15 Unique Museums Worth Visiting in Maine
Nestled in the heart of Bangor, just an hour’s drive northwest of Portland, the Maine Discovery Museum offers an immersive adventure for families and curious minds alike. This hands-on museum specializes in interactive science and art exhibits, making complex concepts accessible and fun. Visitors can explore the “Water Table,” where they manipulate flowing water to learn about currents and erosion, or climb through the “Little Explorer’s Loft,” designed especially for younger children. What sets this museum apart is its commitment to tactile learning, encouraging kids to touch, build, and experiment. The bright, airy space is lively year-round, but it shines during Maine’s long winter months when outdoor activities are limited.
A short 20-minute drive north of Augusta lies the Maine State Museum, a gem that delves deeply into the state’s natural and cultural history. Located in Augusta itself, this museum features dioramas of Maine’s diverse ecosystems and a fascinating exhibit on the shipbuilding heritage that shaped the region’s economy. One of its standout galleries showcases the largest collection of Maine-made furniture, reflecting artisanal craftsmanship from the 18th century onward. This museum offers a window into the state’s identity, perfect for any season, though the indoor setting is especially welcoming during rainy or cold days.
On Mount Desert Island, about three hours northeast of Portland, the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor redefines how visitors understand Maine’s Native American history. Dedicated to the Wabanaki Nations, the museum’s exhibits reveal the enduring culture and traditions of the indigenous peoples through artifacts, contemporary art, and multimedia storytelling. Its location close to Acadia National Park allows visitors to blend cultural insight with outdoor exploration. Visiting in late spring or early fall offers a quieter atmosphere in Bar Harbor, making it easier to engage deeply with the museum’s thoughtful presentations.
In the coastal town of Boothbay Harbor, roughly 90 minutes northeast of Portland, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens includes a charming and educational garden museum that highlights native plants and Maine’s maritime heritage. Strolling through the gardens, you can discover exhibits that explore the role of plants in the state’s history and cuisine, including demonstrations of traditional uses like basket weaving and herbal remedies. The gardens are particularly stunning in late summer when flowers are in full bloom and the air carries the scent of saltwater mingled with pine.
Downeast in Eastport, around four hours northeast of Portland, the Roosevelt Campobello International Park Visitor Center offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. The park commemorates Franklin D. Roosevelt’s summer home and symbolizes the friendship between the U.S. and Canada. The visitor center features displays about Roosevelt’s life, polio rehabilitation efforts, and early 20th-century diplomacy. From here, you can venture onto walking trails with views of the Bay of Fundy’s dramatic tides. Visiting in late spring or early fall ensures pleasant weather and a quieter experience in this border-town setting.
Southwest of Portland by about a half-hour drive, the Portland Museum of Art stands as the state’s largest and most dynamic art institution. Its collection spans Maine landscapes, American Impressionism, and works by Winslow Homer, whose dramatic seascapes are quintessentially Maine. The museum’s architecture itself, blending historic and contemporary design, enhances the experience. Art lovers find inspiration year-round here, but visiting during the fall when the nearby foliage is ablaze adds a vibrant contrast to the galleries’ cool, calm interiors.
In Bath, known as the “City of Ships” about 40 minutes northeast of Portland, the Maine Maritime Museum anchors visitors in the state’s shipbuilding legacy. The waterfront museum offers interactive exhibits on wooden shipbuilding, Maine’s maritime industry, and the lives of seafarers. A highlight is the massive shipyard where you can watch skilled craftsmen at work on traditional vessels. The museum’s outdoor paths lead to stunning river views and historic docks. Visiting in the summer allows you to combine museum tours with boat rides on the Kennebec River.
The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, roughly two hours northeast of Portland, is a treasure trove of American art with a special focus on Maine’s rich artistic heritage. Here, you can immerse yourself in works by the Wyeth family, including Andrew Wyeth’s haunting depictions of Maine’s rugged coast. The museum’s collection spans centuries and includes sculpture, folk art, and contemporary pieces. Fall is the perfect season to visit, when the coastal town’s galleries and festivals come alive, and the sea air carries a crisp freshness.
In the far north, about two hours northwest of Bangor, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway Visitor Center offers a museum experience embedded in nature. It tells the story of Maine’s vast, untamed northern forests and waterways through interpretive exhibits and films. Visitors interested in the state’s famed canoe routes and wildlife find detailed maps and historical context here. The nearby trails and rivers provide real-world context, making this center a gateway to exploring Maine’s wildest landscapes. Summer and early fall bring the best weather for paddling and wildlife viewing.
Not far from Portland, in the suburb of Westbrook, the Westbrook Historical Society Museum provides an intimate look into community life in southern Maine over the past two centuries. The museum showcases artifacts from local industries like brickmaking and textiles, along with photographs and oral histories that paint a picture of everyday life. Its strength lies in personal stories, offering visitors a chance to connect with Maine’s evolving identity on a neighborhood scale. Visiting in the spring, when local gardens bloom, adds to the charm of this small but meaningful museum.
The Ogunquit Museum of American Art, located about an hour south of Portland in the coastal village of Ogunquit, brings together a stunning collection of 20th-century modern and contemporary art. Set in a beautifully designed building amidst gardens overlooking the Atlantic, the museum often features works inspired by the Maine coast, including vibrant landscapes and abstract seascapes. The museum’s setting is perfect for a combined day of art appreciation and beachside relaxation. Summer and early fall are ideal times to catch the light and colors that inspire the artists showcased here.
In York, about 45 minutes south of Portland, the Old York Historical Society Museum immerses visitors in the colonial and Revolutionary War history of southern Maine. The museum’s period rooms and exhibits highlight early settler life, with artifacts ranging from handmade furniture to weaponry. Walking through the nearby historic district enhances understanding of the museum’s displays, grounding them in the very streets and buildings of one of Maine’s oldest towns. Autumn offers a particularly atmospheric visit, as crisp air and colorful foliage complement the colonial architecture.
Traveling up to the Penobscot Bay area, the Samoset Resort in Rockport houses an intriguing collection of maritime artifacts that reflect Maine’s fishing and shipbuilding traditions. While primarily a resort, its small museum and galleries present historic fishing gear, ship models, and photographs that celebrate the working waterfront culture. Guests can learn about the state’s lobster industry and