Pilgrim's Inn

The Ark is a historic inn, dining destination, and event venue on Deer Isle, Maine — a small island accessible by bridge off the coast of Downeast Maine. Built in 1793 by Ignatius Haskell as a post-colonial family home, the gambrel-roofed structure sits on two acres along the shores of Northwest Harbor and Mill Pond. Locals nicknamed it "The Ark" for its scale and elevated waterfront position; the name was officially restored in 2026 when the property came under new ownership. The inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was recently named among The New York Times' 50 best restaurants nationally. The property hosts intimate weddings and elopements at the harbor or Mill Pond, small gatherings in the historic Tavern and Dining Room, and creative retreats for writers, artists, and small groups. The Tavern — once the Haskell family kitchen — features eight-foot-wide fireplaces with original brick ovens and wood-paneled walls, while the Dining Room operates a rotating Chef in Residence program featuring acclaimed visiting chefs. For couples and groups seeking a calm, unhurried backdrop on the Maine coast, The Ark offers a celebration experience shaped by a genuine sense of place.