Cliff Island facts for kids
Cliff Island is a small island in Casco Bay, Maine, United States. It is part of the city of Portland. About 60 people live on the island all year. In the summer, the population grows to around 200 people. Cliff Island is special because it's the only island in Casco Bay with people living there all year that has no paved roads!
Years ago, in the early 1900s, many tourists came to the island's inns for summer vacations. Today, there are no hotels, but many homes can be rented. Even without big public services, islanders have a community hall, a tennis court, a baseball field, and a playground. The island also has its own Post Office, a fire department, and a small one-room school for younger kids. The islanders have worked hard to keep their Post Office open.
Getting Around Cliff Island
Cliff Islanders travel to the mainland using the Casco Bay Lines ferry. The ferry ride takes about one hour. Most islanders buy their groceries in Portland. There is also a small store on the island. In the summer, tourists often get off the ferry to enjoy ice cream or pizza at the island's café.
Since there are no paved roads, people on Cliff Island use bicycles, golf carts, and electric carts to get around. In 2008, a special ramp was added. This ramp helps barges deliver trucks and other heavy items to the island.
Cliff Island in Movies
Cliff Island was the filming location for the movie The Whales of August in 1987. The entire film was shot right on the island! A buoy used in the movie is now on display. You can see it outside the Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal. This film was one of the last for famous actors like Bette Davis, Lillian Gish, Vincent Price, and Ann Sothern.
