maine state tour

The guided tour explores the first floor rooms of the 1833 mansion and describes the historical background of teacher turned political leader, James G. Blaine. Guided tours of the Blaine House are available for free, but must be scheduled in advance. 

During the Holiday Season (December 1 – January 3), the Blaine House will have availability for tours Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:00, 10:30, and 11 except when pre-empted by official events. Please make reservations through the Maine State Museum . You may be paired with other guests and a security form must be submitted.

Guided tours are approximately 25 minutes long.

The Blaine House tour is appropriate for children age eight (Grade 3) and older. Tour group sizes are limited to a maximum of 20 people. If the tour group is a school or camp group, a maximum of 5 group leaders/chaperones may accompany the group.

• All Blaine House tours for individuals and groups must be scheduled at least three days in advance. You may use the Reservation Form or call 207-287-2301.
• Food and drinks are not allowed in the Blaine House.
• A completed Blaine House Security Form is required for ALL GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS and MUST BE SUBMITTED PRIOR TO THE RESERVATION DATE.

BLOCK OUT DATES:

December 1st December 7th  December 8th  December 12th  CLOSED: December 25th and 26 th and December 30 th – January 2 nd  

See Special Events Page for other Tours …

THE BLAINE HOUSE

Home of maine's governors since 1919..

[email protected]

Po box 68 augusta, me 04332.

• Host an Event
• Holidays at the House
• News and Events

• James G. Blaine
• Governors of Maine
• Holiday Cards from the Blaine House
• Gardens & Grounds
• Virtual Tour by Earle Shettleworth

• Voter Registration Day
• Register to Vote
• Absentee Ballot
• Upcoming Election
• Voter Rights
• Classroom Materials
• How A Bill Becomes Law
• Service Learning
• Internships
• Become a Poll Worker
• Voter Registration Drives
• State House Honorary Page
• Visit State House
• Legislation Status
• Listen to Legislative Committees
• Watch Senate
• Watch House
• Contact Your Legislator
• Run for Office
• Children's Book
• Coloring Book

Visiting the State House

Directions to the state house.

• Senate Home
• Senate President
• Live Senate Video
• Senate Democrats
• Senate Republicans
• Senate Unenrolled
• Speaker of the House
• Live House Video
• House Democrats
• House Republicans
• House Independents
• Legislative Council
• Office of the Executive Director
• Office of the Revisor of Statutes
• Legislative Information Office
• Office of Policy and Legal Analysis
• Office of Fiscal and Program Review
• Law and Legislative Reference Library
• Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability
• Legislative Committees
• Testimony Submission
• Senate Committees
• House Committees
• Committee Hearings & Work Sessions
• Bill Status Search
• Bill Text & Tracking Search
• Legislative Studies
• Document Database Search
• Additional Books and Documents
• Senate Resources
• Maine Revised Statutes
• Law and Legislative Digital Library
• Appropriations Cmte. Materials
• Leg. Council Schedule Info
• Member Resources
• Employee Resources
• Apportionment Commission
• Contact Form
• Job Opportunities
• About the Legislature
• E-mail: webmaster_legis
• E-mail: webmaster_senate
• E-mail: webmaster_house

• About the Maine Senate
• Senate Calendar
• Senate Offices and Leadership
• Senate Resources and Documents
• Visitor Information
• Document Search

Visit the Maine State House

Tours of the State House

As a citizen or visitor to the State of Maine, you are invited to visit and/or tour the Maine State House. Tours and Field Trips are scheduled through the Maine State Museum. They are free of charge, and available for the State House and the Blaine House. For more information and scheduling contact the State Museum at (207) 287-2301. On behalf of the Maine State Senate, we look forward to seeing you!

The Hall of Flags

The Hall of Flags schedule is maintained by the House Chamber. You will be redirected using the following links:

Hall of Flags Schedule

Hall of Flags Policy

Maine Government

Visit the state house.

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Request your Free

Vacation planner, free maine travel planner, fill out the form below to order your free maine travel planner and maine state highway map.

This official travel planner is packed with insider tips and essential information to help you make the most of your trip to the great state of Maine. Discover the hidden gems and the breathtaking beauty of quaint coastal towns and rustic mountain villages; there's something for everyone in this beautiful state.

Explore all of what Maine has to offer, and fill out the form below to receive your Free Maine Travel Planner and State Highway Map. Don't miss out on a single adventure! 

Can't wait to start planning? Call 1-888-624-6345 or chat with a Maine Travel Counselor on our website for insider tips. Be sure to visit one of our seven State Visitor Information Centers for even more inspiration. The locations of these visitor centers can be found here:

mainetourism.com/plan/visitor-information-centers/

MAINE'S OFFICIAL TRAVEL PLANNER

VIEW THE DIGITAL GUIDE HERE OR CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW

VIEW THE DIGITAL GUIDE HERE

REQUEST A FREE COPY OF THE 2024 GUIDE BY FILLING OUT THE FORM BELOW

Maine Vacation Travel Planners

Select all that Apply

Please enter your cell # if you wish to opt-in to receive text messages on Maine Vacation Specials

* Indicates a required field.

You May Also Like...

Maine Tours & Vacations

A land of lighthouses where rugged beauty meets old town, coastal charm.

Located on the  USA's  upper east coast, Maine is undoubtedly a hidden gem. Well-loved for its quaint maritime villages, traditional New England architecture, fresh seafood and iconic lighthouses, there's a reason the state motto is "the way life should be." Whether you prefer  hiking along the rugged coastal headlands of Acadia National Park , wandering the historic streets of Portland, or just indulging in a lobster roll (or two) with your local leader, our Maine tours offer a little something for everyone. With heaps of natural beauty and historical significance, this picturesque destination will completely steal your heart.

Our Maine trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Maine highlights

Maine travel faqs, where is maine.

Maine is the northeasternmost state in the US, located in a region known as New England. Maine is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the state of New Hampshire to the west, as well as parts of Canada to the north, namely New Brunswick and Quebec. 

How to get to Maine

Traveling to Maine is relatively easy with a range of options, including driving, catching a flight, or taking public transport in the form of a bus or train. Ferries are available to travel from the mainland to a number of islands off the coast.

Getting around Maine

There are a handful of ways to travel around Maine, from driving, using public transport or rideshare, or catching a flight. You just need to choose the one to suit your needs!

Maine has an efficient and reliable public transport system with bus and train networks that service most cities and regions in the state.

If short on time, you can catch a flight between cities in Maine, but driving will give you a better chance of seeing more of Maine's natural beauty.

What's the weather like in Maine?

The weather in Maine is dictated by which time of year you visit. Winters are typically cold and icy, especially in the northern parts of the state, where hearty snowfall benefits Maine's many ski mountains.

Summers are warm, sunny and pleasant but can still get fairly cool at night, especially in coastal regions. Packing layers will help fight off any chilly coastal breezes.

What do I pack for Maine?

Packing for Maine largely depends on what time of the year you're traveling in and which region of the state you're staying in.

If you're sticking to the coastal areas of Maine, the temperatures are often cooler (even in summer), so you should always pack appropriate layers, like a good sweater and long pants.

The rest of Maine experiences fairly normal seasons. You can pack dresses, shorts, and t-shirts for summer and warm layers for the colder seasons.

If you plan on walking or hiking, sensible footwear is a must. Maine is known for its natural beauty and expansive national parks, but the terrain can be quite rugged, so you'll be thankful for a good pair of shoes.

When is the best time to visit Maine?

The best time to visit Maine is between May and October, when the temperatures are warmer and the weather is nice enough to participate in outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking.

September and October are the most popular months for leaf peppers as fall foliage will be in full swing, setting the deciduous forests ablaze in shades of red, orange and gold. Due to an influx of visitors, this can be an especially busy time, and you'll want to book accommodation early.

Is Maine safe?

Maine is considered one of the safest states in the US.

This is mainly due to a strong community spirit and a smaller population than in other states. With low crime rates and quality infrastructure, you can safely assume you'll be fine traveling around the state.

Crime can still occur, so it's best always to be aware of your surroundings. Avoid traveling alone (especially at night), and stick to well-populated areas you feel comfortable in.

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

The essential guide to visiting Maine

Here’s everything you need to know about exploring the Pine Tree State—when to go, where to stay, what to do, and how to get around.

Why you should visit Maine

Acadia National Park and Mount Katahdin . Lobster, lighthouses, and L.L. Bean . Woodsy camp culture.  

Best time to visit Maine

Spring: Ski resorts like Sugarloaf and Sunday River stay open well into April for late-spring skiing. It’s also a great time for a city break or a seaside escape with fewer crowds and cheaper rooms. However, spring is also “mud” season, making hiking trails mucky. Hikers and campers, beware: mid-May to mid-June are when aggressive black flies are most active.

Summer:   Peak tourism season typically runs from July 4th to Labor Day. Fairs and events like Machias Wild Blueberry Festival fill the calendar.

Autumn:   September into October is generally peak leaf-peeping season (check the state’s weekly foliage reports ), but there are plenty of places to escape crowds, especially in the sparsely populated North Woods . This is an ideal time to explore Acadia National Park   and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument .

Winter : January generally gets the most snow.   It’s prime time for winter sports including skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and fat-tire biking across northern and western peaks and trails.  

Lay of the land

Cities: Portland may be Maine’s biggest city, but it maintains a friendly, small-town vibe. You can walk anywhere, from an indie boutique to a world-class museum and a nationally renowned restaurant (Maine was “farm-to-table” before it became cool). Laid-back Bangor is located about an hour from Acadia National Park and less than two hours from Moosehead Lake and Katahdin Woods. Bangor is especially popular with fans of longtime resident Stephen King. Rockland is the MidCoast hub where Maine’s biggest lobster festival is held, windjammers catch the breeze, and three generations of Wyeths rule the art museum .

Southern coast: This stretch of Maine’s coastline is linked by sandy beaches and quintessential New England coastal communities. Browse fish shacks-turned-boutiques in Ogunquit’s Perkins Cove and Kennebunkport’s Dock Square . Meander through the Rachael Carson National Wildlife Refuge   in Wells.

( Discover why so many artists are drawn to Maine .)

MidCoast and islands:   Defined by craggy peninsulas and seaside villages, this south-central section —with its cozy harbors and winking lighthouses—feels familiar thanks to artists like Andrew Wyeth and writers such as E. B. White.

Acadia National Park:   Bold and beautiful, Maine’s headliner deserves its fame, but don’t miss the park’s less-visited Schoodic Section , famed for its pink granite point.

Down East : With no traffic lights, chain hotels, or restaurants, this remote section of the Maine coast from Western Bay to Passamaquoddy Bay is ideal for those seeking solitude.

Maine Highlands:   This outdoor playground , located in the state’s heart, includes Katahdin, Allagash Wilderness Waterway , Moosehead Lake, and the mostly undeveloped North Woods.

Western Lakes and Mountains: Fly-fishers have been casting their lines in the Rangeley Lakes since the late 1800s. In autumn, the 35-mile Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway blazes with color, making it one of the best places for foliage hikes and paddles. Carrabassett Valley   earns raves for mountain biking.

Getting in and around Maine

By plane:   No international flights land in Maine other than private planes, military, and charter flights, and the occasional emergency landing in Bangor.

By bus:   Concord Coach Lines provides daily, almost hourly express connections between Portland, Boston Logan, and Boston’s South Station (where Amtrak’s northeast corridor trains dock), with fewer trips to inland and coastal communities.

By train:   Amtrak’s Downeaster connects Boston’s North Station to Brunswick, with stops in Wells, Old Orchard Beach (summer), Biddeford, Portland, and Freeport.

By car:   Maine’s primary highway is I-95 , which stretches from Kittery to Houlton and doubles as the Maine Turnpike from York to Augusta. Route 1 hugs the coast from Kittery to Calais and then heads north to Fort Kent. Routes 2 , 3 , and 9 are the primary east-west routes.

By boat:   The Cat , a seasonal, high-speed catamaran car ferry, connects Bar Harbor with Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Casco Bay Lines ferries serve Portland Casco Bay islands. State ferries, mailboats, and seasonal passenger ferries service large coastal islands with year-round populations.

( Here’s why scientists are studying Maine’s coastline .)

In town: Portland and Bangor both have bus systems, and Portland has a bike-share program. Seasonal Island Explorer routes cover most of Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula.

Know before you go

Cultural history: Maine’s Wabanaki , or People of the Dawnland, comprise the Maliseet, Miq’mak, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot tribes. They trace their Maine history back 12,000 years. European explorers began arriving in the 15th century, and battles over control left a legacy of fortifications.

Hours: Note that outside Greater Portland and in the off seasons, many restaurants shutter by 8 p.m. and often earlier, so plan accordingly.

Wildlife awareness: When driving in rural and undeveloped areas, keep an eye out for moose and deer, especially inland at dawn and dusk.

LGBTQ+: Maine ranked eighth in a 2020 24/7 Wall St. report of the most LGBTQ+-friendly states in the U.S. Maine also ranks high for overall LGBTQ+ protections on Movement Advancement Project’s state profiles . Equality Maine offers a list of gay-friendly businesses that you can support.

How to visit Maine sustainably

Outdoors: Help preserve habitats by staying on the main trail, road, or marked spurs. Consider joining a guided tour led by a Registered Maine Guide to reduce your impact.

Avoid spreading invasives by using only downed or locally sourced wood in fires and ensuring boat propellers are clean before launching. When visiting Acadia, use the Island Explorer shuttle to help reduce emissions.

Shopping: Look for Maine Made products at shops, farm stands, craft shows, and farmers’ markets. You can also search for products and specific stores by region on this site .

Dining: The Gulf of Maine Research Institute is one source that lists coastal restaurants that have committed to serving only responsibly harvested seafood.

What to read  

Barkskins , by Annie Proulx. The Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist dives into the rough and rugged history of Maine over three centuries through the eyes of immigrants, lumberjacks, Indigenous people, and conservationists.

Blueberries for Sal ,   by Robert McCloskey. In this 1948 children’s picture book, a curious toddler and her mother encounter a mama bear and her cub while out hunting for Maine blueberries.

We Took to the Woods , by Louise Dickenson Rich. Published in 1942, Rich’s humorous memoir recounts her time raising a family in the rustic outdoors of Maine.

( For more tips on what to do in Maine, see our Explorer’s Guide .)

Related Topics

• CULTURAL TOURISM
• SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
• FOOD TOURISM
• CITY GUIDES

You May Also Like

The essential guide to visiting Scotland

The essential guide to visiting Ireland

Become a subscriber and support our award-winning editorial features, videos, photography, and much more..

For as little as $2/mo.

The essential guide to visiting North Carolina

The essential guide to visiting Tennessee

10 whimsical ways to experience Scotland

The essential guide to visiting Amsterdam

The essential guide to visiting Dublin

• Best of the World
• Environment
• Paid Content

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• Out of Eden Walk
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Here Not There
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

Protect Your Trip »

Best places to visit in maine.

Maine's unmatched landscape, enviable seafood scene and laid-back atmosphere have made the state a must-visit destination among New Englanders. But with one of the country's most-visited national parks and inarguably the best lobster in the United States, Maine is worth a trip for those farther afield, too. To help you find the state's most satisfying destinations, U.S. News evaluated Maine's top sights, adventurous pursuits and value, among other factors. From outdoor hot spots to cool coastal towns and culture-packed cities, these are the best places to visit in Maine. Vote for your favorites below to help us determine next year's list.

Baxter State Park

Acadia national park, portland, me, brunswick, me, belfast, me, sugarloaf mountain, kennebunkport.

Bar Harbor is small-town Maine at its finest. This adorable town, widely known as the gateway to Acadia National Park, offers a village-like atmosphere and a picturesque waterfront setting worth writing home about. While here, take things slow and stroll the scenic Shore Path to check out luxurious yachts and seaside parks. You can also meander down charming Main Street, where you'll find a bevy of fresh seafood, specialty shops and small art galleries. To see Bar Harbor from a new perspective, opt for a trolley tour, a cruise around Mount Desert Island or a whale watching excursion .

While Maine's coastline draws the biggest crowds, head inland to Baxter State Park in north-central Maine if you're looking for pure solitude. With narrow dirt roads, no cellphone reception and no amenities to speak of, aside from the occasional outhouse, Baxter State Park attracts explorers who don't mind roughing it. The park's lack of frills only enhances the beauty of its rugged wilderness, including more than 200,000 acres of scenic vistas, tranquil ponds and prime wildlife viewing opportunities (think: moose, black bears and white-tailed deer). If you're extra adventurous, take on Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine, on a hike that can take up to 12 hours round trip. 

For truly breathtaking marine terrain, complete with rocky coastlines and lush forests, travel to Acadia National Park. Acadia is home to plenty of stunning scenery, with trails that bring you to the highest point on the North Atlantic Seaboard: Cadillac Mountain. Climb the granite cliffs on the popular Precipice Trail, and for unforgettable views of the Atlantic Ocean, head to Schoodic Point. If you're not in the mood to hike, go for a drive on the 27-mile Park Loop Road, which offers scenic views and pull-off points. Since parking is limited at popular attractions like Jordan Pond, consider taking the free shuttle or biking if you're planning to make a lot of stops.

Overlooking Penobscot Bay, Camden is small but full of charm (think: cozy bed-and-breakfast accommodations and picturesque shops). The harbor is always bustling with boats bringing fishermen to and from shore each day. To check out the area's best lighthouses and lobster habitats, sign up for a harbor cruise. Then, get a taste of Camden's fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant. No visit would be complete without trekking the trails in nearby Camden Hills State Park. The park's paths bring you to overlooks with stunning vistas of the area's bay and islands.

Maine's biggest city (by population) is the state's cultural hub, offering plenty in the way of art, history and food. Start your vacation with a lobster roll (don't ask us to choose our favorite) before exploring popular attractions like the historic Old Port neighborhood, the Portland Museum of Art and the city's ever-evolving brewery scene. If the weather's right, do as the locals do and travel to the nearby Casco Bay Islands for tucked away beaches and evergreen woodlands. If you visit Portland in winter, snowshoe on the surrounding trails or admire the area's famous lighthouses.

Rockland is the sleepy, coastal town of your dreams. Located about 80 miles northeast of Portland, Rockland features lighthouses, beautiful boats swaying in the harbor and compact streets lined with traditional brick and shingled buildings. Visit the Farnsworth Art Museum and the Center for Maine Contemporary Art to add a dose of culture to your vacation. Or, if you're looking for something more active, hike through Beech Hill Preserve's blueberry fields to Beech Nut, a sod-roofed stone hut built in the early 1900s, for striking panoramas of Penobscot Bay. The view from Owls Head Lighthouse is also worth the short climb.

Bowdoin College is the focal point of Brunswick, giving this town on Maine's MidCoast a unique bustle. In addition to the college, which was founded in 1794, sights like Skolfield-Whittier House, Pejepscot History Center and Harriet Beecher Stowe House allow visitors to glimpse into various stages of the past. Those looking to get outdoors can head to the Androscoggin River, which runs through town, for fishing, canoeing and biking opportunities. Meanwhile, Brunswick's Maine Street, with its bakeries, bookshops, antique shops, breweries and top-notch restaurants, has all the quaintness expected of small-town New England.

Vibrant and inviting, Ogunquit on the southern coast is perfect for the casual traveler. Artists and beach bums alike flock to this tiny town (it takes up just 4 square miles) for its picturesque coastline. Head to Footbridge Beach for smaller crowds or Main Beach for gear rental and a shallow river ideal for kids. After a day of sun and sand, check out the restaurants on Main Street and Shore Road, which serve everything from lobster dishes to farm-to-table fare. Because of its accepting atmosphere and many gay-friendly bars, Ogunquit is a popular vacation destination for members of the LGBTQ community.

If you're looking for a carefree vacation spot and a low-key agenda, consider Belfast, which sits about 60 miles west of Bar Harbor. Belfast emerged as a maritime hub in the 1800s, and today, you can stroll along the Belfast Harbor Walk to watch the ships come and go and catch a glimpse of a working shipyard. Beyond the port, support local farms and artisans at the United Farmers Market of Maine (open year-round), take in river views along the Belfast Rail Trail or hop on the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad, which offers train rides with varying themes, ranging from lobster rolls to fall foliage.

No matter the season, Sugarloaf Mountain is the perfect backdrop for your next vacation. In winter, skiers will revel in Sugarloaf's many shred-worthy options , from traditional downhill skiing to more adventurous cat skiing on rugged terrain. Fat biking, dog sledding and ice skating are also popular winter activities. Meanwhile, summertime is ideal for zip lining, kayaking, hiking and scenic lift rides, among other adventures. The mountain is surrounded by a wide variety of restaurants and stores, so you can explore the great outdoors without leaving behind the conveniences of home.

If you're looking for the perfect beach vacation in Maine, you'll find comfort in Kennebunkport. This southern coastal town offers long, flat shorelines atypical to the craggy coastal spots you'll find along Maine's other shores. Lay out or rent a boat on Gooch's Beach (a traveler favorite). Or, if you're looking to stay dry, take a nice long walk along leafy Walker's Point, preferably at sunset, for a glimpse of the Bush family compound. A popular haven for celebrities and politicians, Kennebunkport has its fair share of chic boutiques and art galleries to explore, especially in the charming Dock Square area.

York offers something for every member of the family to enjoy. Parents can relax on the 1.5-mile stretch of Long Sands Beach while children play in the surf before grabbing lunch at a nearby restaurant. Souvenir shops, boutiques and a plethora of ice cream parlors are sprinkled around the downtown area. Arcades, bowling alleys, amusement park rides and mini-golf courses also abound here, so kids will never get bored. Plus, visitors will have their pick of lodging options, including budget hotels and quaint cottages.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Augusta, ME

Moosehead Lake

You may be interested in.

Best Maine Beaches

Best Beaches in Connecticut

Best Rhode Island Beaches

Best East Coast Vacation Spots

Best Weekend Getaways in New England

Best Places to Visit in the Fall

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

• About the State House
• Using this Guide
• For Teachers & Students
• Can You Find It?

Visit the Museum

The Maine State Museum is located in the Cultural Building (230 State Street), across the parking lot and to the south of the State House. The Cultural Building is currently closed to the public for extensive renovations. The museum’s reopening is tentatively scheduled to reopen in late 2025. To learn more about the museum’s collections, view videos, explore online exhibits, and enjoy fun family activities and educational programming, visit online at www.mainestatemuseum.org .

These options can change the way this website looks, which may help you to use it more easily.

Accessibility options

•   Display contrast
•   Text options

Standard contrast

Low contrast

High contrast

Standard text

Extra large text

This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. By continuing to navigate through this site or by clicking Approve, you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our privacy notice .

• Visitmaine Logo
• Accessible Travel
• Agricultural Attractions
• Arts & Culture
• Family Attractions
• Food & Drink
• Guide Services
• Hiking & Climbing
• Lighthouses & Sightseeing
• Motor Sports
• Boating and Water Activities
• Parks & Natural Attractions
• Spas, Health & Wellness
• Sports & Recreation
• Summer Camps
• Wedding Planning
• Wildlife Watching
• Winter Activities
• Iconic Parks Maine
• Iconic Moose Maine
• Iconic Lobster Maine
• Iconic Lighthouses Maine
• Campgrounds
• Cottage Resorts
• Inns / Bed & Breakfasts
• Hostels & Boarding Houses
• Hotels & Motels
• Outdoor Adventure Resorts
• Romantic Getaways
• Sporting Camps & Wilderness Lodges
• Vacation Rentals
• Aroostook County
• DownEast & Acadia
• Greater Portland & Casco Bay
• The Kennebec Valley
• Maine's Lakes & Mountains
• Maine's MidCoast & Islands
• The Maine Beaches
• The Maine Highlands
• Spring in Maine
• Summer in Maine
• Fall in Maine
• Winter in Maine
• Statewide Tourism Organizations
• Chambers of Commerce
• Travel Alerts & Advisories
• Relocating to Maine
• Virtual Brochure Rack
• Getting Here
• Free Travel Guidebook
• Sign-Up For Email
• My Bookmarks

Pemaquid Point Light at dusk

Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld

Portland Head Light

Jenny Campbell

Cape Neddick, or Nubble, Light

Greg Gadberry

West Quoddy Head Light

Phil Savignano

Portland Head Light under a winter's sky

Owl's Head Lighthouse

Marshall Point Lighthouse

Grindle Point Lighthouse

Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

Goat Island Lighthouse

• Things To Do
• Lighthouses Sightseeing
• Lighthouses

Over 60 Historical Lighthouses in Maine

For over two centuries, Maine lighthouses have stood as beacons in the night along Maine’s rocky coast. They have also stood the test of time. Not only are these glowing citadels still providing protection for seafarers and their vessels; they offer safe harbor to visitors searching for an unforgettable experience.

As spectacular as they are at night, they’re fantastic places to navigate in the daytime. Among Maine’s 65 lighthouses, many are open to the public, some even offer access to keeper’s quarters. A good number have adjacent museums. All are photo- and paint-worthy – as discovered by a who’s who of American artists. Visitors can enjoy lighthouse tours on the water or in the comfort of your own car. Either way, you’ll be experiencing a brilliant example of the living legacy of Maritime Maine.

So where are the best lighthouses in Maine? That depends on where you are and who you ask. These are some that everyone agrees are not only must-see but must-experience:

• Portland Head Light at Cape Elizabeth

Cape Neddick Light (Nubble Lighthouse)

Pemaquid point lighthouse, west quoddy head lighthouse, spring point ledge lighthouse.

• Goose Rocks Lighthouse

Folks looking for a lighthouse binge are in luck each year in early September. That’s when the state offers Maine Open Lighthouse Day , a unique opportunity for the general public to explore more than twenty historic Maine lighthouses (many of which are only open on this day!). It’s an experience that will leave you with a happy glow the rest of the year.

Lighthouses by Region

Maine has 3,478 miles of coastline. Not as the crow flies, but as the sandpiper scampers. With so much territory to stand watch on, you’ll find lighthouses in nooks and crannies up and down the coast. To help focus your search – without a spyglass – here are some of Maine’s most popular lighthouses by region.

Lighthouse Trip Ideas  

Greater Portland & Casco Bay

The Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth is the oldest lighthouse in Maine and is adjacent to 90-acre Fort Williams Park and its great ocean views and recreation. Fort Williams Park has nice walking trails, gardens and a children's garden area. The former keepers' house is now home to The Museum at Portland Head Light.

Just two miles north of Portland Head is Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse standing atop a 900-foot granite breakwater, with a view of the entire Portland skyline across the waves.

Cape Elizabeth Light

At Cape Elizabeth Light, also known as "Two Lights," the eastern tower is still active and the western tower, while not publically accessible, still stands tall and proud.

Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (Bug Light)

And then there’s the cute one, Portland Breakwater Lighthouse. It’s known, affectionately, as Bug Light because it’s short and as cute as a – well, you know. Diminutive though it may be, Bug’s Light played a huge role in protecting Portland Harbor beginning with its construction in 1875.

MidCoast & Islands

A visit to Pemaquid Point in Bristol includes the Fisherman’s Museum and Pemaquid Art Gallery. If it wasn’t already iconic enough, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is featured on the tails-side of Maine’s U.S. quarter.

Seguin Island Lighthouse

Visitors to Seguin Island Lighthouse can take a trip back in time, way back. The lighthouse was ordered by President George Washington in 1795. Learn more about the history at the island museum, and get the inside story with a keeper-guided tour of the tower.

Burnt Island Lighthouse

Another guided tour awaits at Burnt Island Lighthouse, where guides are dressed in period clothing to portray a keeper family from yesteryear. You can take a boat to the island with a captain who might have a story from yesteryear too.

Owl’s Head Lighthouse

When you look up Owl’s Head Lighthouse in Rockland, you really will be looking up. The tower sits on a rocky rise 100 feet above Penobscot Bay. The cylindrical tower itself is on the short side at 30 feet, but its light delivers a 16-mile beam. While you’re in the area, visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland. You’ll leave enlightened in lighthouse history, lifesaving and the U.S. Coast Guard.

If you like a little exercise with your lighthouse, take a refreshing stroll to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, shining brightly at the end of a nearly mile-long breakwater with sparkling views of Rockland.

For a movie moment, visit Marshall Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse and its long runway served as the picturesque endpoint where Forrest Gump completed the eastbound leg of his famous cross-country run.

One lighthouse you don’t want to miss is on a rocky island off historic York. Why? With its fantastic setting and beautiful light, Cape Neddick is one of the most painted and photographed lighthouses on the planet.

Whaleback Lighthouse

Recalling one of the planet’s most majestic creatures, Whaleback Lighthouse is located in Kittery only 1,500 feet from the Maine-New Hampshire border. Majestic as it is, Whaleback is only accessible by water. Which is the only way whales can visit too.

Goat Island Light Station

Have you ever heard of Cape Porpoise Harbor? Goat Island Light Station can shed some prestigious light on that. The lighthouse and the harbor it illuminates are located near Kennebunkport and the compound of the late 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush.

Wood Island Lighthouse

Wood Island Lighthouse is located on an uninhabited 32-acre island off the coast of Biddeford. In July and August, special tours are offered that allow visitors to view the interior and learn about the lifestyle of the keepers. It’s also open on Maine Lighthouse Day each September.

DownEast & Acadia

The focal point of West Quoddy State Park in Lubec, and the easternmost location in the continental U.S., the lighthouse was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1808 and is further distinguished by its candy-striped tower.

Burnt Coat Harbor Lighthouse

Built in 1872, the lighthouse marks the entrance to Burnt Coat Harbor, Swan Island's main port. Swan's Island can be reached by ferry from Bass Harbor on Mt. Desert Island. Tours offer views from the water.

Petit Manan Lighthouse

At 123 feet, the lighthouse on Petit Island is one of Maine’s tallest. It’s also among the oldest, established in 1817. Today the island is part of the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge. A boat tour is the best way to view the lighthouse – and the Atlantic Puffins who sometimes drop by.

Mount Desert Rock Lighthouse

And since every lightshow needs a dramatic ending, we present Mount Desert Rock Lighthouse, described as Maine’s most dramatic and isolated lighthouse. Perched on a rocky islet only 600 yards wide and 200 yards long, it’s viewable by water – or drone camera for dramatic effect.

Stay at a Lighthouse

If a visit and tour aren’t enough to satisfy your lighthouse longing, you’re in luck. There are several Maine lighthouses that give you the opportunity to actually stay in a lighthouse . Think of it as the ultimate sleepover, with the ultimate nightlight. Lighthouse accommodations are popular, so be sure to plan ahead and book early!

Whitehead Light , mouth of Penobscot Bay, St. George

Burnt Coat Harbor Light , Swan’s Island

Little River Light , Cutler Harbor

Isle au Haut Lighthouse , Keeper’s House

Related Lighthouse Articles

Maine open lighthouse day, little river lighthouse, owls head lighthouse, portland head light: explore the historic lighthouse, museum, natural grounds & gift shop in cape elizabeth, lighthouse businesses & organizations, new england ecoadventures - portland.

Only New England EcoAdventures blends education, excitement, and adventure into each Casco Bay adventure and offers first-class accommodations that let you see and sustain the stunning Southern Maine ecosystem.

Phone: 207-502-8040

Website: newenglandecoadventures.com

Address: 1 Marina Way , Portland

New England EcoAdventures - Kennebunk

Experience a boating excursion like no other! Our premium RIB boat takes you to Kennebunkport’s grandest waterfront estates, vibrant seal colonies, the Gulf of Maine’s whale feeding grounds, charming boutique shopping and restaurants.

Address: 8 Western Aveue , Kennebunk

Deer Isle Ocean Tours

Discover the many beautiful islands of the Deer Isle Archipelago aboard our custom built lobster boat. With a homeport of Stonington, we are centrally located to share this unique regions coastal habitat and scenic wonders with your family and friends.

Phone: 207-956-1222

Website: www.deerisleoceantours.com

Address: 14 Atlantic Ave. , Stonington

Ellie Lynn Charter

We run a fishing and sightseeing charter out of Kennebunk, on the Kennebunk. Trips include Hauling...

Phone: 207-468-8077

Website: www.johnsonsportingcamp.net

Address: 4 Western Ave , Kennebunk, ME

Kristin K Charters

Portland Maine Charter Fishing.

Phone: 207-749-5540

Website: www.kristinkcharters.com

Address: Sunset Marina , Portland, ME

Portland Guide Service

Book with us to enjoy the many adventures of Casco Bay!

Phone: 207-831-1905

Website: portlandguideservice.com

Address: 19 Capisic St , Portland

No results found.

Businesses and locations related to: Over 60 Historical Lighthouses in Maine

• Arts and Culture
• Dining and Nightlife
• Hiking and Climbing
• Lighthouses and Sightseeing
• On the Water
• Parks and Natural Attractions
• Spas, Health and Wellness
• Sports and Recreation
• Traveler Resources
• Hostels and Boarding Houses
• Hotels and Motels
• Inns/Bed and Breakfasts
• Sporting Camps and Wilderness Lodges

• Boat Cruises
• Bridges and Covered Bridges
• Gardens and Landscapes
• Guided Tours
• Lobster Boat Tours
• Scenic Byways
• Themed Trails
• Trolley Tours
• DownEast and Acadia
• Greater Portland and Casco Bay
• Maine's Lakes and Mountains
• MidCoast and Islands

Searching for " " Almost there...

Travelers from all U.S. states are able to travel to Maine without providing a negative COVID-19 test result or quarantining, unless otherwise determined by the Maine CDC. International travelers from approved countries will be subject to any federal requirements for travel.

Learn how our safe travel protocols are helping ensure everyone's visit is a safe one.

• 7 Best Small Towns in Maine to Visit in 2024

Maine is the most northerly U.S . state on the East Coast. It shares a border with Canada to the north and west, New Hampshire to the southwest, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. It is an ideal location for anyone looking for a weekend trip in the autumn of 2024 since the state has some of the most stunning landscapes and changing foliage. While most think of Vermont and Massachusetts when considering viewing fall colors, Maine has just as much to offer and a more remote environment in which to appreciate it.

Maine is home to a national park and 32 state parks. All of these parks mean that much of the state is under some form of government protection and preservation that is available to be viewed and experienced by tourists and locals. From Katahdin Woods to Acadia National Park and Waters National Monument to Saint Croix Island International Historic Site, guests will never run out of sites to visit while traveling through Maine. But nature isn’t all this state has to offer since it is also home to several small towns with welcoming locals, excellent food, and so much more.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport has a reputation for being one of the most unique and historically rich towns in the state of Maine. As the furthest northern state on the East Coast, Maine has rather mild summers and slightly more intense winters than most of the eastern states. But Kennebunkport’s location on the Atlantic Ocean gives it a slightly more moderate winter, with average temperatures hovering around 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit. The town’s history goes back almost 11,000 years, with native tribes hunting and traveling the land for ages and European trappers and fishers arriving in or around the area sometime in the 1600s.

Beaver Pond and Little River are two of the loveliest locations in Kennebunkport, with access to the coast of the Atlantic Ocean not far away. These spots are also pretty close to Goose Rocks Beach. This beach is a favorite spot for vacationers and residents alike to soak up the sun and play on the pristine shorelines. A few minutes away is Sandy Pines Campground, which is the perfect place to enjoy a weekend in the woods. They offer more luxurious camping experiences with their glamping tents and more secluded options with their hideaway huts.

Anyone who enjoys exploring small islands is sure to love this place, too. There are several small islands off Kennebunkport’s coast, with the southern area having the best options for visitors. Stage Island Preserve is a lovely place to visit for a day, being a small half-mile island best known for its soft sand. Cape Porpoise Lobster Company serves fresh seafood dishes just a few minutes away from the islands, so anyone out exploring all that Kennebunkport’s nature has to offer is sure to enjoy a finely cooked meal at the end of their travels. For anyone traveling to Kennebunkport in 2024, the Summer Concert Series is offering live music at the local library until September.

Boats anchored in Rockport Harbor, Maine. Editorial credit: James Dalrymple / Shutterstock.com

Rockport is another beautiful coastal town in Maine, about two hours north of Kennebunkport. Although it was officially incorporated in 1891, European settlers arrived as early as 1769 and established a presence in the area. The region was well-known as a major producer of lime and even supplied more of the material to aid in rebuilding the White House after the War of 1812. Perhaps most notable, though, is its reputation as ranking as one of Forbes's most beautiful US towns back in 2008, which is something that stands true to this day.

One of the community’s most famous cultural icons was Andre the Seal. In 1961, Harry Goodridge adopted a young Harbor Seal and named him Andre. He quickly became a town favorite and people from out of town soon started visiting just to see the guy. Today, there’s a statue of him in the town harbor, and several forms of media, including a book and movie, have been written about his story. The statue is definitely a site worth visiting to get a full appreciation of the community’s culture.

In 2024, Rockport will host its Rockport Garden Club Holly Berry Fair on December 7th and 8th. In previous years, the festival was a place to sell and buy novelty items such as scarves, mittens, and other adorable items. The Aldermere Farm Ocean Trail is the perfect nature path that is just under a mile long and offers exquisite views of the coast. Not far from the trail is American Flatbread, a wonderful restaurant that offers great, healthy flatbreads, including cheese and herbs and the medicine wheel.

Stonington is yet another coastal town on Maine’s East Coast, approximately two hours east of Rockport. It is the smaller of two areas on one of Maine’s most beautiful islands, Deer Isle, just a few miles from shore. Today, the small island is home to several smaller islands, including the Deer Isle Thorofare Lighthouse. However, some 5,000 years ago, native tribes like the Maliseet and Passamaquoddy called them their home and sustained themselves largely by fishing and trapping sea creatures.

Stonington prides itself in being a working community on a small island paradise that values its community and cherishes artistic expression. Visitors can get a taste of this amazing artistic beauty by checking out the town’s Deet Isle Artisan Market on August 22nd, 2024, and the Special Exhibit: Perfect Pairings - Artists in Collaboration, held until September 1st, 2024. It’s important to note that Deer Isle and Stonington share these events, but just keep in mind that the details of each event can be found by visiting the DIAA Gallery at 15 Main Street in Deer Isle Village.

For those planning to spend a day or two, which is certainly recommended, the Aragosta at Goose Cove is the place to stay. It is a charming spot that overlooks the sea and Barred Island to the east and offers a luxurious experience immersed in 21 acres of Maine’s natural beauty. Guests should plan a trip to the nearby Mark Island, a small island that’s home to plenty of wilderness scenery, and The Mark Island Light, also known as the Deer Isle Thorofare Lighthouse. The Island Heritage Trust works hard to preserve this site and even has records of different lighthouse keepers and some old photographs.

Closeup of a seaplane on Moosehead Lake in Greenville, Maine.

Around three hours northwest of Stonington and Deer Isle is the inland town of Greenville. This town is one of the largest communities on the shores of Moosehead Lake, a large lake in central Maine. Moosehead Lake is certainly the main attraction, with most tourists choosing to stay in Greenville while checking out the area, thanks to its convenient location right along the coast of the lake and its size, being the largest town along the lake.

August and September 2024 are busy months for this small town, with the Katahdin Cruises and Moosehead Marine Museum hosting several cruises and historical tours. The cruise will take guests on tours of the lake, with the Sugar Island tours being particularly famous. The Katahdin, also known as the Kate, is a historic steamboat that was later converted to diesel fuel and stands as one of the most important parts of the town’s history. This lovely white and green wooden ship only costs around $50.00 to ride for a three-hour tour and is perfect for families who want to immerse themselves in small-town history.

Moosehead Lake is by far the largest and most popular spot, but Lower Wilson Pond is another fun place to visit while in the neighborhood. For anyone who enjoys a day out fishing, Lower Wilson Pond has a large variety of fish, including Brook Trout, Salmon, and several other types. Anyone who enjoys boating on the water should book a trip with Allagash Canoe Trips. They host several trips per year, with the last trip of 2024 scheduled for September 15-21. It begins on Eagle Lake and traverses other naturally stunning locations, like Allagash Falls.

Damariscotta

Downtown scene in Damariscotta, Maine, USA. Editorial credit: Pictures by Gerald / Shutterstock.com

Damariscotta is a lovely little town approximately two and a half hours south of Greenville and just a few minutes from the seashore. The Damariscotta River flows along the town’s border to the west, and Pemaquid Pond sits to the east, making it a city rich in natural beauty. The region was once home to the Wawenock Abenaki native tribe, who lived there for thousands of years before Europeans arrived in the 1600s. In 1631, the neighboring community of Pemaquid was granted as part of the Plymouth colony, and settlers later moved to the modern location of Damariscotta around 1640.

One of the most unique features of the town is the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site. This 11-acre state park offers excellent hiking trails, like access to the main trailhead that takes travelers along the coast of Damariscotta River. It also grants access to Round Top Farm, which is the headquarters for Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust and a popular spot for music and the arts. It was once a dairy farm, which explains not only the name but its naturally stunning beauty. Perhaps the most important part of this gorgeous park is impressively large oyster shell piles, also known as middens. These middens date back to when the native tribes lived and hunted in the region and left these shells behind, with some of the middens dating back 2,500 years.

Moving across town to Pemaquid Pond is the Doyle Preserve. The trails at this park are typically accessible for folks of all ages and fitness levels and afford some stunning views of Maine’s wildlife. This includes local foxes, woodpeckers, and red squirrels. A few miles south of this nature preserve is the Lake Pemaquid Campground, which is perfect for outdoor lovers hoping to spend a few days in town. They have tent campgrounds but also welcome RV campers and have amazing activities, including fishing and boating. Anyone looking for a hearty breakfast at a small-town diner should start their day at the Barn Door Baking Company.

View of the waterfront in Castine, Maine. By DrStew82, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Castine is a charming little town about two hours northeast of Damariscotta and sits along the coast of Penobscot Bay and Bagaduce River. Castine’s history consists of diverse people groups, including the Tarrantine native tribe, the Dutch, the French, and later the British. The French were the first Europeans to settle in the area in the early 1600s. Later, the Dutch came to the region in 1674-1676, but the British later took over, and by 1713, Castine was a member of the British Empire.

As a historically significant town in Maine, it has many historic landmarks that are definitely worth visiting. The best places to see and experience the town's history are the Wilson Museum and John Perkins House. The John Perkins House is actually the first European home built in town and dates all the way back to 1763. It is still in excellent shape thanks to the care given to preserve it. However, the site also has a blacksmith shop, a pump house, and the town’s museum with all kinds of historical items from the town’s past. The pump house is home to the community’s old fire department, and the blacksmith shop is a unique immersive experience in the past.

The Starr and Virginia Lampson Preserve is a lovely nature site that has wonderful trails and is ideal for a bike ride or simple hike in Maine’s local nature. However, it is not the only nature trail in town. The Witherle Woods and Hatch Cove are great natural locations with trails, forests, and flowers. In particular, the Hatch Cove has some amazing flower beds and wonderful picnic areas. Dennett’s at the Warf is a great spot for fresh food, including a lobster roll, and for those hoping to spend the week, Castine Cottages is the best option in town by far.

Boothbay Harbor

Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Editorial credit: Bob Pool / Shutterstock.com

Just over two hours south of Castine is the gorgeous community of Boothbay Harbor. Boothbay Harbor is more properly known as the Boothbay Harbor Region and traces its early European history to 1622 when some Plymouth Pilgrims traveled to the area to get more supplies. Later, more permanent settlers arrived in the form of Scotch-Irish, who mainly existed on subsistence farming. In later years, the town became a hub for shipbuilding and even served as a primary source of vessels for the navy during World War I and World War II.

Guests can enjoy Boothbay Harbor's stunning history on one of the trips organized by Red Cloak Tours. These beautiful tours include immersion into the town’s culture, education for visitors and locals on the town’s history, and sharing of some local legends and ghost stories. Those planning a trip to Boothbay Harbor in 2024 should consider visiting on or around October 12th so they can enjoy the Fall Foliage Festival. This is the 56th annual festival for the community and only costs $5.00 per person, so it is pretty accessible. And for those traveling with children under five, the event is free.

Those traveling with children should also check out The Maine State Aquarium, run by the Department of Marine Resources. This aquarium offers visitors an opportunity to explore the Gulf of Maine, which is home to over 3,000 different species of marine life and covers over 7,500 square miles of shoreline. Of course, the aquarium can’t house all of these fantastic creatures, but they do offer hands-on touch tanks and other exhibits that help guests learn all about the amazing wildlife of Maine. If tourists hope to stay a few days, Sprue Point Inn is an excellent option in town, offering luxurious rooms, a spa, and incredible dining experiences.

Experience Maine's Charm in 2024

Visiting Maine in 2024 is a wonderful choice, especially for those who enjoy lovely fall foliage. The coastal towns of Maine afford stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rocky shoreline. The people of Maine are known for their rugged lifestyle and independent nature, as well as their desire to preserve and maintain their culture and history. As such, guests can count on seeing plenty of open spaces of wilderness, historic landmarks, and more when visiting the most northerly state on the US East Coast.

Tourists won’t have to worry that their trip will be too rough, though, since many small towns offer welcoming spas and luxurious accommodations that are immersed in the surrounding natural beauty. Whether travelers hope to spend a few nights outdoors in the woods and mountains camping under the stars or hope to indulge in a romantic weekend away from all the noise of the city, Maine has a lot to offer.

More in Places

7 Most Bike-Friendly Towns in Alabama

These 9 Towns in Ohio Have Bustling Main Streets

8 Most Bike-Friendly Towns In California

2024's 10 Most Adorable Small Towns in Oregon

9 Offbeat Towns to Visit in British Columbia

9 Towns In Virginia That Were Ranked Among US Favorites

6 Undiscovered Small Towns in The Adirondack Mountains

10 Great Lakes Towns That Were Ranked Among US Favorites for 2024

• Environment
• Government + Politics
• Public Health
• Labor + the Economy
• Election 2024

Hutchinson Center will be sold to church despite community objections, UMaine says

By: eesha pendharkar - august 22, 2024 5:21 pm.

Frederick Hutchinson Center in Belfast, a building previously used by the University of Maine for classes that served a mix of undergraduate and non-traditional students. (Courtesy of Samantha Warren/ UMaine System)

Despite objections from community organizations, the sale of a former UMaine educational center in Belfast will proceed as planned, to a church.

The bidding for the Frederick Hutchinson Center — which once served thousands of public university students but had been vacant for years — has been open for eight months. Over that time, the university system received three competitive offers and selected Calvary Church Belfast, part of a nationwide association of evangelical churches, as the top bidder, according to news releases by university system spokesperson, Samantha Warren.

This decision drew criticism from some residents and organizations, and a total of 135 comments to the university system. Belfast residents, including members of the other bidding organizations, objected to the university system’s decision to sell the building to what some residents called a “bigoted church.” The other two bidders submitted appeals for reconsideration, but the system will continue with the sale, according to a Thursday press release.

“The people of the Belfast area welcome all residents and visitors, regardless of race, age, gender, nationality, and beliefs, and we strive for inclusion, respect and equality for all citizens,” said Judy Berk, a Northport resident who was one of the community members who wrote to UMaine expressing objections to the sale. 

“It is outrageous to consider replacing the University of Maine’s Hutchinson Center campus with Calvary Chapel — an exclusionary church that teaches bigotry and opposes public education,” she said, referring to the sermons by the Belfast chapter’s that expressed some anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment .

The university system can’t discriminate based on religion, according to Warren.

“Doing so would be against the law and inconsistent with the university’s commitment to inclusion,” according to a statement the system released addressing comments from the public.

Calvary Chapel Belfast did not respond to a request for comment by publication.

On its website, Calvary Chapel clarified some of its goals in purchasing the Hutchinson Center. Those goals include aiding individuals suffering from addiction, building a homeschool co-op, and adding programs for the special needs community, according to the statement.  

“Our plan also includes a hybrid and 5-day school to give parents a variety of educational options that best fit their lifestyle,” the statement said. 

“While we are a faith-based organization we hope to fill practical needs and desires of the community when mutually beneficial.”

The goals of Calvary Belfast Academy, the church’s homeschooling program, would directly contradict UMaine’s mission of public education, according to a commentary on the sale published in the Bangor Daily News by Belfast resident Lauren Ware Stark.

“Rather than offering public higher education for all, it focuses on providing religious education to members of the Calvary community,” wrote Stark, who is an assistant professor of education and a member of the Scholars Strategy Network.

Why the church was the top bidder

The Hutchinson Center is latest in the line of buildings the public university system has put up for sale over the past few years. The building was donated to UMaine in 2007. In 2005, it was serving around 16,000 students, according to Warren.

That dropped to 300 students in 2019, and for the past few years, the center has not hosted in-person classes. The sale was part of an effort by the university system to reduce its physical footprint by selling underutilized buildings. 

The university system maintained that the request for proposals and scoring criteria to determine top bidders gave organizations plenty of opportunity to seek clarity, learn more about the center and tour the property. 

The top two scoring respondents — Calvary Chapel Belfast and the Waldo Community Action Partners, a community service organization — both submitted purchase offers of $1 million, according to the news release. 

Calvary Chapel’s proposal offered the system a better deal to maintain internet connectivity for midcoast schools, libraries and community centers through a NetworkMaine access hub that has historically been located at the center, waived the right to inspect the property despite previously disclosed water damage, and offered $250,000 in earnest money, which was five times that of the second-place bidder, according to the release.

The other organization, Future of Hutchinson Center Committee, argued in its appeal that the offer the organization made — which included a $500,000 cash purchase price, continued use of the existing internet hub within the Hutchinson Center and the possibility of utilizing the center in the future for UMaine purposes — amounted to $1.9 million, and was clearly the most beneficial offer. 

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST.

Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our website. AP and Getty images may not be republished. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of any other photos and graphics.

Eesha Pendharkar

Eesha Pendharkar has worked in newsrooms in Maine, Massachusetts and DC for more than seven years, building expertise in education, equity and data reporting with an array of general assignment coverage.

Maine Morning Star is part of States Newsroom , the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

Related News

Maine mass shooting report exposes failure in Army, law enforcement and hospital responses

Almost 10 months after an Army reservist's deadly rampage in Lewiston, Maine , an independent commission said Tuesday that local law enforcement and the U.S. military had missed "several opportunities" that, if taken, "might have changed the course of these tragic events."

While the independent commission's final report found that gunman Robert Card was solely responsible for his own conduct, other lapses played a role, including:

• A Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office sergeant conducting a welfare check on Card weeks before the shooting had "sufficient probable cause" to take him into protective custody under state law.
• The leaders of Card's Army Reserve unit "failed to undertake necessary steps to reduce the threat he posed to the public," such as ignoring "strong recommendations" from his mental health providers to stay engaged with his care and ensure any weapons in his home were removed, and they "neglected to share" with the local sheriff's office all of the information they knew about past threats he had made.
• The gunman's company commander had the ability to store service members' personal firearms and failed to properly check back in with Card after he was placed in a psychiatric unit last summer at an Army training in West Point, New York, where he got into a physical altercation with another reservist.
• Medical staff members at Keller Army Community Hospital in West Point, where Card was initially evaluated last summer, failed to file a so-called SAFE Act notice, which is used to alert authorities when someone may be a danger to themselves or others.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills launch e d the commission a month after the Oct. 25 shooting killed 18 people at a bowling alley and a bar .

The commission, made up of former state judicial and legal officials and medical experts, held more than a dozen hearings, gathering testimony from local law enforcement, military members , survivors of the shooting, families of those killed and the family of the gunman . The panel said it was tasked to "find the facts" so that law enforcement, military leaders and elected officials could reduce the risk of such a tragedy reoccurring.

"Had members of Card's Army Reserve unit presented a full and complete accounting of the facts, the Sheriff's Office might have acted more assertively in September," Commission Chairman Daniel Wathen said at a news conference Tuesday.

Wathen said the commission's investigatory process was slowed by Army bureaucracy in obtaining information but that the military remained cooperative. He added that he expects Maine State Police to conduct their own after-action review with policing experts, given that the commission's makeup did not include them. State police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The gunman, 40, was found dead by suicide after a two-day manhunt.

The commission released an interim report in March that criticized a Sagadahoc County sheriff's sergeant who was alerted by Card's family about his deteriorating mental health and conducted a welfare check about five weeks before the shooting. The commission said the sergeant had probable cause to initiate Maine's "yellow flag" law , which allows law enforcement to confiscate a person's firearm if they are believed to be a threat to themselves or others.

But the sergeant said law enforcement was stymied at the time because Card refused to answer his door.

The commission noted that the state's "yellow flag" law "may sometimes be cumbersome." In April, Mills signed a bill to bolster the legislation, including allowing police to get protective custody warrants from a judge for those who may be a danger and possess firearms.

In the wake of the shooting, scrutiny also fell on the military.

Card was an Army reservist for two decades and a longtime hand grenade training instructor. Family members told the commission in May that they had tried to reach out to the Army last year, given their concerns about his mental health and access to guns, but that their calls went unreturned or unanswered.

An internal military report in July investigating the Army's response laid out how Card's unit failed to follow certain procedures after he was involved in a shoving incident with another reservist in July 2023, leading him to be hospitalized in a psychiatric unit at a civilian hospital for two weeks. At the time, his reported symptoms included psychosis and homicidal ideations and he had created a "hit list," according to the military's investigation.

The Army prohibited Card from having access to weapons while on duty.

But his unit did not conduct a required "line of duty investigation," which would have also documented the condition of his mental state, and the report also noted that Card's chain of command was not given any information regarding his diagnosis, prognosis or discharge instructions. There were also communication gaps between the Army and the civilian hospital, the report found, which can be improved in future cases.

Ultimately, a military investigator concluded that "even a flawless execution by Army personnel in every identified area would likely not have prevented the tragic events," and shifted responsibility onto the local sheriff's office, who if it "had fully executed their health and welfare check" on the gunman, "then the mass shooting and suicide may have been avoided."

Lawyers for families of the victims have complained that the various agency investigations have given conflicting conclusions about who should be held accountable. They are still seeking a broader investigation by the Inspector General for the Department of Defense.

Attorney Ben Gideon on Tuesday reiterated the "numerous opportunities" when actions could have been taken as outlined in the commission's 215-page report and signaled that lawsuits would be coming in the coming months.

"The next step in this process needs to be real accountability," Gideon said.

"One of the things that's so striking about this case is how he had such a severe paranoia delusions that seemed to be persistent for such a long period of time," Gideon said of the gunman, "but then he was discharged back into the community with no treatment for that."

Card's family has said they worry that his years of being exposed to low-level blasts as a hand grenade instructor in the military was tied to the "severe" traumatic brain injury that researchers found evidence of earlier this year.

The military in its report denied that any brain-related injury was linked to his military service. Still, the military said it would begin conducting "baseline cognitive assessments" for its trainees this summer and develop improved protective equipment to minimize blast exposure.

As for a definitive motive for the massacre, Card's family could not offer one to the commission in May.

"We could ask a million whys for the rest of our lives," Cara Lamb, the shooter's ex-wife who shared a son with him, testified, "and never have a good enough answer."

Erik Ortiz is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital focusing on racial injustice and social inequality.

7 Maine Hikes Where You Need Bear Spray

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

• A visit to Maine offers not just scenic views, but also a chance to encounter black bears on hiking trails.
• Hikers should carry bear spray on trails like the Maine Appalachian Trail and be cautious during bear activity seasons.
• Be aware of bear safety precautions and proper behavior to avoid conflicts while enjoying the outdoors in Maine.

When most people think of Maine, they don't immediately associate that state with bears. After all, it's the place most people go to for beach vacations where they can bask in the twin delights of lighthouses and the best Maine lobster rolls on the coast.

For avid hikers, however, Maine also offers many magnificent hiking trails and outdoorsy destinations in its many parks and wild spaces. This state also has the highest black bear population in the eastern USA , so there's a good chance that you'll run into one when you're frolicking around in the woods.

Now, some hikers will travel all around North America and never encounter a bear, while others may run into several of them during a single excursion. If you plan on going hiking on the Maine trails listed here any time soon, it's best to take bear spray with you to avoid becoming the victim of the growing number of chilling bear encounter stories .

8 Common Mistakes People Make When Using Bear Spray

Using bear spray the wrong way can have disastrous results. Here are several common (occasionally fatal) errors people can make with it.

7 The Maine Appalachian Trail

A challenging trek for experienced hikers, home to black bears.

The Appalachian Trail, known as the most hiked trail in America , consists of just over 2,193 miles of hiking splendor, and 282 of those miles are in Maine . Hikers on this trail can encounter many different wild animal species, and many will spot at least one black bear during their travels through this state.

These little bears aren't particularly dangerous and tend to avoid human contact whenever possible. That said, bear behavior can be unpredictable, and a new mama or a hungry bear who's trying to pack on pounds for hibernation may become aggressive.

Additionally, bears who have learned that humans = food may attack if they smell pungent snacks. It's better to err on the side of caution and keep your bear spray within easy reach just in case of an emergency.

If you're planning to hike this trail and would like to tell others about your travels, remember that Appalachia is pronounced like "Apple-atch-a", not "Appa-LAY-sha".

6 The Schoodic Peninsula Trails

These short-distance trails see a lot of bear activity.

The trails around the Schoodic Peninsula in Acadia National Park (one of many national parks where you need bear spray ) are neither long nor challenging; most are less than two miles in total and are ideal for bird-watching enthusiasts and those who like to enjoy nature without breaking too much of a sweat.

The Schoodic area is a known habitat for black bears , so it's best to carry spray with you if you're hiking or biking along the trails. Although these little bears are usually non-confrontational and generally run away if you make noise or challenge them, it's better to have bear spray with you just in case you startle one into aggression.

This peninsula is also a haven for ticks! If you're going hiking in the area, make sure to dress accordingly with long-sleeved pants and high socks, use insect repellent to keep them at bay, and check all family members (including pets) for ticks after your hike. Should you develop a fever or rash reaction after a tick bite, seek medical care immediately.

7 Easiest Hikes In Acadia National Park

These easy hiking trails allow access to some of the most stunning views of Acadia National Park in Maine without strenuous effort!

5 The Trails Of Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument

There are over 50 miles of trails to explore in this national park.

Whether you're keen on pushing your limits on the Valley Viewpoint trail 's 1,400-foot elevation or the Lichen Trail's easy 1.2-mile loop , ensure that every hiker has a can of bear spray in their pocket or hanging from their backpack strap. Black bears are quite active in Katahdin, and both activity and encounters with humans have increased significantly over the past few years .

If you don't usually run into bears in your neighborhood and don't know how to behave around them, brush up on your bear behavior awareness. That way, even though you're carrying spray for a worst-case scenario, you can try to shoo them away into the woods first.

4 Blue Hill Trail

A moderate hike around blue hill mountain where wild blueberries attract hungry black bears.

The Blue Hill Trail is a moderate, two-mile trek that offers a pleasant morning or early afternoon excursion. Its elevation isn't so high as to be overly challenging, but offers a gorgeous view of both the nearby harbor and Mount Desert Island. In summer, this region fills up with wild blueberries, which attract many hungry black bears to the area.

In fact, the bears in this region have also been known to wander into nearby neighborhoods to munch on snacks in residents' backyards . These bears have learned to associate humans with food , so they're more likely to get closer to you in search of an easy meal. If shouting and waving your arms doesn't send them on their way, that's when your can of bear spray may come in handy.

Don't Feed The Bears: 9 Safety Tips To Avoid Being Their Snack

Heading to bear country this summer? Here are some ways to avoid running into bears, and tips on how to handle a bear encounter on a hike.

3 The Traveler Loop

A difficult trail in baxter state park for seasoned hikers that has seen increased bear activity in recent years.

If you're looking for a difficult but rewarding hike, check out the Traveler Loop trail on Mount Chase . It has fairly steep inclines and slightly overgrown trails, but experienced trekkers are sure to enjoy the physical challenge of completing the nine-mile hike.

Like so many other areas in Maine, however, this trail has seen an increase in bear activity within the past several years ( one Redditor posted a video of their encounter ), especially since these fuzzy fellows have been coming out of hibernation early .

Aim to do the majority of this trail in the cooler months if you'd like to avoid running into a bear. That said, if you prefer to be more active outdoors during the spring and summer, take proper bear safety precautions to reduce the possibility of startling bears on the trail.

Seasoned hikers who enjoy this trail recommend taking much more water along than you think you'll need, as well as extra snacks. It's a challenging run, and you don't want to get dehydrated — especially during the summer months!

2 The Aroostook Trails

Gorgeous trails in aroostook state park just a hop away from new brunswick.

Located just across the Saint John River from New Brunswick, Canada, the trails of Aroostook State Park are an ideal excursion spot for wildlife aficionados. Each trail is less than a mile round trip, with only moderate inclines to traverse.

This low-lying, watery area is prime moose country , and people often venture there to either observe these majestic creatures or hunt them during the licensed season.

This area has also seen an increase in bear activity (as Redditors also confirm) in recent years — both on the trails and in the neighboring vicinity . If you plan on hiking Aroostook, don't carry any fragrant snacks with you, and make sure that you create plenty of noise as you meander along.

Where Can You See Moose In Maine? (With A Guided Tour!)

Maine is one of the best places to see moose - the largest deer - in the Eastern United States, and there are guided tours to choose from.

1 Orris Falls & Balancing Rock Trail

A stunning-yet-easy trail that bears enjoy as well.

The Orris Falls and Balancing Rock Trail is a pleasant, three-mile hike in North Berwick. This trail is easy enough for children and elderly nature lovers to enjoy, with wildlife ranging from birds and squirrels to beavers. It has also been a hot spot for bear activity in recent years, and these bears are even heading to local neighborhoods to wreak havoc on chicken coops and get into scuffles with pets.

Although it's important to carry bear spray with you when hiking this trail, remember that trying to prevent a bear encounter is even better than spraying a bear if you come across one. Be sure to bring essential gear for hiking in bear country (in addition to bear spray) . Wear bear bells on your backpack or hanging from your belt, and make plenty of noise as you hike the trails.

Keep in mind that these creatures are usually timid and docile, and would prefer to avoid humans whenever possible.

This trail is fairly low-lying and has a high mosquito density throughout the summer months. To protect yourself from West Nile and other mosquito-borne illnesses, wear protective clothing, consider using mosquito repellents that contain DEET or Neem oil, and avoid wearing fruity or other tasty-smelling fragrances.

7 Reasons You Should Rethink Carrying Bear Spray On Your Next Hike

Bear spray is an effective defense tool, but there are many reasons why you might rethink carrying it.

Recent climate change hasn't just increased wild foods for bears to snack on; it has also encouraged them to come out of hibernation earlier than usual. As a result, the guidelines for monthly bear activity listed here are subject to change.

Although we're used to bears hibernating right through to April, the milder winters have brought them out in early March as well. Use diligence and common sense whenever you go out hiking, learn what to do and what not to do if you encounter a bear while hiking , and keep your bear spray at hand in case you need it.

Spencer and the Walrus present Beatles Night

Fri, november 29, 2024, state theatre, doors: 7:00pm - show: 8:00pm - all ages, $25 advance $30 day of show $44 two day pass, on sale fri, august 23, 2024 - 10:00 am.

Buy tickets in person (without fees) at the State Theatre box office Fridays 10am-5pm, or the night of any State Theatre show starting 1 hour before doors. Please note that ticket prices may fluctuate based on demand.

Spencer and the Walrus

Spencer and the Walrus is a consortium of Portland, ME based musicians who come together through a shared love of Beatles music, including solo material. All members are active recording and touring artists who were all recently featured in a Rolling Stone article which highlighted Portland’s ambitious music scene. The goal of The Walrus is to translate Beatles recordings as accurately as possible in a live show setting. No wigs, no accents, and a little bit too loud.

• Thompson’s Point Info
• E-Mail List