, Turtle Island, and Schoodic Peninsula to the southeast.
Since 2016, there have been two options for ferry service between Winter Harbor (on the mainland) and Bar Harbor (on Mount Desert Island). These are the Bar Harbor Ferry and the Schoodic Ferry. From the Winter Harbor Ferry Terminal, the Island Explorer bus service provides seasonal transportation to Winter Harbor, the villages of Prospect Harbor and Birch Harbor, as well as to Schoodic Point in Acadia National Park and Schoodic Woods Campground.
Winter Harbor, Maine, is one of the significant points along the Schoodic Scenic Byway in what is known as, Down East Maine
. To get there from Ellsworth, follow Coastal U.S. Route 1 East about 21 miles passing through the villages of Hancock and Sullivan, then take Maine State Highway 186 south in West Gouldsboro. If leaving Acadia National Park's Schoodic Peninsula, take a left in Birch Harbor onto Highway 186 to return to the town center.
The main host town of Acadia National Park at Schoodic Peninsula is Winter Harbor, especially if arriving from the western side. Besides the stunning sights in the National Park, there are several areas to check out in Winter Harbor. Rather than taking a left when arriving in the town center, consider taking a right to see what is on Main Street. There are several nice shops and galleries. Up ahead on the left is Harbor Road. This short road goes to the dock and harbor where the lobster boats are. If you want some nice shots, this is one of the places. Further ahead on Main Street there are a couple of lefts that will go to Grindstone Neck - Beach Street and Grindstone Avenue. You will find some fantastic viewing spots on the eastern and southern sides.