City of Calais, Maine

Calais is a small city of just over 3,000 residents in eastern Washington County. The city lies nestled between the Canadian border and the St Croix River.

There are three international border crossings here that connect Calais to St Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada. And this area is the primary shopping center of eastern Washington County and Charlotte County, New Brunswick.

Calais is a beautiful area to visit or live in with its rich history, great schools and community, nearby parks, and access to the river.

Calais has always been a city of commerce because of its location and proximity to the river. The first sawmill was built here in 1782 by Daniel Hill. Hill was the first permanent European settler to this area, arriving during the American Revolutionary War in 1779.

In 1809 the settlement became known as Calais. It was named after Calais in France as an honor to the French who assisted the colonists here during the American Revolution.

Calais then grew into a thriving mill town with sawmills, grain mills, and shingle mills. The Calais Railroad came soon after and was the first railroad built in Maine, constructed here to help transport lumber to other parts of the country.

Exploring Calais Maine

The St. Croix Historical Society was established in 1954. This society helps to preserve the memories, artifacts and buildings here in Calais. Whitlock’s Mill Lighthouse and Holmes Cottage are owned and cared for by this historical society. Whitlock’s Mill Lighthouse is Maine’s northernmost lighthouse opened in 1892 and is still operational today guiding ships in from Passamaquoddy Bay.

Holmes Cottage is a 1790s house that was once the home and office of Dr. Job Holmes, a local family doctor. It is now maintained as a museum by the Calais Historical Society. The house has been restored to what it would have looked like in 1850 and contains the Doctor’s maps, medical equipment, period furniture and clothing. It is open from July to mid-September.

Places to Explore and Experience

Another historical building here in Calais is the public library. It was designed and built in 1893 by Boston architect Arthur H. Vinal. The building is a beautiful example of the Romanesque Revival.

You won’t want to miss out on the Wabanaki Cultural Center and Museum located at 39 Union St., and admission is free. This museum features artwork and historical artifacts of the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes. There’s a gift shop and a Touch Tank filled with local sea creatures. This is a great place to stop with the whole family.

St. Croix Country Club is a picturesque golf course that was established in 1927 and is set on the banks of the St. Croix River. Stop by for a round of golf or to eat in the Clubhouse Restaurant and enjoy the view from their outside deck seating that overlooks the river.

If you’re looking for someplace special to host a wedding or other event check out their Banquet Hall. They can comfortably accommodate sit-down functions of up to 150 people. Plus, the view overlooking the river is an ideal place to have photographs taken to commemorate the day.

Local Trails

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is a short drive outside of the city. This park of 30,000 acres offers plenty of hunting, fishing and hiking trails.

Meridian Park and the Historic Calais Observatory are both incredible places to stop on your next visit. All that remains of the observatory now is the pair of granite fixtures on the grounds of the former Calais Academy. These stones were used to hold the equipment needed for astronomical observations and charting.

Head Conservation Area is another worthwhile stop. This area of 318 acres contains two trails, one of which overlooks the St. Croix River.

Calais Waterfront Walkway is another easy trail that follows the river through downtown and into the countryside beyond.

Lodging and Restaurants in Calais, Maine

If you’re planning a visit here you’ll find many great places to stay in Calais or in a neighboring town. The Calais Crossing River House Bed and Breakfast is a popular choice for visitors and is located at 704 Main St.

Or if you’re looking for a place to park your RV or put up a tent check out Keenes Lake Family Campground. This family-owned campground is open from May 1 to October 30 each year. They also have cabins for rent, a playground, a general store, and a snack bar. And they’re dog-friendly!

While you’re here make sure that you stop by the St. Croix Snack Shack and get a taste of some local seafood in season. They also serve burgers and ice cream!

Calais is a great place to visit or stop on your way through to New Brunswick, Canada, or elsewhere. Everyone will find something of interest here!

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