Milbridge, Maine: Downeast Blueberries, Lobster Boats, and Coastal Charm
Milbridge is the real Downeast Maine — a working fishing village where lobster boats come and go on the tide, blueberry barrens roll toward the horizon, and a small town park juts out into a quiet bay. Set at the mouth of the Narraguagus River in Washington County, it offers an authentic slice of coastal Maine life without the crowds of the better-known tourist towns. Here is what makes Milbridge worth a stop.
Where Is Milbridge?
Milbridge sits in Washington County on Narraguagus Bay, at the mouth of the 55-mile Narraguagus River, in the region often called “Downeast” Maine. It is a small working-waterfront community of roughly 1,375 residents, southeast of Ellsworth and within reach of the Acadia region — a genuine coastal town where fishing and farming still set the rhythm of daily life.
The Heart of Wild Blueberry Country
Milbridge and the surrounding towns of Washington County produce more wild blueberries than anywhere else on Earth. The town is home to Jasper Wyman & Son, one of the nation's leading growers and packers of wild blueberries. In late summer, the region's blueberry barrens turn from green to deep blue and then crimson in the fall, and the harvest is central to the local economy and identity.
McClellan Park
McClellan Park is a 10-acre town park on a wooded peninsula that reaches out into Narraguagus Bay, with water views on three sides, a small sandy beach, a dock, and walking paths through the pines. It is a peaceful spot for a picnic, a shoreline stroll, or simply watching the boats, and it captures the quiet beauty of the Downeast coast.
Milbridge Days & the Codfish Relay
Each year in late July, the town throws Milbridge Days, a beloved summer celebration that draws thousands of visitors for a parade, car show, lobster cookout, live concerts, and fireworks. The highlight is the famously entertaining codfish relay race — a only-in-Maine tradition in which teams race while passing a greased codfish. It is small-town fun at its best and a great time to experience the community's spirit.
A Working Waterfront
At its core, Milbridge is a fishing town. Lobstering and clamming are still a way of life here, and the harbor's working boats give the village its authentic character. Visitors can enjoy fresh Maine seafood, watch the tides shape the day, and get a real feel for how coastal Washington County communities live and work.
Visiting Milbridge
Milbridge makes a rewarding stop on a Downeast road trip, especially in late summer for the blueberry season and Milbridge Days, or in autumn for the coastal foliage. If you are touring Maine from inland — say, from the Winslow–Waterville area in the Kennebec Valley — it is a scenic drive east to trade the river country for the open coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Milbridge, Maine?
Milbridge is a Downeast coastal town in Washington County, on Narraguagus Bay at the mouth of the Narraguagus River, southeast of Ellsworth.
Why is Milbridge known for blueberries?
Milbridge and Washington County produce more wild blueberries than anywhere on Earth, and the town is home to Jasper Wyman & Son, a leading wild-blueberry grower and packer.
What is there to do in Milbridge?
Visit McClellan Park on Narraguagus Bay, enjoy the working waterfront and fresh seafood, and come in late July for Milbridge Days with its parade, lobster cookout, fireworks, and codfish relay race.
When is Milbridge Days?
Milbridge Days is held each year in late July, featuring a parade, car show, lobster cookout, concerts, fireworks, and the signature codfish relay race.