Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
The winter of 1604-1605 on Saint Croix Island was a cruel one for Pierre Dugua's French expedition.
Photo: NPS Photo / NPS
About Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
The winter of 1604-1605 on Saint Croix Island was a cruel one for Pierre Dugua's French expedition. Iced in by freezing temperatures and cut off from fresh water and game, 35 of 79 men died. As spring arrived and native people traded game for bread, the health of those remaining improved. Although the expedition moved on by summer, the beginning of French presence in North America had begun.
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Driving times from Saint Croix Island International Historic Site, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Ranger on Duty Hours, May 23, 2026 to October 31, 2026 (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
- Mon
- 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Tue
- Closed
- Wed
- Closed
- Thu
- 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Fri
- 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sat
- 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sun
- 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Winter closure November 1, 2026 to May 21, 2027
- Mon
- Closed
- Tue
- Closed
- Wed
- Closed
- Thu
- Closed
- Fri
- Closed
- Sat
- Closed
- Sun
- Closed
Activities
Getting there
Located in Maine, Saint Croix Island experiences all four seasons. Summer temperatures range from 50-80F (10-27C). Fall temperatures range from 25-70F (-4-21C). Typically the first is in frost mid-October and first snowfall begins in November and can continue through April with an average accumulation of 67 inches (170 cm). Winter temperatures range from 5-30F (-15 - -1C). Spring temperatures range from 20-60F (-6-16C).
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Saint Croix Island International Historic Site?
- Popular activities include Junior Ranger Program, Paddling, Wildlife Watching.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Saint Croix Island International Historic Site?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Roosevelt Campobello International Park (1 h 17 min), Acadia National Park (2 h 52 min), Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (3 h 22 min), Frances Perkins National Monument (4 h 17 min), Maine Acadian Culture (4 h 41 min), Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site (5 h 57 min).