Things to do & places to visit in Bethel, Maine, United States

The history of Bethel is a long one. The town was founded by settlers granted the land as a reward for fighting to conquer Canada way back in 1690. Now a quiet resort town, full of quaint shops and tranquil streets, Bethel is a popular destination all year round. Just five miles from the Sunday River Ski Resort, the most popular winter sports area in all of Maine, the charming B&Bs of Bethel are the perfect place to rest up after taking on 131 trails on 8 different mountain peaks.

Bethel city in Maine, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 11:38.

Top things to do (32)

Top places to visit (28 attractions)

5.0 Grafton Notch State Park (205 reviews)
- Beautiful Park
Spent More than 3 hours State Parks

Affords breathtaking views of waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails without the parking lots, tourists, gift shops and hot dog stands. See more..
5.0 The Gem Theater (8 reviews)
- Fantastic local movie thater
Theaters

My fiancé and I bought a vacation and rental home in Bethel. To our surprise this theater is quite a Gem! The movie tickets at $8 are very affordable and the popcorn and refreshments are offered at great prices as well. We went and saw the latest attraction “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” while many were attending the newest attraction: Incredibles. This theater is meticulously clean and a feeling back in time of quaint family local theaters. I highly recommend if you are staying in the area!! The women running it that evening were very friendly and welcoming. See more..
5.0 Lower Mica Mine (2 reviews)
- Wheeler Mine trail notice.
Hiking Trails

This not a public trail and the trail is NOT on the national forest. This site is promoting the trail and access to the trail without the landowners consent or approval. The owners are in the process of creating a guided mine tour that includes opportunities for mineral collecting for novice and dedicated rock hounds ,enjoying the history of the mining operations as well as the natural beauty and the 1.5 mile hike. There will be a charge and a limited number of people will be allowed on the site daily. More information will be available shortly . These are the Wheeler Mica Mines See more..
5.0 Mahoosuc Land Trust (2 reviews)
- Valentine Farm and its pollinator garden
Parks • Hiking Trails • Gardens

With over 20 miles of trails, 8000 acres of conserved land and 4 boat launches, there is much to see and do. Come and enjoy our land any time of year. See more..
5.0 Workout 24-7 (1 review)
- Great gym for visitors as well as locals
Health Clubs
We visited Bethel for a week and our bed and breakfast inn didn't have a gym. This place is a great option. For $25, you can get a week-long pass (even less for seniors). Equipment is in excellent condition and it wasn't crowded when we were there. You need to sign up during their (somewhat short) office hours but then you get a PIN that lets you in 24 hours a day. Good deal. See more..
5.0 Bennett's Antiques And Collectables (1 review)
- Hidden Gem Antique Store
Antique Shops
Wonderful little family owned antique store! While traveling to Bethel for a ski trip we stumbled across this fabulous find...with fabulous and reasonably priced treasures! Mark Bennett the owner couldn't have been more charming. Also many of the antique stores in this area were either closed indefinitely or had limited hours due to the season and due to covid, but his hours were consistent. Definitely worth stopping in while in historic Bethel! See more..
5.0 Table Rock Arts Center-TRAC (1 review)
- Amazing Art Gallery near Sunday River!
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
Table Rock Arts Center (TRAC) is a wonderful addition to the community of Bethel, ME. We love to stop here on our adventures to/from Sunday River because of the diverse artwork on display. Local and regional artists from Western Maine and various parts of New England have created some unique and beautiful pieces and you'll want to visit often to see the new art that arrives each month. Oh and the prices are very affordable for any budget. Amy Halsted and the artists working at the gallery are very friendly and easy to approach. I always feel energized by my visit to TRAC and have been lucky enough to stop by during a couple of their gatherings. They are very welcoming and the space is very peaceful. See more..
5.0 Elements Art Gallery (1 review)
- Not what You'd Expect
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries

n ways, it's Bethel's version of a department store. It's a gift shop, art shop, men's and women's clothing shop and sporting goods, all under one roof. Prices are all very reasonable, and a wide selection to choose from. See more..
5.0 Shagg Pond (1 review)
- Our Camp
Geologic Formations
I have been going to our family camp on Shagg Pond for 69 years. It is a wonderful small pond with great mountain views. It is close to hiking trails up to Bald Mountain and on to Speckled. See more..
4.5 Sunday River Ski Resort (539 reviews)
- Variety of trails and good uphill capacity
Ski & Snowboard Areas • Beach & Pool Clubs

Large resort complex for downhill skiing. See more..
4.5 Sunday River Covered Bridge (170 reviews)
- A covered bridge with a poignant story.
Bridges

A covered bridge built in 1872 that is said to be one of the most painted and photographed covered bridges in Maine. See more..
4.5 Bethel Outdoor Adventure (65 reviews)
- Awesome outdoor family experience
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Boat Tours • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing

Our families had a wonderful time on the Androscoggin River with canoes and kayaks from Bethel Outdoors. We did a 10 mile trip down the river with a shuttle to Gilead and got the trip off to an unforgettable start with the rope swing. The equipment was in good shape, the staff were extremely helpful, knowledgeable and friendly and the safety instructions clear. I highly recommend this to anyone wishing to spend a day in the great outdoors! See more..
4.5 Maine 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..
4.5 Mount Will Walking Trail (22 reviews)
- A great half-day hike, a good challenge for amateur hikers. The way up was steep and strenuous at times.
Historic Walking Areas

A popular and scenic walking/hiking trail. See more..
4.5 Bethel Pathway (20 reviews)
- Great place.
Hiking Trails

If this is the trail which culminates at Davis Park, then it's a super trail with views and easy for all family members. Round trip to the parking lot is probably two miles approximately and there is a small park for children as well as a skate boarding park and access area for the river. See more..
4.5 Steam Mill Brewing (19 reviews)
- Great staff and nice outdoor area
Spent 1-2 hours Bars & Clubs

My son and I took a friend here on his 60th to have a brew or two. Their blueberry was excellent without an overpowering blueberry taste. The server, owner’s sister, was very friendly and attentive. The two of them were taking care of all patrons. They’ve done a great job with their outside seating. We didn’t eat but folks seemed very happy with their food choices from the food truck. Nothing got thrown away! Would absolutely visit again. See more..
4.5 Deepwood Farm (18 reviews)
- Snow Horseback Riding
Equestrian Trails • Farms • Horseback Riding Tours

Located amidst the most scenic views in the White Mountains of Maine, just outside of Bethel, our passion for horses has us both in the ring and on the trail to experience the most that the great outdoors of Maine has to offer. We offer individual rides for up to 6 people. Standard trail rides are 1 hour and take you through the wooded trails and over streams in the foothills of the White Mountains. Trail rides are offered all year round. Please call ahead for reservations and availability. If you are an advanced rider looking for a longer ride, please give us a call and we will do our best to accommodate you. We also host Summer Camps for children 6-16. Please call or visit our website for more information. See more..
4.5 Carters XC Ski Ctr. (14 reviews)
- Great for Snowshoeing
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Gear Rentals • Cross-country Ski Areas

Carter's is a family-run cross country ski, snowshoe, and fat biking center nestled in the scenic hills and fields of Bethel, Maine. In addition to offering affordable fat bike, ski, and snowshoe rentals for all sizes, ages, and ability levels, we also sell a wide selection of new winter sportswear, snowshoes, and ski packages to meet any skier's needs - be it backcountry, racing, or touring. Stay overnight at our lodge or make a short ski in to one of our off-grid cabins. Call or visit our website for details. See more..
4.5 Bethel Hill Common (12 reviews)
- Peaceful and quiet in the evenings
Historic Walking Areas
Scenic walking area in Bethel ringed with historic buildings. See more..
4.5 Goose Eye Mountain (6 reviews)
- Hiking is a great way to see Maine
Mountains

The second-highest mountain in the Mahoosuc chain. See more..
4.0 Sunday River Brewing Company (46 reviews)
- Festive and Lively, with Good Food and Brews!
Monday: 11:30 AM - 1:00 AM Bars & Clubs

Delicious food, in a fun, trendy, and lively place. The fried scallops and fish were spot-on, and the in-house craft dark beer (Jamaican....something) was super-tasty, much like BJ's Brewery's "Nutty Brewnette". Very tasty and satisfying. The place can get full, and very loud, so it ain't much on romance, amigo....but if you are in a festive mood for good food and a cold draft or four, this is your place. See more..
4.0 The Bethel Inn Resort Golf Course (41 reviews)
- Great school and instructor
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Sports Camps & Clinics • Golf Courses

Renowned architect Geoffrey Cornish designed our 6,663 yard, par 72 course to take maximum advantage of the mountain vistas and natural beauty of the area. Tree lined fairways, natural hazards, well-trapped greens and five tee positions make play challenging for golfers of every ability. The golf course is very walkable and walking is encourage to taking maximum advantage of your surroundings. The golf course at The Bethel Resort & Suites is open from early May through late October. Our Guaranteed Performance School of Golf boasts 8,000 satisfied graduates, on-course instruction, video analysis and our personalized 4:1 student/instructor ratio. Plan your golf, golf school or summer getaway now & save. Join us this summer and experience a complete & affordable getaway to our classic New England resort in the heart of Bethel, Maine. See more..
4.0 Foggy Goggle @ Sunday River (19 reviews)
- Great Deck!
Bars & Clubs

The food here was really good for "mountain food". Menu varied from sandwiches and soups to tacos and burgers ( the black bean burger was really good!). They offer a good variety of specialty drinks, check out the daily specials menu. If the weather is nice, the deck is the place to be. See more..
4.0 Funky Red Barn (6 reviews)
- You get what you expect
Monday: 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM Bars & Clubs
The Funky Red Barn is exactly that. A local place where everyone knows each other. Everyone is friendly and hospitable. There are wood picnic tables ,rustic décor and a friendly atmosphere. We were there for the 11.00 prime rib dinner. We had a delicious bake potato along with local green beans. The prime rib was perfect. The bar tender was very friendly and the waitress filled our basket with warm buns 2x. No complaints from her at all. Very friendly, homey, feeling . See more..
4.0 Bethel Bicycle LLC (4 reviews)
- Now Barker Mountain Bikes
Gear Rentals
BMB is in the same location as the old Bethel Bike. Stop in to ask what is new in bike market place as these folks are up to date on all things bike. From Cross to Tri and Mt. to Road. I bring all my tune ups and broken bikes to Barker. Eric will make sure your bike is ready to spin and all ways leaves his stand with a good shine and polish. The Siebs are dedicated to the casual recreational biker and have made a real push to promote individuals through their support of folks standing on podiums across New England. See more..
S.Timberlake Shaker & Custom Furniture (0 review)
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

S.Timberlake has been making Shaker and custom furniture in Bethel, Maine and shipping to customers worldwide since 1974. Our showroom/store features popular products from our informative online catalog and our trademark woodenware and cutting boars. We give yours of our workshops frequently and encourage visitors to call ahead to make an appointment as well as practice Covid-19 guidelines - distancing & face masks are required. For more information, visit us at www.stimberlake.com See more..
Bethel Village Trails (0 review)
Ski & Snow Tours • Gear Rentals • Running Tours

See more..
True North Adventureware (0 review)
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Gear Rentals

Before you go out stop in. True North Adventureware is a mountain sport shop offering outdoor apparel, footwear, camping gear, snowshoes, local maps, books and more. With a commitment to product knowledge and personal service, we will outfit you with everything you need to enjoy the mountains and waterways of western Maine. Open daily year round. All major credit Cards accepted. WIFI hotspot. See more..

Things to do & places to visit in Bethel, Maine, United States

Top things to do (32)

Top places to visit (28 attractions)

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