When most folks think of Maine, lush with flora and fauna and filled to the brim with incredible forests, they most likely think of its grand natural beauty. Sure, that makes sense. Still, don’t forget that Maine boasts quite a long history, rich with stories about its past. It’s a state that stretches back to the very beginnings of the nation, and it definitely has a few skeletons in the closet. The history of the state hides so much.
From the forests to the coastline, from the cities to the tiny towns tucked away from society, Maine has a way of hiding its most abandoned places. It’s almost as if the state isn’t quite sure what to do with those towns filled with ghosts. The stories are rampant and well-told. They’ve become a thing of legend.
One of the most intriguing of these stories is one we don’t hear very often, but it hides one of the most incredible abandoned places in Maine. Swan Island is located in the Kennebec River and has been abandoned for many, many years. It’s a true ghost town in Maine. If you’re curious about what Maine looks like when it has been left to the wilds of nature, there’s quite a treat in store for you…we’ve found the creepiest abandoned town in Maine! Is Swan Islan haunted? Perhaps. Is it interesting? Definitely.
Swan Island, previously known as Perkins, is located in the Kennebec River.
management / TripAdvisor It’s absolutely beautiful, and also home to one of the most abandoned places in Maine.
There are two ways to access the island, which means you can head on over by way of a ferry or, as seen here, by kayak or canoe.
Dylan Magaster / YouTube Some say the island was abandoned as a result of pollution in the river. The businesses located on the island were forced to shut, causing the families to move elsewhere. The more official story says that the state of Maine began acquiring bits of the land over time.
The ghost island still has five standing homes, with each of them dating back to the 1700s. How’s that for a ghost town in Maine?
lisa k / TripAdvisor The island was inhabited by Native American tribes and early settlers. It was also a landing ground for historical figures including Aaron Burr and Benedict Arnold.
The first you’ll come to is the Tubbs-Reed house.
The home, once owned by the Mayor of the Massachusetts Militia, is still standing. It’s an eerie nod to the past.
Dylan Magaster / YouTube Depending on when you go, you may only be able to peek within the windows. These views reveal furniture and other things that once existed within the home, only furthering the investment time has made in one of the most abandoned places in Maine.
Of course, it’s not just ghosts that you’ll find in the creepiest abandoned place in Maine. Keep an eye out for the wildlife that is abundant on Swan Island.
Dyland Magaster / YouTube A walk through the island provides beautiful forest views.
Visitors may also see the nesting bald eagles, deer and lots of waterfowl.
management / TripAdvisor
While many of the existing structures have been cleared out, they still have the same feel on the inside.
Dyland Magaster / YouTube They’re lonely, forgotten, places where families once built their lives and are now filled with dust and grime.
Not much is known about this, the Robinson House, but it exists as one of the homes that are now used by the state of Maine.
Dylan Magaster / YouTube An interesting change, don’t you think?
Also still visible is the island’s cemetery.
Dylan Magaster / YouTube It’s an eerie reminder of those who built their lives here, the one’s who have now been left behind.
There are ten lean-tos available for camping, or visitors are welcome to bring tents.
lisa k / TripAdvisor You can visit the island daily from May 1- through the end of October. But, a night spent here is said to be nothing short of creepy.
For some footage of this spot, you need to check out the video below, created by Dylan Magaster and uploaded to Youtube. It’s as if you’re walking through the town yourself! It’s perhaps one of the easiest ways to visit one of the most abandoned places in Maine.
management / TripAdvisor
It’s absolutely beautiful, and also home to one of the most abandoned places in Maine.
Dylan Magaster / YouTube
Some say the island was abandoned as a result of pollution in the river. The businesses located on the island were forced to shut, causing the families to move elsewhere. The more official story says that the state of Maine began acquiring bits of the land over time.
lisa k / TripAdvisor
The island was inhabited by Native American tribes and early settlers. It was also a landing ground for historical figures including Aaron Burr and Benedict Arnold.
The first you’ll come to is the Tubbs-Reed house.
Depending on when you go, you may only be able to peek within the windows. These views reveal furniture and other things that once existed within the home, only furthering the investment time has made in one of the most abandoned places in Maine.
Dyland Magaster / YouTube
A walk through the island provides beautiful forest views.
They’re lonely, forgotten, places where families once built their lives and are now filled with dust and grime.
An interesting change, don’t you think?
It’s an eerie reminder of those who built their lives here, the one’s who have now been left behind.
You can visit the island daily from May 1- through the end of October. But, a night spent here is said to be nothing short of creepy.
So what do you think? Is Swan Island haunted? If you love these creepy, abandoned spots in Maine, you don’t have to stop here! Make sure to check out the story of abandoned Bates Mill #5. It’s being reclaimed by nature and it makes for one of the most fascinating experiences in the heart of abandoned Maine.
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Address: Swan Island, Portland, OR 97217, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Is Swan Island Haunted? September 28, 2019 Meghan Kraft What other abandoned places are there in Maine? Maine is full of abandoned places, some fading back into nature and others that remain firmly entrenched in daily life but on their way out. Head to Eagle Lake to see the abandoned locomotives, the Old Town Underground Bunkers, the Moulton Saw Mill or, of course, the old Perkins Township on Swan Island. Are there any hiking trails to abandoned places in Maine? Perhaps the most popular hike is to an abandoned castle in Southern Maine. Located in Fort Williams Park, the Cape Elizabeth cliffside hike is one of the most beautiful in the state. You’ll visit Maine’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light, and have the chance to experience beautiful views all along the trail. What ghost towns can you find in Maine? There are quite a few ghost towns in Maine, including Ligonia Village, the town of Askwith, the Perkins Township and the now-abandoned areas of Riceville and Skowhegan. Make sure to do the proper research before visiting, though! Places left to the rough plod of nature can be very dangerous.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Is Swan Island Haunted?
September 28, 2019
Meghan Kraft
What other abandoned places are there in Maine? Maine is full of abandoned places, some fading back into nature and others that remain firmly entrenched in daily life but on their way out. Head to Eagle Lake to see the abandoned locomotives, the Old Town Underground Bunkers, the Moulton Saw Mill or, of course, the old Perkins Township on Swan Island. Are there any hiking trails to abandoned places in Maine? Perhaps the most popular hike is to an abandoned castle in Southern Maine. Located in Fort Williams Park, the Cape Elizabeth cliffside hike is one of the most beautiful in the state. You’ll visit Maine’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light, and have the chance to experience beautiful views all along the trail. What ghost towns can you find in Maine? There are quite a few ghost towns in Maine, including Ligonia Village, the town of Askwith, the Perkins Township and the now-abandoned areas of Riceville and Skowhegan. Make sure to do the proper research before visiting, though! Places left to the rough plod of nature can be very dangerous.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Maine is full of abandoned places, some fading back into nature and others that remain firmly entrenched in daily life but on their way out. Head to Eagle Lake to see the abandoned locomotives, the Old Town Underground Bunkers, the Moulton Saw Mill or, of course, the old Perkins Township on Swan Island.
Are there any hiking trails to abandoned places in Maine?
Perhaps the most popular hike is to an abandoned castle in Southern Maine. Located in Fort Williams Park, the Cape Elizabeth cliffside hike is one of the most beautiful in the state. You’ll visit Maine’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light, and have the chance to experience beautiful views all along the trail. What ghost towns can you find in Maine?
There are quite a few ghost towns in Maine, including Ligonia Village, the town of Askwith, the Perkins Township and the now-abandoned areas of Riceville and Skowhegan. Make sure to do the proper research before visiting, though! Places left to the rough plod of nature can be very dangerous.
