Field trips are a great way to reboot a bad homeschooling week, get out of the house when everyone has cabin fever, and learn about your local area. Before heading out, check out Jeanne's tips for improving homeschool field trips.
Our listing of Maine field trips for homeschoolers is ordered alphabetically by city. If you would like to submit a Maine field trip destination, you may do so using the red button above.
WW&F Railway MuseumAlna
The WW&F Railway traces its roots to 1894 when the Wiscasset and Quebec Railroad constructed a two-foot “narrow” gauge railroad northward from the bustling wharves of Wiscasset. Far short of its international delusions of grandeur, the railway of “big dreams and little wheels” instead reached 50 miles into the heart of central Maine. Reorganized as the Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington, the railway served Maine’s Sheepscot Valley faithfully for the next 40 years before closing during the Great Depression. Brought back from extinction by a team of dedicated volunteers, today’s railway museum connects you with a Maine that has all but slipped away. See why the WW&F’s attractions and special events are among the best things to do in the Midcoast and our membership and volunteer programs have helped to set the standard for railway preservation in the United States. Join us to experience authentic Maine. It is yours to discover and explore – we will take you there.
Old Fort WesternAugusta
Tour the reconstructed Fort, including the original 1754 Garrison building, 1921 reconstructed Blockhouses, 1988 reconstructed Watch Boxes, and 1916 reconstructed Palisade.
University of Maine Museum of ArtBangor
At Maine’s only collecting institution devoted solely to exhibiting and collecting contemporary art, visitors will see a diversity of media and styles presented in Zillman’s fourteen galleries on two levels.
Fort Kent State Historic SiteBangor
The Fort Kent Blockhouse is the only fortification relating to the "Bloodless" Aroostook War of 1838-1839, and the border dispute between Great Britain and the United States. The signing of the Webster-Ashburton Treaty in 1842 settled the boundary dispute between Maine and New Brunswick and reduced the need for a fort, although federal troops remained there until 1845 to protect Maine’s and the United States’ interests in the region.
Cole Land Transportation MuseumBangor
Our purpose at the Cole Land Transportation Museum is to collect, preserve, and display (before they disappear forever) a cross section of Maine’s land transportation equipment from which this and future generations will gain knowledge of the past. We also wish to remember, record and display U.S. military memorabilia to forever remind this and future generations of the high price our comrades have paid to protect our freedom. In doing so, we hope to inspire and challenge the young people of today to continue on in the footsteps of pioneers who have built our state and country. The Cole Land Transportation Museum is happy to welcome schools and organizations to the museum for interesting, exciting, and educational field trips!
Maine Aviation Historical Society Maine Air MuseumBangor
Civil, commercial, military, and recreational flying have always been an important part of Maine history. Our goal is to preserve the history of the people and events of the past. From the earliest balloon flights, to barnstormer pilots to space travel, Maine has been an active player. We are open during the summer to the public and provide an educational experience, memories and entertainment to our visitors. Children under the age of 18 are FREE. We welcome groups, but ask that you call ahead so we can be prepared with staffing to better accommodate your group.
Bangor Historical Society Walking ToursBangor
Home to Bangor’s Official Historic Tours. Our Historic Walking Tours tell the tales of the Bangor Region and its people. Led by guides who have a passion for the Queen City’s history, you’ll learn little-known facts and details that will open your eyes to pieces of the past. Private tours are available for organizations, parties and/or other groups. Check out their Tour and Events pages for more information!
Oceanarium and Education CenterBar Harbor
Open Wednesday-Sunday, 9am-4pm. The Oceanarium and Education Center is an explorative experience of the Acadian sea, shore, and sky.
Abbe MuseumBar Harbor
The Abbe offers innovative exhibitions and programs on Maine's Native American heritage. Visitors find dynamic and stimulating exhibitions and activities interspersed with spaces for quiet reflection. The history and cultures of Maine's Native people, the Wabanaki, are showcased through changing exhibitions, special events, teacher workshops, archaeology field schools and craft workshops for children and adults.
Maine Maritime MuseumBath
Maine Maritime Museum offers a myriad of opportunities to explore Maine's maritime heritage and culture and to experience the mystique of Maine.
Dr. Moses Mason HouseBethel
One of the finest Federal-style residences in northern New England, the Dr. Moses Mason House was constructed in 1813 on a spacious lot facing onto the Common at Bethel Hill village. According to Dr. Nathaniel Tuckerman True, Bethel's eminent nineteenth-century historian, this house was the first on the Common to be painted white, the first on a high foundation of granite slabs, and the first to make use of exterior shutters. The house and grounds were renovated and restored in 1972-73. Nine rooms in the Mason House have been arranged to depict the residence as it appeared from 1813 to 1869 during the occupancy of Dr. Moses Mason (1789-1866) and his wife, Agnes M. Straw (1793-1869). On view are a wide variety of eighteenth and nineteenth century examples of the decorative arts—many original to the house and all part of the permanent collection.
Biddeford Mill MuseumBiddeford
This resource provides a history of the textile mill buildings that sit alongside the Saco River including virtual tours such as: History of the Textile Industry in Biddeford, The Mill Girls and the impact of the Civil War, The Vellux Blanket, A Walk Through History, etc.
Boothbay Railway VillageBoothbay
Spend a fun-filled day discovering 35-acres of Maine history brought to life! Step back in time for a peek at Maine and the way life used to be. Nowhere else in New England can you ride the rails behind an authentic steam locomotive surrounded by historic Maine buildings preserved in a recreated village of aged and vintage buildings assembled from across Maine, and view a collection of 60 antique autos or experience model trains as never before.
Leonard's Mills - Maine Forest and Logging MuseumBradley
Leonard's Mills is the centerpiece of the Maine Forest and Logging Museum, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping alive the forest industry of long ago for the present-day citizens of the State of Maine. Located on approximately 400 acres on Blackman Stream in Bradley, Leonard's Mills is at the actual site of an early pioneer settlement, identified by the remains of a stone dam and the foundations of several houses. Today, Leonard's Mills is "alive" once again, as the Museum is represented by an authentic reconstruction of a logging and milling community of the 1790s. The Museum, through our Living History site at Leonard's Mills, teaches people of all ages about the forest and logging history of Maine.
The Rufus Porter Museum of Art and IngenuityBridgton
The Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity promotes and preserves the life and legacy of Rufus Porter. Today, Porter is well recognized for his folk art, however, he was so much more than a painter. Porter was an inventor, a musician, and a founding publisher, editor, and writer for Scientific American, still in publication today. Open seasonally and by appointment, our campus is home to two historic Bridgton homes. The museum's main exhibits, located in the John and Maria Webb House, features the story of Rufus Porter and includes a collection of miniature portraits, models of some of his inventions, books and pamphlets written by Porter. The Webb House is on the National Register of Historic Places and received an Honor Award from Maine Preservation in 2019. The Nathan Church House is home to a collection of murals from various New England homes, an in situ mural room, and special exhibit space. The Church House is the original headquarters of the museum and one of Bridgton's oldest surviving buildings. We offer a variety of educational activities and host Camp Invention every summer.
Bridgton Historical Society - The Gibbs Avenue MuseumBridgton
Bridgton has a rich and varied past as a farming community, a center for trade and industry, and, with the coming of the narrow-gauge railroad and the automobile, a destination for thousands of summer visitors. The former fire station on Gibbs Avenue (built in 1878) in downtown Bridgton houses the Bridgton Historical Society's Museum collections, archives, and research facilities. Special exhibits change each summer, and programs on Bridgton history and related topics are held throughout the year. Visit "Narramissic," the Peabody-Fitch farm, for a glimpse of New England on the eve of the Civil War. Have a fun learning experience at one of our programs, take a hike to the quarry that was the source of the granite for the foundations, visit the restored blacksmith shop, and tour the house, furnished largely with items original to the property. Or simply enjoy the view of the spectacular Maine & NH mountain range and explore the grounds, which are being restored to reflect a mid 19th-century Maine farm.
Bridgton Historical Society - The Gibbs Avenue Museum website
Pejepscot MuseumBrunswick
Rotating exhibitions explore the history of Brunswick, Topsham and Harpswell. Research library with primary documents permit visitors to explore the history of the region and their own heritage. Free to the public and open all year round.
Skolfield-Whittier House MuseumBrunswick
A house represents a time-capsule for three generations of a prominent Brunswick family. Alfred Skolfield was a successful sea captain, Dr. Alice A.S. Whittier, was Maine's first female pediatrician, and Dr. Frank Whittier, one of America's first forensic pathologists. The house remains exactly as it was in 1925 when it was last occupied on a full time basis. Seventeen rooms are viewed during personalized guided tours that provide an unparalleled glimpse into nineteenth-century upper-middle-class life in Maine. If you want to learn more about this extraordinary building, take our Virtual Tour.
Joshua L. Chamberlain MuseumBrunswick
The museum is the adult home of Joshua L. Chamberlain and his family. Chamberlain was the hero of Little Round Top at Gettysburg during the Civil War, Governor of Maine, and President of Bowdoin College. Guided tours explore Chamberlain's life, family and career.
Peary-MacMillan Arctic MuseumBrunswick
Named for Arctic explorers and Bowdoin College graduates Robert E. Peary and Donald B. MacMillan. The museum collections include Arctic exploration gear, natural history specimens, and art and anthropological material, produced primarily by the Inuit cultures of Labrador and Greenland. The museum also has large holdings of historic and anthropological photographs and motion picture film.
Adventure BoundCaratunk
Adventure Bound is Maine's only youth and family adventure destination. Offering one day or multi-day Maine whitewater rafting trip on the Kennebec river, rock climbing, inflatable kayaking, ropes course, or a custom package tailored to suit your group or family. Our 40 acre property is located along the Kennebec River in the beautiful mountains of Caratunk, Maine. Miles of trails, waterfront area, a pool and hot tub, disc golf, playing fields, climbing wall, volleyball, and its proximity to amazing local activities are what separates Adventure Bound from any other campground or lodge.
Castine Historical SocietyCastine
The Castine Historical Society is dedicated to collecting and preserving information and materials related to the history of the Castine-Bagaduce River area. In 1994 the Society demonstrated the commitment to its mission by purchasing and restoring the Abbott School on the Castine town common. The fully restored building, itself a significant contribution to the community's history, is the Society's permanent home and site of annual exhibits and events. The Society's multi-media permanent exhibit is devoted to the ill-fated Penobscot Expedition, one of the worst naval defeats in American history, which took place in and around Castine during the summer of 1779. In terms of content and technology, it is the most comprehensive exhibit of the Revolutionary War disaster ever undertaken.
Whaleback Shell MiddenDamariscotta
The upper Damariscotta River is famous for its enormous oyster shell heaps, also called middens. Native Americans created the middens over a period of about a thousand years, between 2,200 and 1,000 years ago.
Fort Edgecomb State Historic SiteEdgecomb
Watch boats motor by, catch a glimpse of playful harbor seals, or see nearby nesting osprey take flight as you enjoy a picnic on the waterfront at Fort Edgecomb State Historic Site. Located on Davis Island in the Sheepscott River, Fort Edgecomb traces its origins to the early 19th century. Interpretive panels unfold the events surrounding the Fort's history when hostilities in Europe dictated construction of forts to protect local residents. The centerpiece of the fort is the Blockhouse that was completed in 1809 and represents the nation's best-preserved blockhouse of this period. It sits on the highest point overlooking the Sheepscott River, and visitors are welcome to discover the views from the horizontal musket ports.
Telephone MuseumEllsworth
A big gray barn on a country road in Maine houses an unusual display of communications technology. At The Telephone Museum, the history of the telephone network from Alexander Graham Bell's patent in 1876, through the era of switchboard operators and early dial telephones, to the more complex electro-mechanical switching systems that preceeded digital technology, is represented in hands-on exhibits intended to show the ingenuity and craftsmanship of thousands of telephone workers, innovators and entrepreneurs over more than 100 years.
Birdsacre and Cordelia Stanwood Homestead and MuseumEllsworth
Birdsacre was the home of Cordelia J. Stanwood (1865-1958), pioneering naturalist, ornithologist, photographer, and writer. She inspired and embodied Birdsacre’s mission through her deep appreciation of nature, conservation, and education. Hike Birdsacre’s six miles of interconnected nature trails. Discover simple serenity as you explore the forest streams and fern-lined slopes of the 200-acre sanctuary. Birdsacre preserves vital wildlife habitat, is home to numerous species of native Maine flora and fauna, and serves as a stop over for migrating birds in spring and fall. Trails are open year-round from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Nature Discovery Center and store are open, Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, 11 am to 3 pm. Take a guided tour of the Stanwood Homestead: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 am to 3 pm.
Birdsacre and Cordelia Stanwood Homestead and Museum website
Downeast Lakes Land TrustGrand Lake Stream
The Downeast Lakes Land Trust (DLLT) is a community-led conservation organization based in Grand Lake Stream, ME. DLLT contributes to the long-term economic and environmental well-being of the Downeast Lakes region through the conservation and exemplary management of its forests and waters. DLLT owns and manages the 34,000-acre Farm Cove Community Forest. Visitors are encouraged to use all forms of public access, including canoeing and kayaking, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and more. There are no entrance fees and no gates. If you are interested in bringing your homeschool group to Grand Lake Stream, please contact DLLT at (207) 796 - 2100 or email info@downeastlakes.org.
Moosehead Marine MuseumGreenville
The Moosehead Marine Museum invites you to experience history. The Museum has an extensive collection of steamboat memorabilia and early photographs of the Moosehead area, and is dedicated to preserving the glorious days of steamboating and the marine heritage of the Moosehead Lake Region.
L.C. Bates MuseumHinckley
The L.C. Bates Museum of Natural History and Culture at Good Will-Hinckley is an early 20th-century museum full of the wonders of nature. Come discover the Maine wildlife dioramas, view Ernest Hemingway’s marlin, and see a platypus up close! Explore exhibits of art, artifacts, Wabanaki baskets, minerals, fossils, and local history. Experience Maine’s natural beauty first-hand on the Museum grounds and forest walking trails.
Fields Pond Audubon CenterHolden
Fields Pond Audubon Center is located 7 miles from downtown Bangor on over 225 acres of diverse habitat. Exploration and discovery are at the center of our environmental education philosophy. Habitat exploration, stream investigation, and Maine natural history are the core environmental education activities.
Penobscot Nation MuseumIndian Island
The people of the Penobscot Indian Nation are traditionally known as the penawahpskewi. Together with the Passamaqouddy, Maliseet, and Mik Maq Nations, the four Northeastern Woodlamds tribes make up the Wabanaki Confederacy. The Penobscot Nation Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of the Penobscot and Wabanaki people. Currently, the museum houses collections that span thousands of years of Maine Native American history. Our museum provides a repository for contemporary Wabanaki art, such as paintings, woodcarvings, and basketry, demonstrating the strong connections we have with our ancestors and the earth.
Brick Store MuseumKennebunk
The Brick Store Museum is an active, community museum focusing on local history, art, and cultures of the Kennebunks and its surrounding communities. The Museum’s Collections hold over 55,000 artifacts relating to regional history. This Museum is open year-round offer rotating exhibitions, monthly educational programs and tours, historic preservation and archaeology projects, and community events.
Kennebunkport Historical SocietyKennebunkport
- Built in 1853, White Columns is one of the Kennebunkport Historical Society’s premier properties. Owned and loved by the same family for 130 years, the Victorian-era home has retained its old-world charm and still contains the home’s original furnishings. Step back in time by taking a guided tour. Docents will lead you through seven rooms of the stately home and share stories about three generations of the Perkins-Nott family that lived, loved and lost in this magnificent Greek revival mansion. The tour includes history of Kennebunkport, its shipbuilding and maritime traditions, and the intriguing story of the family that inhabited the home.
- The George H.W. Bush Hometown Collection is the only exhibition about President George H.W. Bush in Kennebunkport. This one-room exhibit offers a comprehensive look at the life of our 41st President. It includes a video timeline of his life prior to and including his tenure in the White House. In addition to the video display, the gallery also features rotating collections of Bush Family memorabilia and artifacts.
- Join us for an unforgettable 45-minute to 1-hour guided tour, filled with the social, cultural, and architectural marvels that define this enchanting destination. This tour covers approximately 3/4 miles of streets and charming lanes, each step revealing a new chapter in Kennebunkport’s vibrant history.
Seashore Trolley MuseumKennebunkport
Come and visit the largest museum of mass transit, where you get to relive history and follow the footsteps of generations past. Spend an afternoon or a day riding our trolleys through the Maine countryside. Take a look through the Town House Restoration Shop and see our volunteers hard at work bringing old trolleys back to life. Take a walk around the museum grounds and through our exhibit barns where you can see samples of transit history from around the world on display. We are the oldest, and largest electric railway museum in the world.
Stanley MuseumKingfield
The Stanley Museum, Inc. commemorates and preserves the heritage of Stanley family genius. The famous “Stanley Steamer” automobile was invented by Francis Edgar Stanley and manufactured by him and his twin brother, Freelan Oscar Stanley. The Stanley Dry Plate company was also a joint endeavor of the twins, F.E. and F.O. Stanley. Freelan Oscar Stanley, along with nephew Carlton Stanley, opened a violin-making business. Their sister, Chansonetta Stanley Emmons, and her daughter Dorothy, are equally important, Chansonetta for her photographs depicting rural turn-of-the-century American life and Dorothy for her paintings. The museum has assembled a collection of all facets of Stanley family history and memorabilia — airbrush painting and photography, photographic dry plate technology, violins and examples of Stanley steam cars from 1905, 1909, 1910, and 1916. The museum uses these collections to illustrate the technical, artistic, social and economic achievements of the Stanley family and how these achievements relate to the past, present, and future. The Museum, located at 40 School Street in Kingfield, Maine, houses four Stanley Steamer automobiles along with a family room dedicated to the history, ingenuity, and the artistic talents of the Stanley Family.
Kittery Historical & Naval SocietyKittery
Incorporated in 1647, Kittery abounds with history, from pre-revolution days to the modern navy and the Historical & Naval Society Museum is the place to relive much of it through the artifacts and documents on display.
The Public TheatreLewiston-Auburn
The Public Theatre is an Equity theatre featuring the best plays and professional actors from Broadway and beyond. Discounted student rate tickets to special morning matinees are only $7 each, and discounts to public performances are also available. Paid Internships and backstage crew positions are also available. Contact info@thepublictheatre.org or 782-2211 to learn more.
Lincolnville Historical SocietySchool & House MuseumLincolnville
The School House Museum of the Lincolnville Historical Society is located on the second floor of the 1892 building known as the Beach School. Class for all eight grades was held in this room until 1947 when the town of Lincolnville built a consolidated school five miles inland in Lincolnville Center. In 1994 the Historical Society moved its collection into the restored school room and began to create a museum.
Lincolnville Historical SocietySchool & House Museum website
Fort O'Brien State Historic SiteMachiasport
Fort O'Brien (Fort Machias) was built in 1775 and destroyed by the British in the same year. This state historic site is one of few Maine forts active during three wars - the American Revolution, War of 1812 and Civil War. Fort O'Brien's layout was altered several times over the 90 years it was active on this site. But the fort's important role in protecting the Machias River and its towns remained unchanged.
Maine Acadian CultureMadawaska
Maine Acadians share beliefs and experiences tying them to a common religion, languages, and history. The St. John River, land, and family are essential to their culture. The National Park Service supports the Maine Acadian Heritage Council, an association of historical societies, cultural clubs, towns, and museum that work together to support Maine Acadian culture in the St. John Valley.
Milbridge Historical MuseumMilbridge
Located in beautiful, unspoiled downeast Maine, Milbridge was once a busy shipbuilding center. This museum preserves the record of this shipbuilding era and other historic artifacts related to the town's proud heritage.
Mount Desert Island Historical Society - Sound SchoolhouseMount Desert
The School House was opened in 1892 for the children of the quarrying and farming village of Sound. The building was used as a school for 34 years, closing in 1926. Until it was restored by the MDI Historical Society in 1999, it had served as a community center, a place for dances, suppers, and tag sales. When the Historical Society restored the building, a curatorial wing was added. During the school year, "A School Day in 1894" is recreated for third and fourth grade students in the original classroom. A visit to The Old Schoolhouse & Museum offers people of all ages an opportunity to step back in time and think about how education in a one-room school would differ from today's schooling. Exhibits throughout the year focus on themes in MDI's history. Some exhibits blend contemporary arts and crafts with historical objects and photographs, demonstrating the connections between the past and the present.
Mount Desert Island Historical Society - Sound Schoolhouse website
Colonial Pemaquid State Historic SiteNew Harbor
One of northern New England's earliest communities, rich in archeological history, Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site is a place not to be missed during a visit to Midcoast Maine. Bureau of park and Lands staff host interpretive tours, and teach visitors about the native people who camped on this once-remote peninsula that evolved into a rough, frontier settlement dating back to the mid-1620s. Children enjoy a trip to the museum that houses artifacts unearthed from the grounds. Exotic china patterns, a rare, German Bellarmine jug and various tools of the day are on display to paint a picture of what life in the village was like.
Oakfield Railroad MuseumOakfield
Our Museum is dedicated to the early years of Railroad Transportation. Besides seeing the historic wood frame station building, you can be intrigued by hundreds of photographs- some of which are over a century old. There are also vintage signs and advertising pieces, signal lanterns, original railroad maps, telegraph equipment, newspapers, a Hand Car and a Motor Car, restored mail carts, the C-66 caboose, and a weathervane that came from the top of the old water tower that was demolished in 1982.
Ogunquit Museum of American ArtOgunquit
The Ogunquit Museum of American Art (OMAA) was founded by Lost Generation artist Henry Strater and opened in 1953. Closely connected to two of America’s earliest art colonies that directly contributed to the roots of American modernism, the OMAA today houses a permanent collection of important paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and photographs from the late 1800s to the present. A short walk from Perkins Cove, the museum and its three acres of sculpture gardens overlook Narrow Cove and the Atlantic Ocean. The museum would love to host homeschooling groups for educational tours and art-making sessions. Contact the Education & Community Outreach Fellow (scordery@ogunquitmuseum.org) to arrange a group tour.
Old Town Museum (Old Town, Maine)Old Town
Initially conceived as a way for the City of Old Town to celebrate the nation's bicentennial, the Old Town Museum now is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Old Town and the surrounding area. During the summer, the Old Town Museum hosts numerous "Sunday Afternoon Programs", some of which are historical in nature while others are pure entertainment. Some displays Old Town's past in the lumbering industry, materials and equipment from some professional establishments, simulations of rooms in early homes, wood carvings of Old Town artist Bernard Langlais, and a prized birch bark canoe.
Hudson MuseumOrono
We are currently offering tours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. All groups coming to the Museum must contact the Museum prior to their visit to confirm space and schedule availability. We welcome home-school groups at the Hudson Museum. We require a minimum of 10 students ages 5 years old and up. If you are bringing children younger than 5 years old, we are happy to provide an alternative activity (i.e. children’s books and coloring), while the program is taking place. We offer Tours Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays) between 9 and 3. We have many commitments for the museum space and receive many tour requests during the school year, so please provide us with multiple days and times you can visit so we can best accommodate you. The Museum is FREE and open to the public Monday – Friday: 9am – 4pm. Located within the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine campus at 2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono.
19th Century Curran Village at NewfieldOrrington
Two historic houses and their barns, a reproduction schoolhouse and bandstand, and a millpond grace this restored country village. Plan to spend at least 3 hours once you arrive. Bring a picnic or enjoy lunch on site. Horse-drawn sleighs and carriages, an 1849 Concord stagecoach, a 1894 carousel, gas engines, a "roadable" airplane, and exhibits of various trades and tools -- blacksmith, broom maker, canoe builder, cooper, cobbler, harness maker, printer, wheelwright, woodworker -- are just a few of the delightful displays you'll see! Be sure to check our calendar for exciting events and activities scheduled throughout the summer and fall.
Owls Head Transportation MuseumOwls Head
The Owls Head Transportation Museum has one of the finest collections of pioneer-era aircraft and automobiles in the world. More than 100 historic aircraft, automobiles, bicycles, carriages and engines are on permanent display. The Aircraft Collection contains replicas and originals representing the first century of flight, from Cayley's unmanned glider (1804) to the legendary Curtiss Jenny of the barnstorming era. An outstanding collection of automobiles spans the late 19th Century and early 20th century, and includes the 1963 Prototype Mustang and a 1935 Stout Scarab (called the world's first mini-van, one of only six ever made).
Maine Mineral and Gem MuseumOxford
The MMGM showcases a large collection of Maine's minerals and gems, including a collection of extraterrestrial rocks. Interactive exhibits on three floors provide education and information about geological research and history.
Patten Lumbermen's MuseumPatten
The Patten Lumbermen's Museum was established to document Maine Logging History, by preserving the logging heritage and accomplishments of early inhabitants of the state of Maine. Exihibits at the museum include some of Maine's most notable contributions to the early mechanization of logging, including the Lombard Steam Hauler, Lombard Gas Hauler, and the Peavey Cant Dog.
Fort Popham State Historic SitePhippsburg
Fort Popham is a semi-circular granite fort that was never completed, though construction began in 1862 for use during the Civil War. Modifications were made and the fort was used again in the Spanish American War and in World War 1. Historical records conclude that fortifications, probably wooden, existed here and protected the Kennebec settlements during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. It was nearby that the English made their first attempt to colonize New England in 1607.
Colburn House State Historic SitePittston
Built in 1765, this colonial Federal-style house was home to several generations of the prominent Colburn family. Colburn had helped spawn the idea of attacking British Quebec by way of the Maine wilderness and had supplied critical information to General Washington. No, George Washington never slept here, but two other people who figured prominently in the American Revolution did: Benedict Arnold and Aaron Burr.
Maine State BuildingPoland Spring
The Maine State Building was originally built in 1893 for the Chicago Worlds Fair also known as the Columbian Exposition.
All Souls ChapelPoland Spring
The prayer at the official opening ceremony of this chapel in 1912 ended thusly: "We pray that this beautiful chapel may be a perpetual reminder of the reality of the spiritual life to many who are struggling upward toward the height where Thou dost dwell." This chapel was erected on the very top of the hill at the Poland Spring estate, overlooking the panorama of magnificent natural scenery. No expense was spared to make it of a quality commensurate with its environments and function. State of Maine granite from the best quarries was procured for the walls and arches; quartered sawn oak of the finest quality for ceilings, doors, and other interior woodwork; brass for sills, reading desk, railings; and a floor of inlaid mosaic of beautiful and expensive design. The work of construction was performed by Italians brought here from Boston, and was done slowly and with great care, that no detail should lack in permanence or artistic value.
Portland Museum of ArtPortland
Experience all we have to offer at the Portland Museum of Art. As the largest and oldest art museum in the state of Maine, the Museum serves as a vital cultural resource for all who visit. The Museum's collection of more than 17,000 objects is housed in three historic and remarkable buildings showcasing three centuries of art and architecture. Whether this is your first visit or 131st, our changing exhibitions and permanent collection offer you a diverse selection of fine and decorative arts to view.
Children's Museum & Theatre of MainePortland
CMTM’s state-of-the-art building, located at 250 Thompson’s Point in Portland, Maine, features over 30,000 square feet of exhibits spanning three floors and the Outdoor Adventure area. The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine offers visitors interactive exhibits that have been designed to create experiential learning and fun at the same time. We offer a child-centered experience for the entire family. Maddy's Theatre performances welcome children and family members of all abilities.
Victoria MansionPortland
Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby House, is the finest example of residential design from the pre-Civil War era in America. With superb architecture and well-preserved original interiors that were among the most lavish and sophisticated in their day, it is an unparalleled document of America's highest aspirations in architecture, interior design, and the decorative arts.
Tate House MuseumPortland
The Tate House was built in 1755 for Captain George Tate (1700-1794) and his family who had arrived in the Colonies around 1750. Tate served as the Senior Mast Agent for the British Royal Navy, overseeing the cutting and shipping of white pines from Maine to England. This position assured Tate's success, and his status in the community is reflected by the style of architecture he selected for his home. With its clapboards still unpainted, Tate House is one of two residences in Maine with an unusual clerestory in the gambrel roof. As the only pre-Revolutionary home in Greater Portland that is open to the public, the impressive period furnishings, beautiful grounds and herb gardens, and unique architecture of Tate House offer an insightful glimpse at the 18th century and life in Colonial Maine. Tate House welcomes guests from across the country and around the globe. Students throughout the state benefit from Tate House's resources and educational programs as they learn about the mast trade and life in eighteenth century.
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & MuseumPortland
Enjoy magnificent views of Portland's waterfront aboard antique rail cars pulled by hard-working steam and diesel locomotives. Discover the unique two-foot gauge trains that linked rural Maine to the rest of the world.
Maine Historical Society MuseumPortland
The MHS Museum features changing exhibitions and programs spanning more than five centuries of Maine life. Drawing from the extensive collections of the Maine Historical Society, original exhibits feature art, artifacts, and documents that vividly bring Maine history to life.
Wadsworth Longfellow HousePortland
Within its walls lived three generations of one remarkable family that made significant contributions to the political, literary, and cultural life of New England and the United States. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807--1882), grew up in the house and went on to become one of the most famous men of his time. Virtually all of the household items and artifacts are original to the Wadsworth and Longfellow families. The Wadsworth--Longfellow House is also an important architectural artifact of New England's past. Behind the House you will find the Longfellow Garden, a secluded Colonial Revival style garden that is an oasis of green and quiet in the heart of downtown Portland. Located on what had once been the domestic farmyard for the Wadsworth Longfellow family, the Longfellow Garden Club created the garden in 1926.
Presque Isle Historical Society - Vera Estey House and Fire StationPresque Isle
Presque Isle Historical Society currently owns three distinct historic properties: the 1875 Vera Estey House Museum, acquired under the Will of Vera Estey in 1994; the Maysville Grange, purchased in an effort to save this historically significant site in 2011; and the Historic Fire Station, built in 1912 and acquired from the City of Presque Isle in 2001.
Presque Isle Historical Society - Vera Estey House and Fire Station website
Fort Knox State Historic SiteProspect
Fort Knox, Maine's largest historic fort, features stunning military architecture and master granite craftsmanship. Constructed between 1844 and 1864 by master craftsmen and never fully completed, this is an unaltered example of a large mid-19th century granite coastal fortification. It is also New England's finest unmodified specimen of military architecture of the period.
Penobscot Narrows ObservatoryProspect
A one-minute elevator ride will take you to one of the most unusual views in Maine, a 360 degree view from 420 feet above the Penobscot River, just a few miles up river from Penobscot Bay. Located atop the northern tower or pylon of the new Penobscot Narrows Bridge, the observatory gives visitors a spectacular look at mountains, lakes, and portions of Penobscot Bay.
Wilhelm Reich MuseumRangeley
The Orgone Energy Observatory was first opened to the public as the Wilhelm Reich Museum in 1960. Today, the term "Museum" refers to the entire 175-acre property of Orgonon. Its numerous buildings, meadows, forests, and woodland trails--all well preserved and maintained--also fulfill Reich's wish "to preserve some of the atmosphere in which the discovery of the life energy has taken place over the decades."
Rangeley Lakes Region Logging MuseumRangeley
The Maine Forestry Museum collection consists of hundreds of artifacts, tools, equipment, and heavy machinery from regional logging operations. View 19 original oil paintings by Alden Grant depicting logging camp life in the early 1900s.
Farnsworth Art MuseumRockland
Celebrating Maine's Role in American Art, the Farnsworth Art Museum offers a nationally recognized collection of works from many of America's greatest artists. With 20,000 square feet of gallery space and over 10,000 works in the collection, there is always something new on view at the Farnsworth. The museum houses the nation's second-largest collection of works by premier 20th-century sculptor Louise Nevelson. Its Wyeth Center exclusively features works of Andrew, N.C. and Jamie Wyeth. The Farnsworth's library is also housed in its Rockland, ME, campus. Two historic buildings, the Farnsworth Homestead and the Olson House, complete the museum complex.
Maine Lighthouse MuseumRockland
Once you pass through the doors at One Park Drive in Rockland, Maine, you will enter the Maine Lighthouse Museum, home to the largest collection of lighthouse, lifesaving, and U.S. Coast Guard artifacts in the nation.
Coastal Children’s MuseumRockland
Hello! We are a small children’s museum in Rockland! We have openings for school groups on Wednesdays and year-round! We have plenty of areas for the children to play and learn! We have a touch tank and feel free to email for other programs available!
Camden-Rockport Historical Society - Conway HomesteadRockport
The six-building campus of the Camden-Rockport Historical Society provides an opportunity for visitors to walk through 18th and 19th-century buildings and to become familiar with the everyday life of a Maine farm family. Local history is interpreted and presented through tours of the fully restored and authentically historic complex. In addition, we offer programs, lectures, and activities throughout the year that are open to the public. We also engage with other historical groups, schools, neighboring communities, and other local partners.
Camden-Rockport Historical Society - Conway Homestead website
Dyer Library - Saco MuseumSaco
The Saco Museum is a regional museum of fine and decorative arts and historic artifacts. The Institute was founded in 1866 and is the third oldest museum in Maine. The museum's distinctive red brick Colonial Revival building was designed by the noted Maine architect John Calvin Stevens in 1926 as fire-proof gallery space for the Institute's extensive collections. The Saco Museum's collection contains more than 10,000 artifacts, including superb collections of documented local furniture, clocks, and other decorative arts such as silver, ceramics, textiles and costumes. The museum is well known for its rich collection of paintings and portraits from the Saco River region, and the finest and largest collection of portraits by the renowned deaf artist John Brewster, Jr. (1766 - 1854).
Penobscot Marine MuseumSearsport
Raise a sail, read a seaman’s diary, sing a sea chantey! Voyage through hundreds of years, thousands of miles, and millions of stories. Explore art, objects, photos, and hands-on exhibits.
Skowhegan History HouseSkowhegan
Skowhegan History House contains tools, simple machines, garments, maps, books, pictures, dishes and other household furnishings to help you examine yesterday.
Somesville Historical Museum & GardensSomesville
Permanent exhibits explore the stories of Mount Desert Island’s past—stories of resilience, labor, and life beyond the familiar lens of tourism. Learn about the lived experiences of the Wabanaki people, early settlers, immigrants in the granite and construction industries, domestic workers, seasonal laborers, and year-round residents who worked in fisheries, boat building, and more. These narratives connect the island’s towns and villages, showing how MDI is both unique and part of a shared coastal Maine legacy. Museum & Selectmen’s Building Hours: Thursdays 10:00am - 4:00pm The grounds and bridge are accessible year-round.
Hamilton HouseSouth Berwick
In a picturesque setting overlooking the Salmon Falls River, this striking Georgian mansion, a National Landmark ca. 1785, and its landscape share a history that mirrors that of its Southern Maine region. Hamilton House is located on the homeland of the Wabanaki. After European colonists took ownership of the area known as South Berwick, Maine, the site was purchased by merchant Jonathan Hamilton for his shipping business in the eighteenth century, farmed by the Goodwin family in the nineteenth century, and restored as the summer retreat of Emily Tyson and her stepdaughter, Elise, at the turn of the twentieth. Today, Hamilton House reflects the occupancy of the Tysons in the early twentieth century. It is one of the region’s quintessential country estates of that era. The house features two whimsical murals commissioned by the women, as well as antique furnishings and handcrafted decorative arts they collected. The elaborate perennial garden, with its charming garden cottage, provides visitors with a place to stroll and picnic overlooking the river.
Spring Point Ledge LighthouseSouth Portland
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse was constructed to mark a dangerous ledge which is now covered by the breakwater. Numerous ships had struck the ledge, and local ship owners had petitioned the Lighthouse Board for many years before funds were made available for construction. Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse was first lit on May 24th, 189,7 and is located in Portland Harbor.
Hendricks Hill MuseumSouthport
An 1810 house with eight rooms: kitchen, parlor, map room, marine room, pantry and three upstairs bedrooms. We also have a boatshop and an addition to the original building which houses three exhibit rooms and a reference room with various archival and genealogical materials.
Wendell Gilley Museum of Bird CarvingSouthwest Harbor
Opened in 1981, the Museum is a community center that celebrates the life and work of Wendell Gilley, a pioneer in the field of decorative bird carving. It teaches the art of bird carving and presents art exhibitions and educational programs with a special focus on people, nature and art. The Museum endeavors to inspire appreciation of the visual arts, engagement in artistic creativity, and respect and care for the natural world.
Marshall Point Lighthouse MuseumSt George
The Marshall Point Lighthouse Museum’s exhibits provide an interesting and thorough overview of the history, culture, and people of the Saint George area. Our reference room boasts the largest reference center of historical information on the Saint George Peninsula. Enjoy our extensive library on quarrying, lobstering, shipbuilding, and the history of the town of Port Clyde and the other villages that make up St. George. The museum contains a host of information and a great array of lighthouse memorabilia, lobstering and quarrying tools, and displays. In addition, exhibits featuring the lifestyle, crafts, and interests of those who have lived in the area round out the experience.
Marrett HouseStandish
In 1796, young Daniel Marrett, a recent Harvard graduate, moved to Standish to become the town parson. The grand house he purchased reflected his status as the community's leading citizen. Over the years, his children and grandchildren enlarged and updated the house, but left unchanged many furnishings and interior arrangements as relics of the past. They preserved the southwest parlor exactly as it had appeared on the occasion of a family wedding in 1847. In 1889, the family celebrated the house's centennial by refurbishing several of the rooms with reproduction heirloom wallpapers and bed hangings, and organizing a large family reunion to honor the Marrett legacy. Today, the visitor can see the layering of eras and tastes that occurs when a family resides in one house for three generations. The Marrett sisters' extensive perennial garden, which they laid out in the 1920s and 1930s, has been restored.
Thomaston Museum In The StreetsThomaston
The outdoor museum is comprised of a series of twenty-five plaques with historic photographs and legends, in both English and French, about the town's history. The plaques are placed throughout the historic district and positioned as closely as possible to the spot where the original photographer had stood when taking the pictures more than 125 years ago. In that way, you can view the plaque and then raise your eyes to see the same scene as it appears today. Surprisingly, many of the old photographs are not that different from the way the town looks today.
Colby College Museum of ArtWaterville
Founded in 1959, the Colby College Museum of Art has an outstanding permanent collection of 18th-, 19th-, 20th-, and 21st-century American art, as well as an active temporary exhibition program. Admission, gallery talks, lectures and receptions are open to the public, free of charge.
Redington MuseumWaterville
The Redington Museum offers a comprehensive and charming view of life in Waterville during the past two centuries. Fascinating collections of furniture, accessories, household artifacts, toys, tools, and weapons as well as historical papers and diaries, are located in an elegant Federal-style home at 62 Silver Street. The museum is a civic treasure, maintained and supported with pride by the Waterville Historical Society. Waterville has had a long and varied history of commerce, agriculture, and manufacturing that in turn supported a lively community bound together by educational institutions, the arts, sports, politics, social and recreational activities. A visit to the Redington Museum affords accurate and engaging insights into the lives of the people who lived here.
Children's Discovery Museum of Central MaineWaterville
The mission of the Children's Discovery Museum of Central Maine is to ignite curiosity and celebrate learning through play.
Maine Warrior GymWestbrook
The Maine Warrior Gym is a 5,000 square foot obstacle course gym, with American Ninja Warrior inspired obstacles and training. The gym hosts 2 hour guided sessions with groups of up to 35 kids to encourage coordination, gross motor skills, proprioception, body mechanics, overcoming fear and leading a healthful, fulfilling life through movement.
Westport Island History CenterWestport Island
The current exhibit at the Westport Island History Center, at 38 Ferry Road, Westport Island, ME, is the Portraits of two Island Homes: Tarbox Brothers Samuel and Cornelius Jr. The exhibit includes documents, letters, photos, and artifacts of life on the island from 1784 through today. It reviews the lasting impression that these two brothers left on Westport Island and highlights their contributions. For middle and high schoolers, but all are welcome. Free to the public; reserve a time by contacting them at FOWIH19@gmail.com.
Anchor ME HarborWindsor
We are a nonprofit that specializes in mental health and unconventional animals. The kids would learn how different animals can help reduce stress and be therapeutic. All ages are welcome, but there are rules. We could include some of the activities that we offer, such as coloring, or they can learn how to take care of the different animals. We are not a petting zoo. We do have some amazing animals that love attention. They are trained to be gentle, especially towards people with disabilities or mental health issues.
Fort Halifax State Historic SiteWinslow-Waterville
The oldest blockhouse in the United States is all that remains of Fort Halifax at the confluence of the Kennebec and Sebasticook Rivers in Winslow, Maine. English settlers built the fort in 1754 to protect colonial settlements along the Kennebec and it served as a garrison for troops from 1754-1766.
1811 Lincoln County Museum & Old JailWiscasset
The Lincoln County Museum is home to the Lincoln County Historical Association, and features changing annual exhibitions. The 1811 Jail (and Maine State Penitentiary from 1820-1824) includes tours of the cells. Visitors can see graffiti left by 19th century French or British sailors imprisoned here as well as original locks, keys, shackles and the jailer's log from 1800-1954.
Woolwich Historical Society MuseumWoolwich
The Woolwich Historical Society Museum is an amazing step back into time. There are many restored rooms that contain objects dating from the late 18th century through the early 20th century.
Museum of Old YorkYork
Visit the museum of Old York and explore nine historic museum buildings, a contemporary art gallery and wonderful gardens. Tour the properties, explore our collections, research your history or take part in our renowned education programs. At Old York you will experience over 300 years of New England heritage while listening to tales of sea captains and their families, jailers, prisoners and others. You'll also see some of the most beautiful decorative objects and antiques preserved in America including the Bulman Bedhangings, the only complete set of 18th century American crewelwork bed curtains known to exist.
