“Come, my friends, ‘tis not too late to seek a newer world”

-Alfred, Lord Tennyson, “Ulysses,” engraved on the Thomas Cabot Granite Memorial Bench, Butter Island, ME
 

Tom Cabot Memorial Bench, Butter Island

Great beaches and stunning views make Butter Island in Maine a favorite landing spot in the Penobscot Bay. The island was bought back in the 1940’s by Tom Cabot (of the famous Boston Cabots). Tom Cabot was an avid conservationist and wanted the island to be used and enjoyed by the public. The island became so popular, however, that it began to suffer from overuse. In the late 90’s the Cabot family decided to close part of the island to public access and enforce greater restrictions in an effort to preserve the island’s natural ecology. A caretaker resides on the island year round to ensure that the island is used and enjoyed properly.
 

Boaters and kayakers can land on Orchard Beach or Nubble Beach. On our most recent visit, we met the island’s caretaker and climbed to the top of 150 ft Montserrat Hill, where there is a great view of the Eagle Island Lighthouse and a granite bench memorializing Thomas and Virginia Cabot. 
 

One of many terns fishing in the shallow waters off of Butter Island as we anchored the boat. 

  Tern with Fish, Butter Island, ME
 

While most of the islands in Maine's archipelago have rocky beaches, Butter has some patches of sandy beach.

Sand Beach, Butter Island
 

The "Welcome Center" on Nubble Beach, with maps, as well as the new rules and regulations. 

Nubble Beach, Butter Island Butter Island Kiosk
 

The trail, running partially through a wooded area, that leads to the top of Montserrat Hill.

Trail Sign, Montserrat Hill Trail to the top of Montserrat Hill
 

At the top of Montserrat Hill, The Thomas and Virginia Cabot Memorial Site with granite bench (picture above) and this placard.

Tom Cabot Memorial Site Tom Cabot Memorial Site
 

View from the top of Montserrat Hill; the Eagle Island Lighthouse is visible in the upper left corner of this photograph.

View from Montserrat Hill, Butter Island
 

Other views from the top of Montserrat Hill, including a view of Mt. Megunticcok and the Camden Hills.

View from Montserrat Hill
 

View of Mt. Megunticook and the Camden Hills