15 Best Things to Do in Maine

Did you know that the official slogan of Maine is “Vacationland?” Despite being one of the smallest states in the United States of America, you should consider it as one of your next vacation destinations. Explore the state’s lighthouses, museums, and other attractions! Here are the 15 best things to do in Maine:

1. Go Ice Fishing in New England Outdoor Center

Try a new experience by catching a fish during wintertime in Maine! The best time for ice fishing is from January 1st to March 31st. But before you do that activity, you need to make sure you get a license and hire a guide in advance.

Tip: You can opt to choose half or full day fishing.

2. Have a Great Morning at Smiling Hill Farm

This farm has been operated through generations of the Knight Family, mainly focusing on dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. Take your family with you and give Smiling Hill Farm a visit. After all, it is open and free to the public. While you’re there, you can help with the farm chores, feed and pet the animals and purchase fresh produce.

3. Visit Acadia National Park

One of the most famous landmarks of Maine is the Acadia National Park, located in the southwest of Bar Harbor. The park aims to protect the natural environment, or more specifically, the rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline. Are you feeling a bit adventurous? You can also try hiking in Cardillac Mountain, drive through its park loop road, or relax near the ponds.

4. Go Moose Hunting

You can’t just hunt for a moose in any state, good thing you can do it in Maine! But before hunting, make sure you acquire a permit to avoid any complications. The fact is, it can be quite hard to get permits as these are drawn via lottery. If you’re lucky, though, you’ll get an experience that you would never forget.

5. Check out the Maine Art Museum Trail

One of the best things to do in Maine is to check out the cool museums. This state is simply overflowing with creative artists!

The museum trail is composed of 9 museums:

• Abbe Museum
• Bates College Museum of Art
• Bowdoin College Museum of Art
• Colby College Museum of Art
• Farnsworth Art Museum
• Monhegan Museum of Arts & History
• Ogunquit Museum of American Art
• Portland Museum of Art
• The University of Maine Museum and Art

Enjoy appreciating the beauty of 80,000 works in all of these museums.

6. Enjoy the View of Nature at Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad

If you want to go on a family trip and just enjoy the view of nature, this is the perfect place for you! You’ll enjoy feeling the breeze from the trees, and the beautiful sight of the lake from the comfort of classic coaches. If you want a different and more adventurous experience, try bike riding in the rails! The Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad is located in Gordon Hill Road in Thorndike, Maine.

7. Check out the Sunrise at Old Orchard Beach

Do you want to experience a colorful sunrise? Visit Old Orchard Beach and be in awe of the majestic view of the beach with the sky lighting up. You can also engage in other activities like strolling the boardwalk, playing Frisbee, surfing, enjoying local shops and bars, and even resting along the shores! While you’re there, you can also enjoy going to the next thing to do on this list.

8. Have Fun at Palace Playland

Palace Playland is an amusement park in Old Orchard Beach best for people who enjoy thrill rides, games, and arcade. It’s nothing too grand or fancy, but it’s always a fun place to be!

Tip: Take the opportunity to see the beach in its full view while riding the Ferris wheel.

9. Take Scenic Trips at Seashore Trolley Museum

Want to take your pet for a stroll? Fret not because the Seashore Trolley Museum is open for both dogs and pet owners. Aside from it being a pet-friendly place, it also has scenic rides that give you 25 minutes of amazing views! The Seashore Trolley Museum is the world’s oldest and largest museum of mass transit vehicles, so expect a big collection of street cards, buses, trackless trolleys, and equipment.

10. Try Watching a Film From Saco Drive-In

Did you know that drive-in theaters used to be everywhere in America? But due to rapid changes in technology, they have decreased. Enjoy this classic way of watching films in Maine by going to Saco Drive-in! You can watch movies on the big screen while eating popcorn inside your car. It makes for a romantic date since you also get to feel the warm breeze across the starry skies.

11. Hike to Pleasant Mountain

One of the best things to do in Maine is to hike one of the tallest mountains in Southern Maine. This place has around 6 popular hiking trails varying in difficulties. If you’re up for this activity, go try Sue’s Way (0.5 miles) or the North Ridge trail (0.8 miles) This is best for people who love hiking and going outdoors!

12. Take Some Time off at Sebago Lake

Go rent a lodge and relax at Sebago Lake. And while you’re there, go boating and fishing!

Be allured with the sparkling lake while enjoying the view of the White Mountains from a distance. You can also enjoy riding a cruise on Songo River Queen II across the Sebago Lake as it is known to be one of the largest lakes in Maine.

13. Visit Portland Head Lighthouse

If you ever happen to be in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, go visit the Portland Head Lighthouse. It serves as a famous landmark as well as a serving light within Casco Bay in the Gulf of Maine.

Trivia:

• It is known to be the oldest lighthouse in the states.
• The place has been featured in some films, namely, “The Way We Get By,” and “Beneath the Harvest.”

14. See Animals at Maine Wildlife Park

Looking for a place the whole family can enjoy? Experience local wildlife and see animals you rarely see like moose, black bear, deer, coyote, and a lot more! There are also other activities available for the kids like taking the Game Trail.

15. Enjoy Freshly Baked Goods From Wild Blueberry Land in Columbia Falls

Stop by and see what this place, or the “World’s Largest Blueberry” has to offer. While it isn’t a real blueberry, for sure you’ll appreciate this dome-like blueberry land. Upon entering, you would already smell the aroma of freshly baked goods. There are a wide variety of blueberry pastries here like pies, muffins, cookies, scones, as well as other sweet treats like ice cream and candies. You may also want to try a wide variety of their blueberry merchandise!

There are a lot of things you could do in the Vacationland state. If you were to pick, what’s your favorite thing to do in Maine?