Winter Harbor, Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Winter Harbor, Maine
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Aerial view of Winter Harbor
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 Winter Harbor, Maine
Location in Maine
Winter Harbor, Maine
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Hancock |
| Villages | Winter Harbor Gerrishville Summer Harbor Grindstone Point (Summer Colony) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 69.12 sq mi (179.02 km2) |
| • Land | 14.36 sq mi (37.19 km2) |
| • Water | 54.76 sq mi (141.83 km2) |
| Elevation | 23 ft (7 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 461 |
| • Density | 32/sq mi (12.4/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
04693
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| Area code(s) | 207 |
| FIPS code | 23-86655 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0582821 |
Winter Harbor is a small town in Hancock County, Maine, United States. It is located on the Schoodic Peninsula. In 2020, about 461 people lived there.
The town is very close to the Schoodic Point part of Acadia National Park. It is east of Bar Harbor and Ellsworth. Winter Harbor used to have a US Naval Station, which closed in the mid-2000s. Now, that spot is home to the Schoodic Institute’s Education and Research Center.
Winter Harbor is a classic Downeast fishing village. Many families here have been fishing for generations. The town is also known for the Winter Harbor 21 model boat, which was named after it.
Contents
Exploring Winter Harbor
The Schoodic Point area of Acadia National Park is right next to Winter Harbor. This park has been very important for the town's growth and community life.
The town includes the main village of Winter Harbor. It also has the summer community of Grindstone Neck. Other small areas are Gerrishville and Summer Harbor.
Annual Lobster Festival
Every August, Winter Harbor hosts its annual Lobster Festival. This event celebrates the town's history, culture, and fishing industry. Many people from the area come to enjoy the festival.
The festival has lots of fun activities. You can find markets, exciting boat races, and a parade. It's a great way to experience the local traditions.
Geography of the Town
Winter Harbor is a town with a mix of land and water. According to the United States Census Bureau, the total area is about 69.12 square miles (179.02 square kilometers).
Most of this area, about 54.76 square miles (141.83 square kilometers), is water. The land area is smaller, around 14.36 square miles (37.19 square kilometers).
A Look at History
Winter Harbor has an interesting past. During Queen Anne's War, the town was attacked several times by French forces and Native Americans.
Later, during World War II, the United States Navy had a special radio station here. It was used for important communications during the war.
Population Over the Years
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1900 | 571 | — | |
| 1910 | 590 | 3.3% | |
| 1920 | 503 | −14.7% | |
| 1930 | 517 | 2.8% | |
| 1940 | 518 | 0.2% | |
| 1950 | 568 | 9.7% | |
| 1960 | 756 | 33.1% | |
| 1970 | 1,028 | 36.0% | |
| 1980 | 1,120 | 8.9% | |
| 1990 | 1,157 | 3.3% | |
| 2000 | 988 | −14.6% | |
| 2010 | 516 | −47.8% | |
| 2020 | 461 | −10.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2010 Census Information
In 2010, there were 516 people living in Winter Harbor. These people lived in 255 households. About 145 of these were families.
Most of the people, 96.9%, were White. A small number were from other racial backgrounds. About 1.7% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age of people in town was 51.1 years old. About 18% of residents were under 18. About 25.8% were 65 years old or older.
Grindstone Neck Community
Grindstone Neck is a special summer community. It is located on a small peninsula southwest of the main village. In 1889, a group wanted to create a summer spot like Bar Harbor.
People who live in this community are part of an association. This group has a yacht club, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, and walking paths.
Historic Sailboats
The Winter Harbor Yacht Club bought and fixed up all nine original Winter Harbor 21 sailboats. These boats were designed in 1907. They are believed to be the oldest one-design sailboat fleet in the United States. This means all the boats are built to the same exact design.
Many of the large homes on Grindstone Neck are called "cottages." However, many of them are very big, with 7 to 12 bedrooms!
Notable People from Winter Harbor
- Fitz Eugene Dixon Jr., an educator and generous giver to charity.
- Jacob Knowles, a lobsterman who creates popular videos on social media.
See also
In Spanish: Winter Harbor (Maine) para niños
