St. Clement’s Island State Park

Available Activities

Hiking
Photography
Bird Watching

Where Maryland Began — A Potomac River Island Accessible Only by Boat

St. Clement’s Island State Park preserves the exact site where Maryland’s colonial founders first stepped ashore on March 25, 1634 — making it one of the most historically significant locations in the Mid-Atlantic. The English colonists, arriving aboard the ships Ark and Dove, landed on this Potomac River island and celebrated what is recognized as the first Roman Catholic Mass in the British-American colonies, establishing a principle of religious toleration that would shape Maryland’s identity. That date — March 25 — is still observed as Maryland Day.

Today, the island is accessible only by boat — via a seasonal water taxi from the St. Clement’s Island Museum at Colton’s Point, or by private vessel. Once a 400-acre island in 1634, erosion has reduced it to roughly 40–60 acres. A 40-foot memorial cross (erected in 1934 for the 300th anniversary) marks the landing site, and a replica of the 1851 Blackistone Lighthouse (completed in 2008) stands watch over the Potomac. The combination of Colonial history, lighthouse architecture, and boat-only access creates an experience unlike any other state park on the East Coast.

Things to Do

Colonial History

The island is a living monument to Maryland’s founding:

40-foot Memorial Cross: Erected in 1934 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the 1634 landing and the establishment of religious freedom
Interpretive signage: Trail markers explain the colonial landing, the journey of the Ark and Dove, and the significance of the first Mass
Maryland Day (March 25): Annual commemorative events on or around this date

Blackistone Lighthouse

The replica Blackistone Lighthouse (completed 2008) recreates the original 1851 lighthouse that was destroyed by fire in 1956. The lighthouse is open for seasonal tours and offers views across the Potomac River. It’s a rare chance to explore a functioning lighthouse replica with genuine Chesapeake maritime heritage.

Nature & Birding

The island supports a mix of shoreline, forest, and meadow habitats. Its position in the Potomac makes it a productive birding location — particularly for shorebirds, herons, and raptors. The quiet, car-free environment creates a peaceful wildlife viewing experience.

Picnicking

Picnic tables and a pavilion are available on the island. Pack your own food and drinks — there are no concessions on the island itself.

Getting There

Access Method	Details	Important Notes
Water Taxi	Departs from St. Clement’s Island Museum, Colton’s Point	Seasonal (late March–October); call 301-769-2222 for schedule; weather-dependent
Private Boat	Docking facilities available on island	Year-round access for private vessels

Critical: The water taxi may be canceled due to high winds, storms, or rough water. Always call the St. Clement’s Island Museum at 301-769-2222 before visiting to confirm operations.

St. Clement’s Island Museum

Located on the mainland at Colton’s Point (38370 Point Breeze Road, Colton’s Point, MD 20626), the museum serves as both the water taxi departure point and a full-scale exhibition on Maryland’s colonial founding. Exhibits cover the Ark and Dove voyage, the Yaocomaco people who originally inhabited the region, and the Chesapeake’s maritime heritage. The museum is worth visiting even if weather prevents island access.

Best Time to Visit

Season	Highlights	Considerations
Spring (Mar–May)	⭐ Maryland Day events (March 25); bird migration; wildflowers; water taxi opens	Wind can cancel water taxi; dress in layers; call ahead
Summer (Jun–Aug)	Full water taxi schedule; lighthouse tours; longest island time; picnicking	Hot and humid; bring sun protection and water; mosquitoes
Fall (Sep–Oct)	⭐ Cooler temps; fall birding; peaceful island atmosphere; fewer visitors	Water taxi season ending; check schedule; shorter days
Winter (Nov–Feb)	Museum open (check hours); private boat access only; solitude	No water taxi; island facilities limited; cold Potomac winds

Visitor Tips

Call before you go: The water taxi is weather-dependent — high winds, storms, or rough water will cancel service. Always call 301-769-2222 before making the trip to Colton’s Point.
Pack supplies: There are no food concessions, no water fountains, and no restrooms with running water on the island. Bring everything you need, including water, snacks, sun protection, and insect repellent.
Museum first: Visit the St. Clement’s Island Museum before taking the water taxi — the exhibits provide essential context that makes the island experience far more meaningful.
Photography: The Blackistone Lighthouse and Memorial Cross photograph beautifully in morning light from the Potomac side. The water taxi ride itself offers excellent river photography opportunities.
Erosion reality: The island has shrunk from 400 acres to roughly 40–60 acres since 1634. Ongoing erosion is a real concern — visiting now connects you to both history and the environmental forces reshaping the Chesapeake.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to St. Clement’s Island State Park?

St. Clement’s Island is accessible only by boat. A seasonal water taxi operates from the St. Clement’s Island Museum at Colton’s Point, Maryland (38370 Point Breeze Road, Colton’s Point, MD 20626). The water taxi runs from approximately late March through October and is weather-dependent. Visitors can also arrive by private boat using the island’s docking facilities. Always call 301-769-2222 before visiting to confirm the water taxi schedule.

What is the historical significance of St. Clement’s Island?

St. Clement’s Island is the site of the first landing of Maryland’s colonial settlers on March 25, 1634. Colonists arriving aboard the ships Ark and Dove celebrated the first Roman Catholic Mass in the British-American colonies here, establishing a founding principle of religious toleration. A 40-foot memorial cross was erected in 1934 to mark the 300th anniversary. March 25 is still observed as Maryland Day.

Last updated: April 2026

Last updated: April 30, 2026