Maine Maritime Museum is located on a beautiful 20-acre campus on the banks of the Kennebec River in historic Bath, Maine, and open year round. May through October, visitors can enjoy one of our daily lighthouse cruises. Our BIW Story tour provides an exclusive look at modern-day shipbuilding. Indoors, visitors enjoy air-conditioned galleries with exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages. Outdoors, visitors can join a guided tour of the historic Percy & Small Shipyard, learn about lobstering, enjoy lunch under the sculpture of the schooner Wyoming (the largest wooden sailing vessel built in North America), see a blacksmith at work in their shop, watch wooden boats being constructed in the Boatshop, or play on a pirate ship. There's so much to see, admission is good for two days & children under 18 receive free admission. See why USA Today named Maine Maritime Museum the best museum in Maine!See more..
Featuring a world-class, operating collection of antique ground vehicles, engines and aircraft the Owls Head Transportation Museum is open seven days a week, year-round. Exhibits include "Faster: The Quest for Speed" featuring racing vehicles from some of New England's premiere collections.See more..
4.5Cole Land Transportation Museum(347 reviews) - Great find in Bangor Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
Museum dedicated to preserving and displaying Maine's land transportation equipment.See more..
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum preserves and operates Maine's two foot gauge railway equipment for the education and enjoyment of the public. Visitors can enjoy a scenic train ride along Casco Bay or explore the museum which features historic rail cars, exhibits and activities for children. The museum is open daily from mid-April through late October (9:30am-4:00pm) and seasonally for events including the Polar Express. Visit our website for more information including a full schedule of events.See more..
4.5Marshall Point Lighthouse Museum(312 reviews) - It's actually the Marshall Point Lighthouse AND Museum Monday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Lighthouses
Sorry, but it's a lighthouse AND a separate museum. Thousands of people have visited the lighthouse, especially tourists who saw it in the film Forrest Gump. It's an intriguing little lighthouse, especially the way it's situated at the end of a wooden walkway (which looks a lot longer in the film and in photos). The museum was open, as was the gift shop. The environs are also beautiful -- I'm not used to seeing so many islands, especially tiny ones, covered with spruce trees. Indian summer is a great time of year to visit the area because it's not as crowded, and the peninsula is covered with mounds of colorful and intoxicating heather.See more..
4.5Boothbay Railway Village(247 reviews) - Very enjoyable experience! Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
We invite you to travel back in time to vintage Vacationland with us. Nowhere else in New England can you ride the rails behind an vintage steam or diesel locomotive surrounded by historic Maine buildings preserved in a recreated village, and view a collection of 60 antique autos. When you visit the Museum you'll learn about how technologies like steam engines and the automobile changed life along the coast of Maine between 1850 and 1950. In addition to the opportunity to ride in a vintage coach behind a vintage locomotive, the Museum also occasionally offers rides in one of our Ford Model Ts. Two of our most popular attractions are the resident goats who delight visitors of all ages with their antics. From a display of hundreds of salt & pepper shakers to a collection of engines that powered everything from small boats to whole factories, there truly is something for everyone in your family here. Throughout the season a wide variety of special events are hosted on the Village Green from vintage ball games to car shows and family festivals. The Museum is also a unique location for wedding ceremonies and receptions.See more..
We enjoyed this museum very much. The exhibits are all in one large room but there is a lot to see. We spent 1.5 hours there. They have a lot of artifacts such as lights and lenses; historical photos; and some large models of certain Maine lighthouses. They have good explanations posted with most items telling how they were used. Some of the descriptions told details about the duties and daily lives of the lighthouse keepers. There are restrooms by the entrance, and a nice gift shop as you exit. Admission was $10, less for seniors.See more..
5.0The Seal Cove Auto Museum(218 reviews) - Mary Mooney Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
The Seal Cove Auto Museum exhibits a wide variety of antique autos, from an 1900 De dion Bouton to a 1921 Mercer, with a special emphasis on examples from the "Brass Era" (1895-1917). Antique car enthusiasts as well as those who simply enjoy cars from the past will delight in the beauty, mystery and romance of this unique collection. Open May 1st through October 31st, 10-5, seven days a week. Contact us for an appointment if you wish to visit the museum during the winter!See more..
The Project Puffin Visitor Center celebrates the success of Project Puffin in bringing puffins and other rare Maine seabirds back to historic nesting islands. Here the public can view puffins and other seabirds in real time through a remarkable video system that delivers live video to the Center. If time permits, a 20 minute documentary film can be viewed which educates visitors about the success and challenges faced by Audubon and its conservation partners to restore and protect the seabirds on Maine islands. Exhibits such as a puffin burrow and an exact replica of a observation "hide" are ways kids can learn about the success of the project. Informed staff can answer questions about puffin watching trips. Come and enjoy the many fun, educational, and interactive exhibits, programs, and activities for people of all ages.See more..
5.0Sail Power and Steam Museum(126 reviews) - A must do for those interested in Maine maritime history! Speciality Museums
Very difficult to add anything to the comments of the previous reviewers. We were also lucky to walk in when Captain Jim Sharp was commencing a story and were still enthralled 90 minutes later. The only downside to Jim's enthusiasm for the museum is there are so many other exhibits that you might miss out on. I could certainly have spent more than 4 hours here and would recommend anyone with an interest in Maritime History to visit this museum as well as the Maine Lighthouse Museum which is also in Rockland.See more..
A turn of the century immigrant era synagogue celebrating Jewish art, history, and culture in downtown Portland.See more..
4.5Umbrella Cover Museum(70 reviews) - It's a Guinness Book record holder - definitely worth a stop! Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums
Quirky museum for all ages. Exhibits, games, music. Umbrella covers from 65 countries. Winner of Guinness World Record! Open summers only. Check by email or text for hours.See more..
The WW&F Railway in Alna, ME, operates a historic steam-powered two-foot 'narrow gauge' railway through the Sheepscot Valley. The Railway traces its roots to 1894 when the Wiscasset & Quebec Railroad was built north from Wiscasset. With mounting debt & little business, the W&Q reorganized as the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington. Dreams of reaching Quebec, Waterville or Farmington never materialized yet, against the odds, the railway continued to provide a valuable service. Winding through pine forests, farmlands & hamlets, the WW&F connected Maine's interior to the coast until 1933. Brought back from extinction, the railway reopened in 1989. Today, you can ride our historic steam train for a trip back in time, explore our facilities and experience the art of running a steam-powered railway. See why the WW&F’s attractions & events are some of the best things to do in Midcoast. Enjoy Maine as it was a century ago. It is yours to discover and explore – we will take you there.See more..
5.0Monhegan Museum(66 reviews) - A gem of a museum Speciality Museums
A small community museum emphasizing American art history.See more..
4.5Maine Mineral and Gem Museum(65 reviews) - Better than expected. Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
The Maine Mineral and Gem Museum showcases our geological history, displays renowned mineral and rock collections, provides educational opportunities for the novice and expert alike, conducts historical and geological research and is a Maine travel destination for residents and visitors. MMGM will house the finest collection of Maine minerals and gems. It will include the famous Perham Collection, viewed by generations in a local mineral store that operated for ninety years. MMGM will display one of the world’s foremost collections of extraterrestrial rocks—meteorites from Mars, the Moon and the Asteroid Belt that teach us about the origins of our Solar System. Our goal is to amaze in a one-of-a-kind, world-class museum located a stone’s throw away from the Western Maine mines that once sheltered these mineral treasures.See more..
This is a great place! Lots of history, beautiful architecture, acres to stroll, trails to explore. The buildings weren't open when we stopped by, unfortunately, but it was a pleasure just tour the grounds. We loved seeing the source of Poland Springs water. People were enjoying the golf course at the nearby resort, which is said to be the oldest in the country. It's a definite future destination when things open up a bit more after the pandemic.See more..
4.5The Brick Store Museum(48 reviews) - Museum of local art history, art, and artifacts Monday: Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums
The Brick Store Museum ignites personal connections to local history, art and culture through exhibitions, education and programs celebrating the human experience in the Kennebunks and its surrounding communities. The Museum is open year round, offering revolving exhibits and unique programs.See more..
Ran across this nice little museum while checking out lighthouses nearby . Nice collection of artifacts regarding the lighthouses and other historical pieces related to the area. Wonderful informative volunteer staff. Enjoyed chatting with them.See more..
4.5Maine Mill(40 reviews) - Great local history Monday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums
Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning and Labor is a history and culture museum that tells the diverse stories of hard-working people and creative invention. By sharing extraordinary stories of work and our unique collection, Maine MILL preserves and celebrates the past, gives context and meaning to the present, and inspires an inclusive, unified, and engaged tomorrow.See more..
5.0Maine Forestry Museum(26 reviews) - A Look at What Made Maine Monday: Speciality Museums
If you want to understand Mainers, you need to take in this museum. Plan 1/2 hour to 45 minutes. There is a DVD to see and lots to look at. See more..
4.5Old Gaol(23 reviews) - rare opportunity to feel history thru a period building Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
5.0First Amendment Museum at the Gannett House(21 reviews) - Great Educational Trip! Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums
The mission of the First Amendment Museum is to inspire all Americans to live and love their First Amendment freedoms. Situated in the historic Guy P. Gannett house, just steps from the State Capitol in Augusta, Maine, the First Amendment Museum offers limited, reserved guided tours. The tours are forty-five minutes to an hour long, and focus on the First Amendment and the history of the Gannett family who once lived in this historic home. Audience participation, feedback, and photography are encouraged! Please note that while tours are free of charge, donations are welcome. We are working within the guidelines based on the State of Maine standards to ensure your safety and the safety of our staff. These guidelines include: - Masks are required - Tours must be booked in advance - Groups of no more than 6, please We would love to have you visit our institution, hear your feedback, and we look forward to seeing you!See more..
4.5Kittery Historical & Naval Museum(20 reviews) - Astonishing Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 19, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
Wander through Kittery's past as you browse our exhibits, from colonial times to grand hotels, shipbuilding and lighthouses, up to the present day. Join us for community events, year-round. Open seasonally April - November, and by appointment in the winter. See our website for more information and hours. Find out what makes Kittery special... at the Museum!See more..
4.5Sonny's Museum(18 reviews) - Great variety! Speciality Museums
This rock shop was larger than I expected. It held a wonderful variety of stone types. Some were set in jewelry, some were loose. There was a selection in the back room of large rocks too!! The owner was very friendly and helpful, sweet woman. Her prices were very reasonable. Great place to get something special for yourself or a friend who’s really into geo’s.See more..
Old York is southern Maine’s largest collection of historic properties, buildings and objects, and offers exhibits and programs throughout the year. The historic buildings are closed for the winter (Columbus Day through Memorial Day), but the museum hosts special events, lectures, and tavern dinners during the winter months. For more information please visit oldyork.org.See more..
4.5Saco Museum(17 reviews) - Tis The Season - Sugar Plum Fairy Speciality Museums
Stopped in on a Saturday to visit the museum and enjoyed the Festival of Trees so much that we will need to go back again to view the exhibits. The trees were so beautifully done. What a nice way to showcase the talents of the community during the holiday season as well as do some fundraising for the museum.See more..
5.0Nordica Homestead Museum(15 reviews) - Informative and Friendly Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
Temporarily closed due to Covid restrictions. May open by appointment to small groups who have not travelled from another stateSee more..
We stumbled upon the Johnson Hall Museum on our way through Wells/Kennebunk, and weren't we lucky. There is really no way to describe the vast collection of items in this amazing museum. To meet Mr. Johnson himself is enough of a delight. I can't imagine the reviewer who said that he was unfriendly. Quite the opposite. He was so wonderful that we came back the next day! He even showed us his favorite music box and sang along with it. Mr. Johnson has moved many homes to his property, so do not forget to wander around and look into all of these gems. There is an old filling station, a one room schoolhouse, a sleeping cabin, a shop....it goes on and on. He has been visited and featured by American Pickers, so his museum may now be more of a destination, but we literally found it by chance. Do not pass it by.See more..
Rufus Porter (1792-1884) was a painter, musician, writer, teacher, inventor, and original publisher of Scientific American magazine. He made enduring contributions to the culture of Maine, New England, and the United States through his uniquely American blend of creativity, ingenuity, and practicality as evidenced in his miniature portraits, famous wall murals, writings, and inventions. The mission of the Rufus Porter Museum is to celebrate the life, times, and legacy of a remarkable 19th century New Englander through preservation and promotion of creativity and invention. Open seasonally (June to October) and by appointment. Please visit our website for more information.See more..
5.0Margaret Chase Smith Library(12 reviews) - What a Gem! Speciality Museums We love historical homes / tours / museums and this was one of our favorites. The museum and content are amazing, but our tour guide was the highlight. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for Margaret Chase Smith was contagious and she happily answered any of our questions. It is well worth a special drive to Skowhegan.See more..
Excellent original Native American artifacts. This little museum is open year round. The museum curator is very friendly and knowledgeable. It's free to get into. I bought a few items in the gift shop to offer some support.See more..
4.5Maine Ski and Snowboard Museum(11 reviews) - Great historical perspective of skiing Monday: Speciality Museums • History Museums
The Ski Museum of Maine was established with the mission to celebrate, preserve and share the history and heritage of Maine skiing. The museum exhibits artifacts, photographs, artwork, and documents at its location in Kingfield. It conducts educational programs for schools, historical and civic organizations and hosts social events throughout the year. Private tours can be arranged with advanced notice on Monday & Tuesday, Saturday & Sunday.See more..
4.5Wilhelm Reich Museum(10 reviews) - Time Well Spent Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
If you're in the Rangeley region, a stop at the Wilhelm Reich Museum is an informative way to spend part of your day. The museum is housed in Orgonon, Dr. Wilhelm Reich's Rangeley home surrounded by over 100 acres of fields and forests, including woodland nature trails. A visit here is a look back in time at a fascinating but controversial scientist's labs, inventions and life. The knowledgeable museum docents offer informative tours which are highly recommended. The video on Reich's life provides an overview of his life and shouldn't be missed.. There are numerous walking trails on the property which also houses two charming and cozy cottages for rent during the summertime. During the summer months, the museum offers popular nature and wildlife lectures on the weekends. A visit here is time well spent, especially on a rainy afternoon!See more..
Explore exhibits on the history and development of the town of Freeport, take an historic downtown walking tour, or sit and enjoy our wonderful gardens. We're also happy to help you make the most of your time in Freeport with recommendations for attractions and activities beyond Main Street. Stop in to learn more.See more..
I am traveling to learn a little more about my grandfather. He was proud to be Penobscot but didn’t share a lot about his heritage. This museum was a wonderful way to learn just a little more about where he came from. The curator took me in an showed me some of the amazing baskets and canoes. She told me a little about the history and details about the different tribes. I am so glad I took the time to stop. She also suggested a few other museums, which I went to as well. Could not have asked for a better experience.See more..
4.0Alfred Shaker Museum(6 reviews) - Gem of a vital resource,where "Simple Gifts"was penned Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums
This is a well-organized, attractive,invaluable historical resource on the Shaker community which once thrived in Alfred. Replete with a fine collection of tools,crafts,early photos, murals and clothing, all depicting the Shaker belief in "hands to work, hearts to God" the museum offers seasonal activities, lectures, craft shows, even Shaker dinners and "hands on" demonstrations. Alfred, Maine was where Elder Joseph Brackett wrote the now iconic "Simple Gifts" song, beloved the world over and borrowed by such composers as Aaron Copand. There's something for everyone in this lovely place. If you're traveling, "turn, turn" and come visit - you'll be delighted!See more..
Great! Very informative! Love the Native American history of Maine! the baskets, the craftsmenship of moccassins,beads, canoes, etc...great!!See more..
4.5Page Farm and Home Museum(5 reviews) - Plan to spend a lazy afternoon Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
There are so many exhibits, it would be hard to see them all in a day. Best to just wander around and focus on the eye-catchers like the gardens, the little one-room schoolhouse, the parlor, the blacksmith shop and Brownie's Kitchen. It is child friendly, with hands-on activities for the kids.See more..
What a fantastic museum in Milo, Me! We happened upon the Harrigan Learning Center after a great breakfast at Elaine's and ended up staying for over an hour. Lydia came over and engaged my son (11 yrs), allowing him to handle artifacts and adding color to everything in the collection. We all enjoyed it immensely. Later, Tom, whose collections make up the majority of the museum's catalog joined us and told us about his travels and shared the background on the extensive flourescent rocks we saw lit up. This is a great spot and worth a stop - but check the hours first to make sure they are open.See more..
We throughly enjoyed a private tour of this church. Having been under a total restoration since 1983, back to ariginal, with still many more years to come, is truly amazing. The restoration is paid for completely by donations and grants.See more..
First of all this museum is in HInckley, Maine not Minnesota. I bring my children there several times throughout the year. Weekends usually have an event geared toward educating children about nature and Maine, that includes a craft at no cost. Great gift shop and a wonderful staff. There is no heat so if you go in the winter and I highly suggest you check out the website and visit on the weekend, bundle up!See more..
3.5Portland Harbor Museum(4 reviews) - Small museum with inconsistent open hours Speciality Museums It's a cute little one room museum steps away from Spring Point Light. Nothing particularly memorable except info about the life of the lighthouse keeper. See more..
5.0Counting House Museum(2 reviews) - Wonderful visit to the place that my family began life in the USA! Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums I was very interested in the history of this area where I knew my paternal family began life in the USA and joined the Old Berwick Historical Society, although I live in Texas. The members have been very kind, helpful and open to accommodating our visit to the area. I wish I lived closer and could get to know more about the rich history of the area!See more..
5.0Maine Air Museum(2 reviews) - Small, but packed with information & fun Speciality Museums
This small museum is packed with lots of information regarding aviation in the Bangor area and Maine in general. Located at the Bangor Airport (the former site of Dow Air Force Base), it covers a good deal of the several former Air Force bases, local aviation events, and aviation technology. Many of the displays are hands on/touchable. Our visit was a wonderful adventure.See more..
5.0Raitt Homestead Farm Museum(1 review) - Tractor & car show, swap meet, tractor pull Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums Annually, there is a large car show, tractor show and swap meet, with an antique tractor pull. It is usually at the end of July. Beautiful grounds. Primitive camping. Lots to see. This is an old family farm, being preserved for generations to come. A great place for a wedding or an outside concert. In season, they serve an awesome strawberry shortcake on homemade shortcake. The grounds are beautiful and well cared for. They are working hard to maintain and service the buildings. Check their website for activities during the year.See more..
5.0Currier Aviation Museum(1 review) - Thrilling ride in a vintage Dehavilland Beaver float plane Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
For years, we have maintained a small, interesting collection of vintage seaplanes plus associated tools and equipment. We are now in the process of expanding the scope of this museum to encompass the rich history and heritage of seaplanes in the Moosehead Lake Region and beyond. We are setting this museum up as an I.R.S. 501c3 non profit corporation which will grow as the years go by. We envision this museum to be a tribute to the generations of seaplane pilots and all others who made seaplanes a vital part of life in remote regions of Maine, and across the globe. We are incorporating all aspects of aviation, boating and other interesting history items which we are prevalent to this region and would be an interest to folks. We already have enthusiastic help from a number of interested individuals, and look forward to welcoming anyone who has anything to contribute to our quest. Admission is by donation. We also offer sightseeing tours in our well maintained vintage flotplanes.See more..
