Mainepedia
Beals, Maine

Beals, Maine

Great Wass Island and lobster boats

Overview

Beals (often called Beals Island) is a quintessential Downeast lobster fishing community. Connected to Jonesport by a bridge, it is famous for the "Beals Island" style of lobster boat—seaworthy crafts with a distinctive hull shape. The town also encompasses Great Wass Island, home to a spectacular Nature Conservancy preserve.

Key Facts

Population 500
Region Downeast & Acadia
County Washington
Founded 1925
Nearest City Machias (25 minutes)

What Beals Is Known For

Beals Local Highlights

Great Wass Island Preserve
A 4.5-mile hiking loop through jack pine forests to a rugged, windswept granite coastline that feels prehistoric.
Boatbuilding
The birthplace of the modern Downeast lobster boat design.
Downeast Institute
A marine research laboratory and education center focusing on shellfish.

Things to Do

1
Hike Great Wass
Walk the Little Cape Point Trail for some of the best coastal hiking in Maine.
2
Watch the Races
The Moosabec Reach Lobster Boat Races in July are a high-speed spectacle.
3
Buy Fresh Lobster
Purchase directly from the wharves or local co-ops.

Living in Beals

Beals is a tight-knit community where life revolves around the tides and the seasons. It is quiet, traditional, and proud of its maritime heritage.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Foggy and cool, 60-70°F

winter

Windy, 20-35°F

spring

Late spring, 40-50°F

fall

Clear and beautiful, 50-60°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Carnivorous Plants (Sundews in the bogs) Eagles Seals Sea Ducks

How to Get There

Take Route 187 from Route 1 in Jonesboro or Columbia Falls to Jonesport, then cross the bridge.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Beals outline

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beals known for?

Beals is known for its boatbuilding heritage—the distinctive 'Beals Island' lobster boat design was developed here. The town also features the Great Wass Island Preserve with spectacular coastal hiking, and the Downeast Institute marine research center.

What is Great Wass Island?

Great Wass Island is part of Beals and home to a Nature Conservancy preserve with 4.5 miles of hiking trails through jack pine forests to a rugged, windswept granite coastline. The Little Cape Point Trail offers some of the best coastal hiking in Maine.

When are the Moosabec Lobster Boat Races?

The Moosabec Reach Lobster Boat Races are held in July, featuring high-speed competition among working lobster boats. This event is a highlight of the Downeast summer and draws spectators from across the region.