For years we’ve been giving you recommendations for our favorite places to eat, see, explore and relax in Maine. A lot of these spots we’ve loved for years and, based on comments and emails we’ve received, we know these are some of your favorites as well. But there’s so much more to this state and we can’t resist sharing some of the lesser-known hidden gems in Maine that you to check out as well. The next time you want to explore some new things, open this road trip in Google Maps and see some more of what Maine has to offer!
Google Maps
- Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville
OlderMom60 / TripAdvisor Stop number one might take a little while so be sure to arrive fueled with coffee! The Colby College Museum is believed to have the state’s most diverse collection of American art, with more than 8,000 works housed in an impressive glass-and-steel space. Colby College Museum of Art, 5600 Mayflower Hill Dr, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
- World’s Largest Paul Bunyan Statue, Bangor
auvet / Flickr So, we don’t know for sure that this is the actual largest version of this statue, but we like to believe it is and so does most of Maine. Minnesota might lay an actual claim to him, but our lumber history means we deserve a piece of him looking over us as well. You can find the statue in a park across from the Civic Center standing at about 31 feet tall. The history behind how this statue came to be is truly fascinating, and even though it’s over 30 feet tall, it’s still one of our favorite hidden gems in Maine. Paul Bunyan Statue, 519 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401, USA
- The Bar Island Trail, Bar Harbor
breatheindigital / Flickr Next up is a chance to get moving and take in some of that salty Maine air! But you’ll want to try to time things just right since this trail is only accessible for about 3 hours when the tide is low. The simple walk connects Bar Harbor with Bar Island and makes for a fun and relaxing way to spend the day. But, time yourself properly or you might end up stuck for a few hours until the tide goes out again! Bar Island Trail, Maine, USA
- The Maine State Prison Showroom, Thomaston
Richard / Google Ready for some shopping? Now that you’ve enjoyed some fresh air it’s time to enjoy some local flair in the form of this Maine hidden gem. It’s filled with hand-crafted items made by inmates. They’ve got tons of one-of-a-kind items perfect for both personal souvenirs and gifts, all crafted by inmates within Maine’s prison system. Maine State Prison Showroom, 358 Main St, Thomaston, ME 04861, USA
- Rockland Cafe, Rockland
David Jackson / Google And finally it’s time to eat! While this place is a beloved institution in town, it might be new to those traveling from other parts of the state. Rockland Cafe has been around for more than 25 years and they offer a large menu of comfort foods and seasonal choices. Rockland Café, 441 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841, USA
- Kenneth E. Stoddard Shell Museum, Boothbay
Sara Star NS / Flickr This museum is a true hidden gem in Maine in that focuses completely on what its name suggests. Kenneth E. Stoddard traveled through the South Pacific building his collection little by little. The museum is now run by his son, who promised his father he’d care for it after he’d passed away. This is a fun little stop that acts as a nice complement to some of the other things on this road trip. Kenneth E. Stoddard Shell Museum, 510 Wiscasset Rd, Boothbay, ME 04537, USA
- The Royalsborough Inn at the Bagley House (and alpacas!), Durham
The Royalsborough Inn at the Bagley House / Google You’ve now been driving for the better part of the day and it might be time to take a break. Make it an overnight break with a stay at this lovely little bed and breakfast between Brunswick and Freeport. Built in 1772 by one of the first settlers of the town, Capt. O. Israel Bagley, The Bagley House is the oldest house standing in the town of Durham today. Give it a visit to rest up for the day ahead, which will include some time here in the morning visiting with the alpacas on the farm! Royalsborough Road, Royalsborough Rd, Durham, ME 04222, USA
- The Wiggly Bridge, York
DianeTheAdventurer / TripAdvisor You’ve bought handmade gifts created by people in the Maine prison system, you’ve walked a path that only exists for three hours each day and you’ve explored one man’s extensive shell collection. By now you’re awed by the unique hidden gems and Maine and well-rested for just one last stop on your road trip. The Wiggly Bridge in York is a fun little attraction connecting York Harbor to Steedman Woods. As suspension bridges go, the wooden portion spans a teensy 75 feet and when you walk, the entire thing bounces and wiggles! Wiggly Bridge, 57 Barrell Ln, York, ME 03909, USA
Have you been to any of these hidden gems in Maine? If so, let us know your favorites in the comments. And if we’ve left anything off that you think is worth checking out share that too!
Google Maps
OlderMom60 / TripAdvisor
Stop number one might take a little while so be sure to arrive fueled with coffee! The Colby College Museum is believed to have the state’s most diverse collection of American art, with more than 8,000 works housed in an impressive glass-and-steel space.
Colby College Museum of Art, 5600 Mayflower Hill Dr, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
auvet / Flickr
So, we don’t know for sure that this is the actual largest version of this statue, but we like to believe it is and so does most of Maine. Minnesota might lay an actual claim to him, but our lumber history means we deserve a piece of him looking over us as well. You can find the statue in a park across from the Civic Center standing at about 31 feet tall. The history behind how this statue came to be is truly fascinating, and even though it’s over 30 feet tall, it’s still one of our favorite hidden gems in Maine.
Paul Bunyan Statue, 519 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401, USA
breatheindigital / Flickr
Next up is a chance to get moving and take in some of that salty Maine air! But you’ll want to try to time things just right since this trail is only accessible for about 3 hours when the tide is low. The simple walk connects Bar Harbor with Bar Island and makes for a fun and relaxing way to spend the day. But, time yourself properly or you might end up stuck for a few hours until the tide goes out again!
Bar Island Trail, Maine, USA
Richard / Google
Ready for some shopping? Now that you’ve enjoyed some fresh air it’s time to enjoy some local flair in the form of this Maine hidden gem. It’s filled with hand-crafted items made by inmates. They’ve got tons of one-of-a-kind items perfect for both personal souvenirs and gifts, all crafted by inmates within Maine’s prison system.
Maine State Prison Showroom, 358 Main St, Thomaston, ME 04861, USA
David Jackson / Google
And finally it’s time to eat! While this place is a beloved institution in town, it might be new to those traveling from other parts of the state. Rockland Cafe has been around for more than 25 years and they offer a large menu of comfort foods and seasonal choices.
Rockland Café, 441 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841, USA
Sara Star NS / Flickr
This museum is a true hidden gem in Maine in that focuses completely on what its name suggests. Kenneth E. Stoddard traveled through the South Pacific building his collection little by little. The museum is now run by his son, who promised his father he’d care for it after he’d passed away. This is a fun little stop that acts as a nice complement to some of the other things on this road trip.
Kenneth E. Stoddard Shell Museum, 510 Wiscasset Rd, Boothbay, ME 04537, USA
The Royalsborough Inn at the Bagley House / Google
You’ve now been driving for the better part of the day and it might be time to take a break. Make it an overnight break with a stay at this lovely little bed and breakfast between Brunswick and Freeport. Built in 1772 by one of the first settlers of the town, Capt. O. Israel Bagley, The Bagley House is the oldest house standing in the town of Durham today. Give it a visit to rest up for the day ahead, which will include some time here in the morning visiting with the alpacas on the farm!
Royalsborough Road, Royalsborough Rd, Durham, ME 04222, USA
DianeTheAdventurer / TripAdvisor
You’ve bought handmade gifts created by people in the Maine prison system, you’ve walked a path that only exists for three hours each day and you’ve explored one man’s extensive shell collection. By now you’re awed by the unique hidden gems and Maine and well-rested for just one last stop on your road trip. The Wiggly Bridge in York is a fun little attraction connecting York Harbor to Steedman Woods. As suspension bridges go, the wooden portion spans a teensy 75 feet and when you walk, the entire thing bounces and wiggles!
Wiggly Bridge, 57 Barrell Ln, York, ME 03909, USA
The hidden gems are fantastic, but the attractions that are well-known are loved for a reason! If you’ve never been, the summit of Cadillac Mountain is truly an awe-inspiring place, it’s no wonder why it was once named the most beautiful place in Maine. We have to agree!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden gems in Maine May 13, 2022 Jackie Ann What are the best small towns in Maine? Roughly 1.37 million people call Maine home, and many of them love the many small towns Maine has to offer. We love Maine’s big cities, but there’s always something special about the charm of small-town life in Maine. Over in Waldo County, Searsport is a small town with a lot to offer, including a rich maritime history. Searsport is Maine’s second-largest deepwater port and it’s also home to the super scenic Moose Point State Park, a top destination for nature lovers in the northeast. What are the best road trips through Maine? From waterfalls to fall foliage, road trips are the best ways to see the best of Maine. Some of the best road trips through Maine will take you to some of the most popular places including all of Maine’s natural wonders, but there’s something to be said for the lesser-known attractions in Maine, including Maine’s hidden hiking trails, haunted buildings, and of course, where to see the best fall foliage in Maine. What are the most unique places to spend the night in Maine? There’s a reason Maine often gets nicknamed Vacationland. The Pine Tree State has some of the most unique places to spend the night, perfect for a relaxing weekend. If you’re feeling enchanted, the Norumbega Inn’s castle is fit for a king, featuring several guest rooms and ample space to spawn out. For a more nature-filled getaway, Sandy Pines Campground offers one of the most incredible glamping in Maine. For a treetop oasis, this lovely Airbnb in Maine overlooks a mountainside organic orchard with several hiking trails nearby.
The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden gems in Maine
May 13, 2022
Jackie Ann
What are the best small towns in Maine? Roughly 1.37 million people call Maine home, and many of them love the many small towns Maine has to offer. We love Maine’s big cities, but there’s always something special about the charm of small-town life in Maine. Over in Waldo County, Searsport is a small town with a lot to offer, including a rich maritime history. Searsport is Maine’s second-largest deepwater port and it’s also home to the super scenic Moose Point State Park, a top destination for nature lovers in the northeast. What are the best road trips through Maine? From waterfalls to fall foliage, road trips are the best ways to see the best of Maine. Some of the best road trips through Maine will take you to some of the most popular places including all of Maine’s natural wonders, but there’s something to be said for the lesser-known attractions in Maine, including Maine’s hidden hiking trails, haunted buildings, and of course, where to see the best fall foliage in Maine. What are the most unique places to spend the night in Maine? There’s a reason Maine often gets nicknamed Vacationland. The Pine Tree State has some of the most unique places to spend the night, perfect for a relaxing weekend. If you’re feeling enchanted, the Norumbega Inn’s castle is fit for a king, featuring several guest rooms and ample space to spawn out. For a more nature-filled getaway, Sandy Pines Campground offers one of the most incredible glamping in Maine. For a treetop oasis, this lovely Airbnb in Maine overlooks a mountainside organic orchard with several hiking trails nearby.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Roughly 1.37 million people call Maine home, and many of them love the many small towns Maine has to offer. We love Maine’s big cities, but there’s always something special about the charm of small-town life in Maine. Over in Waldo County, Searsport is a small town with a lot to offer, including a rich maritime history. Searsport is Maine’s second-largest deepwater port and it’s also home to the super scenic Moose Point State Park, a top destination for nature lovers in the northeast.
What are the best road trips through Maine?
From waterfalls to fall foliage, road trips are the best ways to see the best of Maine. Some of the best road trips through Maine will take you to some of the most popular places including all of Maine’s natural wonders, but there’s something to be said for the lesser-known attractions in Maine, including Maine’s hidden hiking trails, haunted buildings, and of course, where to see the best fall foliage in Maine.
What are the most unique places to spend the night in Maine?
There’s a reason Maine often gets nicknamed Vacationland. The Pine Tree State has some of the most unique places to spend the night, perfect for a relaxing weekend. If you’re feeling enchanted, the Norumbega Inn’s castle is fit for a king, featuring several guest rooms and ample space to spawn out. For a more nature-filled getaway, Sandy Pines Campground offers one of the most incredible glamping in Maine. For a treetop oasis, this lovely Airbnb in Maine overlooks a mountainside organic orchard with several hiking trails nearby.
