Roosevelt Campobello International Park
As the name suggests, Roosevelt Campobello International Park is as much about Franklin Delano Roosevelt as it is the scenery. FDR’s experiences here shaped him into the impressive world leader he ultimately became. From the age of one, this is where the U.S. President and his family vacationed, drawn by the cool air and restorative powers of these lands and the surrounding sea. As President, his policies toward Canada, and his approach to both international cooperation and to Native Americans, were likely shaped by his early associations with the fishermen and the Passamaquoddy Indians he came to know—and respect—here. Many think his policies concerning natural resources, too, were likely “seeded” by his time spent outdoors in the area. An excellent short film at the visitor center will introduce you to that history, as will a tour of the family mansion, painted the same red it’s always been.
You can also learn more about the legacy of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt through the informative Tea with Eleanor program, where stories of her time on the island and many accomplishments in life are shared while tea and homemade cookies are served—as Mrs. Roosevelt herself was known to do each afternoon while on Campobello, with invitations issued to island residents along with her famous friends. Tickets to the tea, which is served twice daily, are free with admission and may be reserved online on a first-come basis.
Afterward, take a stroll along the 16km (10 miles) of scenic coastal walking trails.
The park is run by a commission with representatives from both the U.S. and Canada—the only such arrangement in North America.
The park’s visitor center closes mid-October until mid-May, but the extensive grounds and parklands remain open year-round sunrise to sunset; maps, walk suggestions, and info on birdwatching, bog life, geology, and more are available at the visitor center and its website. The last tour leaves 15 minutes before closing.
As the name suggests, Roosevelt Campobello International Park is as much about Franklin Delano Roosevelt as it is the scenery. FDR’s experiences here shaped him into the impressive world leader he ultimately became. From the age of one, this is where the U.S. President and his family vacationed, drawn by the cool air and restorative powers of these lands and the surrounding sea. As President, his policies toward Canada, and his approach to both international cooperation and to Native Americans, were likely shaped by his early associations with the fishermen and the Passamaquoddy Indians he came to know—and respect—here. Many think his policies concerning natural resources, too, were likely “seeded” by his time spent outdoors in the area. An excellent short film at the visitor center will introduce you to that history, as will a tour of the family mansion, painted the same red it’s always been.
You can also learn more about the legacy of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt through the informative Tea with Eleanor program, where stories of her time on the island and many accomplishments in life are shared while tea and homemade cookies are served—as Mrs. Roosevelt herself was known to do each afternoon while on Campobello, with invitations issued to island residents along with her famous friends. Tickets to the tea, which is served twice daily, are free with admission and may be reserved online on a first-come basis.
Afterward, take a stroll along the 16km (10 miles) of scenic coastal walking trails.
The park is run by a commission with representatives from both the U.S. and Canada—the only such arrangement in North America.
The park’s visitor center closes mid-October until mid-May, but the extensive grounds and parklands remain open year-round sunrise to sunset; maps, walk suggestions, and info on birdwatching, bog life, geology, and more are available at the visitor center and its website. The last tour leaves 15 minutes before closing.
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