The mission of Castine’s town government is to provide services and resources essential to public safety and a functional economy (economic development) to its nearly 1,400 citizens. We are a supportive and welcoming community that offers a variety of recreational and cultural activities, reasonable access to transportation and excellent public and private educational opportunities in the immediate area. Our diverse and well-educated workforce and heritage of hard work and ingenuity make us an attractive choice for businesses. As the home of nationally recognized Maine Maritime Academy, Castine is particularly appealing for those in the fields of marine services and technologies.
Our Visitors Center, located on Castine’s scenic waterfront, has become the hub of economic development activity. While serving as a venue where visitors arrive by bike, boat or vehicle to learn more about our village, it has simultaneously become a rallying point for the Castine Merchants Association (CMA) and a source of pride for our town. The CMA rents the space and covers all operating cost. The Visitors Center has also spawned the purchase of Scarlett, a low-speed vehicle operated by the Castine Touring Company, which provides transportation from the waterfront and volunteer guided tours around our historic town.
In the first two seasons, the Visitors Center hosted over 3,000 visitors from all 50 states and 24 foreign countries. The Center is open from Memorial Day Weekend through September. Hours of operation are 9-4, Monday thru Saturday and 12-4 Sundays. Come in so our volunteers can tell you what is so special about our town.
