Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Holbrook Island Sanctuary
Holbrook Island Sanctuary Location in Maine
Location	Brooksville, Hancock, Maine, United States
Area	1,345 acres (5.44 km2)
Elevation	59 ft (18 m)
Established	1971
Operator	Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Website	Holbrook Island Sanctuary

Holbrook Island Sanctuary is a special nature park located on Penobscot Bay in Brooksville, Maine. This large area covers about 1,345 acres (544 ha) and is open to the public. It includes different kinds of natural areas like forests, open fields, wet marshlands, and ponds. You can also find rocky shores along the mainland and the nearby Holbrook Island itself. The park is looked after by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

Park History: How it Started

Holbrook Island Sanctuary became a park in 1971. A woman named Anita Harris had been buying land in Brooksville since the 1960s. She then gave about 1,230 acres (500 ha) of her land to the state. Anita Harris wanted the park to stay as natural as possible. Because of her wishes, the park has been kept mostly wild. It has very few modern buildings or changes.

Fun Things to Do at the Park

Holbrook Island Sanctuary offers many ways to enjoy nature. There are about 11 miles (18 km) of old trails that are great for exploring. You can go hiking or cross-country skiing on these paths. The trails wind through different coastal areas, so you'll see many types of plants and animals.

Besides hiking, visitors can also go swimming in the waters of Penobscot Bay. Kayaking is another popular activity, letting you explore the shoreline from the water. If you enjoy fishing, you can also cast a line here. It's a wonderful place to connect with nature and have an outdoor adventure.