Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge is located on a remote island off the coast of Maine.


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Summary

The refuge is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, as it is home to a variety of unique wildlife and natural features.

One of the main reasons to visit Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge is its remote location and rugged natural beauty. The island is largely undeveloped, and visitors can explore miles of pristine coastline and forests without encountering many other people.

Some of the specific points of interest to see at Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge include the rocky shorelines, old-growth forests, and the historic lighthouse that sits on the island's southern tip. The refuge is also home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Cross Island was once home to a thriving fishing community, and that the island was used as a military training ground during World War II. Today, the island is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is protected as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

The best time of year to visit Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the island's wildlife is most active. However, visitors should be prepared for rough seas and inclement weather, as the island is exposed to the open ocean and can be difficult to reach during stormy conditions.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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