Isle Au Haut and Turner Cove

Isle Au Haut provides a spectacular natural setting. Half of the Island is permanently preserved as part of Acadia National Park. Over 30 miles of hiking trails follow along the rugged shoreline, cliffs, mountains, and pass through forest. It is a wilderness area of exceptional beauty.

The town of Isle au Haut has a small and vibrant year-round community served by the Isle Au Haut Boat Service, a grocery store, K-8 one room schoolhouse, a petite post office, church, and gift shop. There are no restaurants but the Lobster Lady offers fresh and delicious take-out food.

Visiting the Island requires a bit of planning since it requires leaving your vehicle on the mainland and travelling 7 miles to the Island by ferry. For those willing to weather this challenge, rewards await!

The house at Turner Cove offers panoramic views and sits just steps from the water. Set on the "Sunrise Side" of the Island ~2 miles from the ferry landing, it has accessible waterfront and twelve acres of lawn, blueberry fields and woods to explore. Mt. Desert Island, the busier part of Acadia National Park, is visible in the distance. At high tide, the water is deep enough to jump in from a stone pier. (Yes, it's cold!) At low tide, a shell beach is exposed.

Just a Little History

Over 150 years ago, this Cove on the East Side of Isle Au Haut was settled by the Turner Family and became known as Turner Cove. The primary livelihood from the Cove was fishing, especially for lobster. The property includes the Main House and a handful of outbuildings that have served generations including a barn, bike barn and simple waterside cottage known as "The Refuge."

Back in 1940, the original homestead was lost in a house fire. Family and community rallied to rebuild, and chose to build a simple duplex that allowed the extended family to have two private living spaces in the two sides of the house.

In the 1980's, a distantly related Turner family purchased the property and thus it has remained Turner Cove for another four generations to date.

Turner Cove Today

Turner Cove is now owned by Sue (Turner) & Stew Foelix. Cadi, a black lab, is also part of the scene.

If you enjoy having access to your hosts who can help recommend hikes, help you find the right bike, provide that missing ingredient, or explain what you are seeing in the distance from the deck, you will enjoy Turner Cove. If you prefer complete solitude, this may not be the place for you.

What can you expect on arrival at Turner Cove?

You will be met at the town landing and assisted with your luggage to the Cove. The House provides simple, clean accommodations with a well provisioned kitchen. You can bring your own bikes or there is a selection of bikes available to use during the visit.

Will my cell phone and internet service work?

The House has internet service, although it is not always super-fast. There is good cell phone reception at the house, however many places on the Island do NOT have cell phone reception!