📍 Location & Geography
Isle Au Haut is a picturesque town located in Knox County, Maine, United States. The town is situated on an island of the same name, which lies in the Gulf of Maine, part of the Atlantic Ocean. The island is approximately six miles long and two miles wide, covering an area of about 18 square miles, of which 12 square miles is land and 6 square miles is water. The island’s terrain is characterized by rocky coastlines, dense forests, and rolling hills.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Isle Au Haut, Maine, are approximately 44.06 degrees north latitude and 68.65 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Isle Au Haut is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is located in Knox County, Maine, and is part of the larger Penobscot Bay area. The island covers a total area of approximately 18 square miles.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Isle Au Haut was around 73, making it one of the least populated towns in Maine. The population is predominantly Caucasian, with a median age of around 53 years. The population density is very low, with approximately 6 people per square mile.
🏛️ History
Isle Au Haut was first settled in the early 19th century, and it was incorporated as a town in 1874. The name “Isle Au Haut” is French and translates to “High Island,” a name given by explorer Samuel de Champlain due to the island’s high and hilly terrain. The island’s economy has traditionally been based on fishing, lobstering, and, more recently, tourism.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Isle Au Haut is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. More than half of the island is part of Acadia National Park, offering numerous hiking trails and camping sites. The island’s diverse ecosystem includes dense forests, wetlands, meadows, and rocky shores. Wildlife is abundant on the island, with species such as deer, foxes, seals, and a variety of birds.
🏫 Education
Education on Isle Au Haut is managed by the Isle Au Haut Rural School District. The town has one school, the Isle Au Haut Rural School, which serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. High school students typically attend school on the mainland.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation to and from Isle Au Haut is primarily by boat. The Isle Au Haut Boat Services provides year-round ferry services to and from the island. The island has a few miles of paved roads, but most of the island is accessible only by foot or bicycle. There is no airport on the island; the nearest airports are in Rockland and Bar Harbor on the mainland.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Isle Au Haut hosts a popular road race, which attracts runners from all over New England. The island is also the setting for the popular mystery novel “The Maine Mulch Murder,” by Betsy Connor Bowen. Despite its small size and remote location, Isle Au Haut has been featured in several national publications for its natural beauty and unique lifestyle.