Peaks Island
Photo of ferry landing and Welch Street on Peaks Island, Maine | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Casco Bay, Maine |
| Coordinates | 43°39′25″N 70°11′46″W / 43.65694°N 70.19611°W |
| Adjacent to | Gulf of Maine |
| Area | 720 acres (290 ha) |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 927 (2011–2015) |
Peaks Island is the most populous island in Casco Bay, Maine. It is part of the city of Portland and about three miles (4.8 km) from downtown. The island is served by Casco Bay Lines and has its own elementary school, library, and police station. It is the only island in Casco Bay served by car ferries.
While small, the island has a variety of businesses, including an ice cream parlor, restaurant, grocery store, kayak rentals, golf cart rentals, art galleries, the Fifth Maine Regiment Museum, and the Umbrella Cover Museum.
The island was originally known as Pond Island. It became Michael's Island after Michael Mitton was given the island on a 60-year lease by his father-in-law, George Cleeve. It was subsequently named Munjoy's Island, for George Munjoy, and Palmer's Island, for Munjoy's son-in-law John Palmer.