Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park
Maine State Park

Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park

185 Henry Point Road, Brooksville, Maine 04617
Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Bird Watching
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing

🌤 Weather at Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park by season

SpringSummerFallWinter
20–63 °F50–77 °F29–70 °F10–35 °F

Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Belfast, 10 mi away, elevation 20 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

1,345-Acre Wildlife Sanctuary on Penobscot Bay — No Motors Allowed, Kayaking, Hiking Through Forests and Meadows, Free Admission, Brooksville ME

Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park is a state park at 172 Indian Bar Road, Harborside (Brooksville), Hancock County, Maine, on the Cape Rosier Peninsula overlooking Penobscot Bay. The park features 1,230 acres on the mainland plus 115 acres on offshore Holbrook Island (1,345 acres total), no motorized vehicles or boats allowed anywhere in the sanctuary, kayaking and canoeing with launch areas at Tom Cod Cove, hiking trails through forests, meadows, wetlands, and shoreline, bird and wildlife watching in diverse habitats, free admission year-round, and swimming and saltwater fishing along the coast.

Holbrook Island Sanctuary is Maine’s motor-free coastal refugeno motorized vehicles or boats are permitted anywhere in the 1,345-acre sanctuary, creating a rare silence on the Penobscot Bay coast. The only sounds are waves, wind, and birdsong.

Holbrook Island itself is accessible only by paddle or private boat — visitor moorings are available at Tom Cod Cove and near the island dock.

Things to Do

  • Kayaking/canoeing — Tom Cod Cove launch
  • Hiking — forest, meadow, shoreline trails
  • Birding — diverse coastal habitats
  • Swimming — beaches (no dogs on beach)
  • Saltwater fishing — Penobscot Bay coast
  • Island access — paddle to Holbrook Island

Park Information

FeatureDetails
Location172 Indian Bar Rd, Harborside, ME 04642
Size1,345 acres — mainland + island
MotorsNone allowed — no motorized vehicles/boats
AdmissionFree year-round
Hours9 AM – sunset daily
CampingNot permitted
Managed ByMaine Bureau of Parks and Lands
Coordinates44.3519° N, 68.7933° W

Frequently Asked Questions

Are motorized boats allowed at Holbrook Island Sanctuary?

No — Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park in Brooksville, Maine, prohibits all motorized vehicles and boats throughout its 1,345-acre preserve on the Cape Rosier Peninsula. Kayaking and canoeing are welcome with launch areas at Tom Cod Cove. The offshore Holbrook Island is accessible only by paddle or private boat. The sanctuary features hiking trails through forests, meadows, and shoreline, birding, swimming, and saltwater fishing — all with free admission year-round.

Last updated: May 2026

Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Fort Point State Park (a short drive away) and Moose Point State Park (a short drive away).

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to the state parks of the United States. Our editorial team compiles and reviews each park profile from official state park agency sources and other primary references, and follows a published editorial and review methodology (see /editorial-review-methodology/). We update profiles and correct errors on an ongoing basis.

🐾 Dogs & Pets at Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park

Pets allowed? statewide rule
Pets are allowed at most Maine state parks year-round, including trails, but must be leashed, under the handler's physical control and never left unattended.
Leash rule statewide rule
Leash not exceeding 4 feet, under the physical control of the handler
Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
Pets are not allowed on state park beaches April 1 through September 30; leashed pets are welcome on beaches October 1 through March 31
Statewide exceptions statewide rule
No pets allowed at Sebago Lake State Park campground; park staff may assign pet owners to less congested camping areas

Are dogs allowed at Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park?
Pets are allowed at most Maine state parks year-round, including trails, but must be leashed, under the handler's physical control and never left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.

Rules verified July 2026 via maine.gov. More: Maine state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared

Last updated: May 5, 2026

Park Location

185 Henry Point Road, Brooksville, Maine 04617

Plan your gear for Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park

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