St. Mary’s County Museum Division is offering special cruises to St. Clement’s Island State Park on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026, aboard North Star Charters.
Visitors can enjoy a scenic boat trip to the historic island and a free guided tour of the Blackistone Lighthouse for just $7 per person. The first cruise departs from the mainland at 10 a.m., with the final departure at 2 p.m. The last return trip from the island to the mainland leaves at 3 p.m.
The regular St. Clement’s Island Museum water taxi, a newly acquired larger vessel, is currently undergoing final U.S. Coast Guard inspections and certification before entering regular service for the 2026 season.
“We appreciate the community’s patience as we work through the final certification process for our new vessel,” said Karen Stone, Manager of the St. Mary’s County Museum Division. “While we have experienced some unexpected delays in launching the new water taxi for service, we are grateful to North Star Charters for partnering with us to continue providing transportation to St. Clement’s Island State Park on this special occasion.”
St. Clement’s Island holds immense historical significance as the site of Maryland’s first English settlement in 1634. The island and its lighthouse are popular destinations for families and history enthusiasts in St. Mary’s County and across Southern Maryland.
The partnership allows the Museum Division to maintain access to the island and lighthouse while the new water taxi completes certification. Regular daily water taxi service will resume once the vessel is fully approved. A public notice will be issued at that time.
For more information on museum hours, programs, events, admission prices and updates, visit the St. Mary’s County Museum Division website or follow St. Clement’s Island Museum on Facebook.
