Maine Attractions

Maine is the easternmost state in the contiguous 48 states in the United States, and the most representative northernmost and larger state in the New England region. Bordered by the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec, the Atlantic Ocean and New Hampshire, Maine has a continental climate with temperatures ranging between 80ºF and 90º F in the summer, and 20º F and 10º F in the winter.

Due to its geographical location, Maine is an attraction by itself as part of the Extreme points of America, having the easternmost town in Lubec, the easternmost city is Eastport, and the easternmost area is the Old Sow, the largest tidal whirlpool in the world. Another interesting fact is Machias Seal Island, Maine's easternmost point, but claimed by both the USA and Canada, the only American land that its sovereignty is still in dispute.

Maine's highest mountain, Mount Katahdin, is also the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, point from where another International Appalachian Trail runs to Belle Isle, Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. Furthermore, if you are the nature lover, the state's largest lake, Moosehead Lake, is a must visit site.

The Union admitted Maine to the Statehood on March 15, 1820, designating Augusta as the capital of the state in 1827. One of its most notorious attractions is the Blaine House, Maine's Governor's Mansion, donated for this use by Harriet Blaine Beale in 1919, but the house dates back to 1833. After you visit this historic site, take a break at the Lovejoy Bridge located off Route 5 at South Andover, built in 1883 by the town of Andover, near Augusta, and over the Ellis River, structure of about 70 feet long, making it Maine's shortest covered bridge.

There is a lighthouse in Augusta, but it is not open to the public, but you can appreciate the Ladies Delight Light taking a boat trip. Damariscotta Lake State Park is located with a convenient short drive from Augusta to Jefferson, or the Peacock Beach State Park, 12 miles away from the capital city, with a small beach, swimming activities, picnic tables and a lifeguard that makes it a great family safe area.

Maine is the largest New England’s state, exceeding in size from all the other states combined in this area. However, it is the most sparsely populated state east of the Mississippi River with 90% of forests in its land, most of them uninhabited and with no formal political organization into local units. Due to this fact, Maine is also known as the Pine Tree State, and camping is a continuous invitation to adventure surrounded by pinus strobus, white pine cone linnaeus and tassel.

Maine's dramatic ocean scenery offers a new approach to maritime wonders. At West Quoddy Head, the easternmost beach in the Bay of Fundy, another historic area enclosing the West Quoddy State Park, with a short walk to the lighthouse, a visitor’s center and a local museum at the Keeper's house, maintained by the West Quoddy Head Light Keepers Association, is an enjoyable outdoor scenic hike.

Like other lighthouses in the region, the West Quoddy Head Light tower is not open to the public, but the history of the area speaks for itself. The station was established in 1808, the lighthouse built in 1858 with brick and having an original optic consisting of a third order Fresnel from the same year and still in use.

Maine’s lighthouses include the Little River Light in Cutler, the Lubec Channel Light in Lubec, and the Whitlocks Mill Light in Calais. Others remain as reference, such as the Avery Rock Light in Machias Bay, destroyed by a storm in 1946, and the St. Croix River Light in Near Calais, destroyed by fire in 1976.

Heading towards south Maine, more sandy beaches, quiet fishing villages and literally thousands of offshore islands, coming ahead in the distance, including the Isles of Shoals, a group of 9 islands straddling Maine with the coast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Scenic Byways are available as well, such as Acadia Byway, Old Canada Road Scenic Byway, Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, Schoodic Scenic Byway, Blackwoods Byway, and several state routes.

Maine offers you a true winter wonderland, celebrating the holidays by visiting more than 60 lighthouses decked out in Christmas lights along the coastline. During the winter season, sightseeing around the state offers snow-covered villages and exploring the countryside on pristine cross-country and snowmobile trails, enjoying skiing and riding on some of the best slopes in the East.

Skiing and riding vacations include legendary mountains offering deep snow with 2,000-foot verticals, snowboard parks, snowmaking, short lines, fast lifts and impeccably grooming and trailside. Lodging facilities and magnificent inns makes the area the most challenging ski terrain in New England.

Maine's legendary hospitality is reflected by welcoming restaurants, historic lodges and charming snow-dusted inns. Climb aboard a snowmobile, and enjoy the state stunning landscape through 12,000 miles of snowmobile trails. These trails are maintained by more than 280 local snowmobile clubs making it possible to find new and exciting places to ride every time.

Some remarkable ski areas are Big Squaw Mountain in Greenville, Bigrock Ski Area in Mars Hill, Black Mountain in Rumford, Camden Snowbowl in Camden, Eaton Mountain in Skowhegan, Lonesome Pine Trails in Fort Kent, Lost Valley in Auburn, among many others.
While traveling across the trail system, you will not only enjoy the incredible scenery, but also Maine's wind through fragrant pine forests, the same as you will find at crisp mountain streams, along with the wide-open plains. Contact Maine Snowmobile Association for further information including trailside outfitters, sledding basics and guides, trail maps, trail conditions, lodging information, etc.

Maine has it all, from small towns and villages to large cities, such as Portland, South Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, Auburn, Brunswick, Biddeford, Sanford, Scarborough or the capital city, Augusta. When planning your next vacation to the Pine Tree State, you are invited to enjoy the same with a guided visit to the Capitol, the state house, and going for a breathtaking adventure through its mountains and lakes.