Eagle Island State Historic Site

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Admiral Peary’s Island — Private island home of Arctic explorer Robert Peary — who claimed to reach the North Pole in 1909

Eagle Island State Historic Site preserves the summer home of Admiral Robert E. Peary (1856–1920) — the Arctic explorer who claimed to be the first person to reach the North Pole on April 6, 1909 (though this claim remains disputed). The island in Casco Bay features Peary’s stone house, taxidermy collection from Arctic expeditions, and stunning views of Casco Bay and the open Atlantic. Peary designed the house with two massive fireplaces and walls embedded with Arctic quartz crystals — creating a mini-museum of polar exploration.

Visitor Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Peary really reach the North Pole?

Peary’s 1909 claim has been debated for over a century. Navigation experts question whether his speed was physically possible, and rival Frederick Cook also claimed to have reached the Pole first. The controversy remains one of exploration’s greatest mysteries.

About Eagle Island

Eagle Island State Historic Site in Casco Bay preserves the summer home of Admiral Robert E. Peary — the explorer who led the first expedition to reach the North Pole in 1909. The island home, with its stone fireplace, Arctic memorabilia, and dramatic ocean views, remains furnished as it was during Peary’s lifetime. The island is accessible only by tour boat from Freeport or Harpswell.

Things to Do

Touring Peary’s beautifully preserved island home, viewing Arctic expedition artifacts, hiking the island trails, tide pooling on the rocky shore, and enjoying the scenic boat ride through Casco Bay. Open seasonally — boat tours depart from Freeport.