A private island with generations of story behind it.
Two islands. One rare Maine retreat.
McGee Island sits off the coast of Maine in the Township of St. George. The property is made up of two islands: McGee Island and Barter Island. McGee is the larger at about 90 acres, while Barter sits beside it at roughly 60. At low tide, the two are connected, creating a natural rhythm that has shaped life here for generations.
Together, the islands form a protected natural harbor on their western side — part of what makes McGee feel so removed from the mainland while still being close enough to reach by boat from Port Clyde.
- 90 AcresMcGee Island
- 60 AcresBarter Island
- Low TideTwo islands linked by the rhythm of the coast
Off the coast of St. George, Maine.
McGee Island is located near Port Clyde in the Township of St. George, along the Maine coast. Guests arrive by boat, beginning the stay with the feeling of leaving the mainland behind.
- 01Port ClydeMainland departure point
- 02St. George, MaineTownship along the midcoast
- 03McGee Island~90 acres, the larger of the pair
- 04Barter Island~60 acres, connected at low tide
Arrive by boat. Stay on the island. Leave with a story.
A story shaped by centuries.
From early island inhabitants to a Maine family's century of summers, McGee's story has been quietly written by the people who returned to it.
- 01Hundreds of Years Ago
Early Island Life
The islands were likely inhabited by local Native Americans for several hundred years.
- 02As Early as 1760
Walter Meloney Arrives
Walter Meloney is thought to be the first settler of European descent to reside on McGee Island.
- 03Early Farming Years
Sheep, Cows, and Coastal Work
Later inhabitants were primarily farmers who raised sheep and cows, likely fishing during the off-season.
- 04Early 1900s
The Islands Come Together
Portions of the islands passed through several families before being consolidated by Ada Chadwick and Orrin Hupper.
- 051912
The Erickson Era Begins
The islands were sold to Arioch Wentworth Erickson, an ancestor of the Erickson family.
- 061915–1916
Historic Buildings Completed
Arioch designed several buildings on McGee, including the Main House, Big Boat House, and Little Boat House.
- 071934–1966
A Quiet Chapter
The islands were closed after Arioch and his wife moved to Nassau due to his declining health.
- 081966 Forward
Restoration and Renewal
Two of Arioch's sons returned, restored the buildings, and updated them with modern conveniences including running water and electricity.
- 09Today
A Family Place Still Alive
McGee and Barter Islands continue to keep the Erickson family connected through annual gatherings, games, stories, and generations returning together.
A place carried forward, generation after generation.
A place built for gathering.
For the Erickson family, McGee is more than a summer destination. It is a place where generations return, stories are retold, games are played, meals are shared, and new memories are layered onto old ones.
The annual family gathering keeps the clan connected across generations, with children, parents, grandparents, and relatives sharing the kind of time that is harder to create on the mainland.
Historic buildings, carefully carried forward.
Arioch Wentworth Erickson designed several of McGee Island's buildings, including the Main House, Big Boat House, and Little Boat House. Construction took place over three years and was completed around 1915 or 1916. Decades later, the buildings were restored and updated with modern conveniences while preserving the island's original character.
Main House
Designed during the Erickson era and completed around 1915/1916, the Main House remains the heart of island gatherings.
Big Boat House
Part of the island's historic building story, set along the working edge of the harbor.
Little Boat House
One of the distinctive buildings designed for life by the water, completed in the same 1915–1916 era.
Restoration Era
Beginning around 1966, the buildings were restored and updated with modern conveniences including running water and electricity.
“A place apart, but never disconnected from the people who return to it.”
That is the heart of McGee Island: privacy, history, nature, and the kind of time together that is harder to find on the mainland.
Ready to experience McGee Island for yourself?
Tell us about your group, preferred dates, and the kind of stay you want to create. We'll help you confirm availability, pricing, and next steps.
Weekly stays run mid-May through October.