The Water Research Institute

The Water Research institute is at 2 Huckleberry Lane in Blue Hill.   Central Hall where we will be gathering for food and lectures is almost directly across the street.  We are more than happy to help you arrive safely.  Please use the contact form on the home page if you have any questions.   The Lodging is either in Blue Hill or in Brooklin, the next town to the South on our Peninsula.  

How to Get Here

Driving

From points South
Follow I-95N to Exit 44 in South Portland. Merge onto I-295 in Portland. Take Exit 113 in Augusta onto US-3, going east toward Belfast. Continue on US-3/US-1 Bucksport.  Turn Right.   Follow US-3/US-1 to the Big Apple/Shell Station, turn right and follow ME-15 to Blue Hill.   When you dead-end on Main St. in Blue Hill, make a right to the round about up the hill.  Follow circle around to third exit towards Tradewinds marketplace.  Follow until you get to Falls Bridge Road-- turn left, and the Water Research Institute is about 2 miles from the bridge on the right.  Central Hall is a little further on, on the left. 

Or Scenic Coastal Route (can be slow):
Follow I-95 to Exit 28 in Brunswick. Follow US-1 along the coast to Bucksport and US-15 to Blue Hill.

From points North
Follow I-95S to Exit 182A in Bangor. Merge onto I-395E/ME-15 towards US-1. Take Exit 4 onto ME-15S/ME-9E towards Brewer. Follow ME-15 into Blue Hill.

Flying

The Blue Hill Peninsula is served by the following airports:

  • Bangor International Airport (BGR): 36 miles from the Blue Hill Peninsula
  • Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport (BHB): 22 miles from Blue Hill
  • Portland International Jetport (PWM): 140 miles from Blue Hill
    We cannot pick you up from Portland, but there is Concord Bus Lines both from Portland to Bangor and even from Boston if you are adventurous and are looking for cheap flights.
  • The Augusta Airport also is an option for JetBlue/Cape Air flyers.  Cape Air is a puddle jumper, so also for the brave and flexible as flights out can be delayed by fog. 

Some Fun Places to Explore

Harriman Point, Brooklin

In Brooklin, Harriman Point’s beaches boast spectacular views across Blue Hill Bay to Mount Desert Island. Welcome to Blue Hill Peninsula’s largest continuous stretch of coastline open to the public.  See Maine Coast Heritage Trust for information and to explore more preserve offerings in the area.

The Blue Hill Coop

With local organic offerings, the Co-op is a nice place to get some snacks, morning necessities, or forgotten supplements.  You will pass it on your way to South Blue Hill.   Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op, and, over the years, they have become a community food hub for the entire Blue Hill Peninsula, where people gather daily.  Customers include locals, seasonal residents, and visitors.   See more here...

The Brooklin General Store

Under new ownership, the Brooklin General has a variety of coffee options with a new espresso bar.  They have a variety of organic offerings as well, sometimes even including Biodynamic Yogurt and other items.    See their website here for hours and offerings.

About the Blue Hill Peninsula

The Blue Hill Peninsula encompasses the towns of Blue Hill, Brooklin, Brooksville, Castine, Penobscot, Sedgwick, and Surry and serves as the gateway to Little Deer Isle, Deer Isle, and Stonington. Blue Hill is the largest town, and is the region’s service center. The landscape here is marked by sweeping views of the blueberry barrens and the sea. Tucked in among the ridges, valleys and the jagged coastline, you’ll find adventure of all kinds, from a day on the water and an evening of live music to a solitary morning walk and an afternoon of gallery tours