Midcoast Maine is steeped in history, with stories of seafarers, revolutionaries, and literary legends woven into its coastal towns. Whether you’re a history buff or just love exploring fascinating places, these historic sites and museums offer a glimpse into Maine’s rich past.
Lighthouses and Maritime History
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse – One of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses, perched on dramatic rocky cliffs with a small museum and breathtaking views.
Burnt Island Light – A short boat ride from Boothbay Harbor, this restored lighthouse offers living history tours with costumed interpreters.
Maine Maritime Museum (Bath) – Explore Maine’s shipbuilding heritage with exhibits on lobstering, sailing, and even a full-size schooner to tour.
Owls Head Lighthouse – A stunning coastal landmark near Rockland, with sweeping ocean views.
Colonial and Early American History
Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site – Discover one of New England’s earliest settlements, with ruins, artifacts, and a reconstructed fort.
Wiscasset Old Jail – Step into an 1809 jailhouse and hear stories of the prisoners who once called it home.
Knox Museum (Montpelier) – The former home of Revolutionary War hero General Henry Knox, beautifully restored with period furnishings.
Homes of Historical Figures
Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum (Brunswick) – Visit the home of the Civil War hero and former Maine governor, known for his role in the Battle of Gettysburg.
Harriet Beecher Stowe House (Brunswick) – The place where Stowe wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin, a novel that helped shape American history.
Wadsworth-Longfellow House (Portland) – The childhood home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, featuring beautiful period gardens.
Architectural and Cultural Landmarks
Victoria Mansion (Portland) – A stunning 19th-century Italianate mansion with ornate interiors that transport you back in time.
Nichols-Sortwell House (Wiscasset) – A grand Federal-style home, once a luxurious inn, now preserved by Historic New England.
Chapman-Hall House (Damariscotta) – One of the oldest houses in Maine, showcasing colonial-era craftsmanship.
Castle Tucker (Wiscasset) – A beautifully preserved sea captain’s home offering a glimpse into maritime life.
Local History and Art
Farnsworth Art Museum (Rockland) – Celebrating Maine’s artistic heritage, featuring works by Andrew Wyeth and other famous artists.
Bowdoin College Museums (Brunswick) – The Arctic Museum explores Maine’s polar exploration history, while the Art Museum showcases a remarkable collection of works spanning centuries.
Museum in the Streets (various towns) – Self-guided historical walking tours in places like Damariscotta and Wiscasset, with plaques detailing local history.
Maine’s history is as vast as its coastline, and there’s no shortage of places to explore! Whether you want to climb a lighthouse, tour a historic home, or walk in the footsteps of literary greats, Midcoast Maine offers a rich and rewarding journey into the past.
Looking for more ways to explore? Check out more of our local area guides and itineraries for even more travel inspiration!