Cushing’s Island
Casco Bay, Maine

Directions to Cushing's Island, Portland, Maine, 04109

From points south, take the shortest route to I-95 north (e.g., I-84 to Mass Pike to I-495 to I-95). Continue north on I-95/Maine Turnpike (about 100 miles from Boston). Take exit 44 onto Route 295. Take the Portland Waterfront exit from route 295 after about 2 miles. Cross the bridge over the Fore River and turn right at the light, down the hill and onto Commercial St, which runs along the Fore River. Continue on Commercial St about 1.5 miles looking for a sign for DiMillo's Floating Restaurant (207-772-2216), which is behind a bank (name keeps changing) at 145 Commercial Street. Enter parking area at DiMillos, bear right after ticket booth and head to far right side of wharf (called Long Wharf). With no traffic, from downtown Boston to downtown Portland it usually takes 2 hours.

Cushing's Ferry

Unload passengers and gear at the top of the ramp for the Cushing's Island ferry on Long Wharf. Boat is usually the St. Croix run by Harold Cushing (no relation). Label all bags with the name of the homeowner (masking tape and markers work well - Harold has tape and markers on the ferry). During summer season, the ferry leaves Portland Monday through Friday at 7:30 AM, 12 noon, 5:30 PM; on Friday nights there is also a boat at 9:30PM. Saturday and Sunday boats leave at 9:30AM and 4:30PM. After arriving on the Island, passengers should carry bags off the boat and up the ramp to the truck.

Parking

Parking can be unpredictable during high season. There is parking on the next wharf over, Fisherman's Wharf (773-6649). Or try parking at the Casco Bay Lines parking building (774-8653) a few blocks up on the same side of the street. Or park at the municipal parking garage on Union St which is 2 blocks back on Commercial. Or try the Fish Pier municipal parking (773-1613) which a little further back on Commercial almost opposite the Visitor's Bureau (772-4994) at 305 Commercial. The Portland Parking Administration number is 874-8498. We usually allow an extra 15 minutes to unload and park.

There is on-street parking further back Commercial Street, towards the cargo terminal.

Water Taxi

If these departure times aren't convenient for you, call Presumscot Water Taxi at 879-2562 or Portland Express Water Taxi (Gene Willard - 415-8493) and request a pick up at the Public Landing (next to the Portland Fireboat, near Casco Bay Lines terminal, beyond Ri-Ra's (GREAT Irish pub) and Flatbread restaurant) going to the Summer Landing at Cushing's Island (about $40). The Public Landing is parallel to the Portland Fire Boat which is just before the Casco Bay Lines terminal/parking building. An alternate water taxi is Maine Lady Taxi (671-8930). In any case, we recommend calling at least 2 hours in advance.

General Notes

After you arrive on the island and carry the bags up the ramp, the caretaker will deliver bags to the house. Life is casual on the island - bring something for rain, a sweater, sneakers, warm weather gear (swimsuit, shorts), long pants just in case and anything special you may need (for me, that's antihistamines, bug juice, and sunscreen).

This information was provided by Phil Thayer to help your guests and renters.

revised 8 July 2007