The entire island is a National Natural Landmark. Since I am currently sitting in a New Brunswick motel room sipping coffee and feeling lazy, I will quote from the National Park Service:
“The coastal and island flora on Monhegan Island is considered the only sizeable example in near virgin condition in the northeastern United States. The site supports dense, almost pure stands of red spruce, over 400 species of wildflower, and a variety of bird species.”
Monhegan Island has a trail which runs above the cliffs from the north clockwise to the southwest. There are also interconnecting trails through the woods leading to different short roads (all of them dirt) which lead back to the small and only village.
The shipwreck is from 1948. Atlas Obscura features it in its “D.T. Sheridan Shipwreck” episode.
The village itself is an artists’ haven. Artists come here during high season and have workshops and paint/sculpt outside. I was here too early for this as they typically wait until June to begin.
Many birders come here as well since the island is a stop on migratory routes. During my stay, I met many a person with high-powered binoculars and fancy cameras.
The village has a small handful of restaurants and a larger handful of places to stay. Though one can take the ferry and make this a day trip, I would recommend staying a couple of nights so you can spend leisurely time both on the trails and wandering about the village. I stayed at The Monhegan House, which I highly recommend.
Melanie Tucker, a warm and positive force of nature in all the best ways, gave me a happy welcome as I walked through the door. Melanie just took over ownership of Monhegan House, and I was the very first customer to enter. Fun fact: Monhegan House has been an inn since the 1870s and has a long history of female ownership.
Please note I do not know Melanie outside of our interactions while I stayed at Monhegan House. I am not being paid for this post. I am simply a happy customer.
The tourist season is just starting, and during my stay I got to witness over a dozen happy & kind people running around and chipping in to help Melanie. I spoke with many, all of whom had gotten to know Melanie when she ran The Cracked Mug, a B&B across the road from Monhegan House. Many had ended up traveling with her or inviting her to their homes for visits during the off-season. Melanie works her a$$ off, and she obviously loves what she does. Always positive, always smiling, always down-to-earth, always radiating joy – I can see why so many were happy to help as she opened for the season.
And the food – my god, the food! Melanie bakes bread and cakes and muffins that are Out. Of. This. World. I have traveled a lot, globally, and I can honestly say that her baked goods are the best I have EVER tasted. Her cooks serve up gourmet breakfasts and, for an additional fee, dinner if you feel so inclined.
The rooms – they do not have individual bathrooms, and since the building is old, sound travels. None of this was an issue (just use earplugs). The bathrooms are each in their own room, as are the showers – you go into a private room that is not attached to your bedroom and then have that room with a toilet or shower to yourself.
Hint for solo travelers – get a room on the top floor! I had Room 31, a comfy single bed with twice the windows as the lower floors and views of the ocean. This was also one of the least expensive rooms, though the view can’t be beat! I paid $125 for a room with a stellar view, and that included the three course breakfast.
There is a small chapel near Monhegan House. A different pastor is there each week. There is a parish across the road from the chapel where the pastor stays during the seven days he/she is on the island.
