The 8th Maine Regiment Lodge and Museum

We booked this for the weekend for our family of 4. Grandma, mom and dad and granddaughter. We stayed in room 5 on the second floor, with 3 beds that were unbelievably comfortable, Bright and sunny in the mornings & 3 doors down from the ladies room. Ladies room has two toilets a clawfoot tub and a shower with great water pressure. Ladies room becomes co-ed after 10pm. Men’s room has the same, but is on the first floor as you enter the inn. There are 3 amazing porches to relax on. The 2nd floor has two, one ocean front the other “street side”. Plus a wraparound porch on the first floor. The first floor has tons of games war memorabilia and rocking chairs as well as a reading area with an ocean view and a beautiful wraparound porch. The basement has 6 or so full sized refrigerators for the guest Two old electric stoves which get the job done. Just a bit slower. Unlimited gas cooking tops, place settings and places to store your food. All the tables are decorated with flowers. The tradition is to set your table for your stay with the beautiful tableware and fill your vase with flowers you pick on the island. We chose wild carrots which grow in abundance here. Outdoors you’ll find a few chairs, a swing, grill table and outdoor shower and of course the ocean view. We can not say enough great things about our weekend stay here except we will definitely be coming back for a week next year. William and Dawn? I believe was her name were welcoming, friendly and helpful with any of our needs. They made us feel right at home. The only “down side” were the stairs and there are plenty! It didn’t bother us but if you have any issues with walking or stairs this may not be the place for you. The inn was built long ago and the stairs are taller than we are used to. The bathroom is shared and the stalls are tight to your knees. The shower has great water pressure and hot water but the entrance was small. The outdoor shower was refreshing. Not much parking. We left our car and rented a golf cart. If you are walking to the inn with lots of luggage there is a taxi right as you exit the ferry. We are so grateful we found this beautiful inn. It is not a hotel, think more hostel but on a grand scale, with beautiful views, dinnerware and wonderful staff and patrons.

What an amazing place. I was travelling with a friend who take care of the details, bookings etc. She booked the 8th Maine based on views and location having no idea that I was a history geek. Staying at the Lodge was an immersive time travel experience. I LOVED it! However, it's not for everyone; shared bathrooms and lack of amenities, so fussy people don't bother. But the place is exceptionally clean, the views are amazing, coffee in the morning, kitchen facilities if you'd like to cook, and the hosts Dawn and Bill are lovely. Staying here will always be one of my best travel experiences. For those who love to travel to truly experience the world, this place is a must.

We loved this place! While it's old and funky/rustic with shared bathrooms, it is not for everyone. It is not luxurious at all. But it is IMMACULATE and a great value for staying on this beautiful island. The lodge is full of Civil War history, the views are amazing, and the hosts are incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and accommodating. It's apparent that they love what they do. We can't wait to return and highly recommend 8th Maine if rustic appeals to you.

The place is rustic and the bathrooms could use an upgrade, but it's a lot cheaper than most places on Peak's Island or in Portland. I'm not sure it was the place for us, but if you're looking for a unique getaway...