Mackworth Island/Fairy Huts Info Please... (Casco: houses, live, restaurant)

[maja]

We will be in Southern Maine later this week with our two daughters (9 & 6.) I read somewhere on this board about Mackworth Island and that you can hike around the island and build Fairy Huts??? My daughters - especially the 9 yr. old - are really into Fairies and I thought this might be something they would enjoy. Can someone tell me a bit more about it; e.g., Where exactly is Mackworth Island? When is the best time to go? How big is the island and how far must you hike? Are there trails? What exactly are the fairy huts that the kids build? Is there a fee? Is there a restaurant/giftshop or is it strictly an outdoor , nature type of thing? Is there anything else to do on this island? Any other kid friendly recommendations will be appreciated. Thanks!

[MRVphotog]

Originally Posted by maja

We will be in Southern Maine later this week with our two daughters (9 & 6.) I read somewhere on this board about Mackworth Island and that you can hike around the island and build Fairy Huts??? My daughters - especially the 9 yr. old - are really into Fairies and I thought this might be something they would enjoy. Can someone tell me a bit more about it; e.g., Where exactly is Mackworth Island? When is the best time to go? How big is the island and how far must you hike? Are there trails? What exactly are the fairy huts that the kids build? Is there a fee? Is there a restaurant/giftshop or is it strictly an outdoor , nature type of thing? Is there anything else to do on this island? Any other kid friendly recommendations will be appreciated. Thanks!

Here is some info
Mackworth one of new trail guide's local gems

No giftshop, very easy basically flat walking. During the week is the best time to go. One basic wide trail that goes around the island along the water. There is an old dock area about halfway around, nice place to hang out. On the northwest corner you can walk out on the rocks to Casco Bay, its such a nice area I shot my daughter's and a couple of her friends their senior pictures. Came out great.

[genmomto5]

It's a small island with a circular trail. You can go down to the beach at various points. It is free but parking is limited so you may get turned away with a "Come back latuh." There is no gift shop but the gift shop in the children's museum carries some fairy house books.

You are only supposed to use natural things for your house and picking live plants on the islamd is a no-no. Take a bag so you can pick up leaves and branches along the way. You will see fairyhouses as you go along but the main village is about 3/4 around if you start on the trail on the parking lot side.

Have fun.

[maja]

Thanks MRVphotog and genmomto5. We will definitely put this on our agenda. Sounds wonderful! Not sure who is going to enjoy it more, parents or children?!! We are so excited to finally be coming to Maine.

[dubthang]

I go to the island every couple of weeks or so. It takes me and my gf about 40 minutes to do the loop. Its a nice easy trip with good views of the islands in Casco Bay.

[navigator72]

I took my (now) wife there on our first date and it worked, we recently celebrated 2 years of wedded bliss. Great place..... if you are into geo-caching, there is one on the island. (kind of like treasure hunting).

The fairy village is a way for the caretakers of the island to have all the sticks picked up and put into small piles.

Have fun

[maja]

Thanks Dubthang and Navigator2. If it ever stops raining we will go!!!