The Ultimate Maine History Trail: Top Museums, Missions & Historic Towns (Currently Open)
Maine is a state shaped by rugged coastlines, dense forests, hardworking communities, and centuries of maritime, agricultural, and cultural heritage. From Indigenous Wabanaki history to early European settlements, shipbuilding eras, fishing villages, logging towns, and iconic lighthouses, Maine’s story unfolds across museums, historic sites, missions, and beautifully preserved towns.
This guide is your Ultimate Maine History Trail—a deep dive into the best places to explore Maine’s past, all of which are currently open and ready to welcome curious travelers, families, and history lovers. These museums and cultural destinations help visitors experience the state’s roots through storytelling, preserved architecture, hands-on exhibits, and immersive environments.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family day trip, or a full historic tour, these destinations reveal the heart of Maine—its resilience, innovation, and legacy.
Maine Maritime Museum – Bath’s Tribute to Shipbuilding History
Located along the Kennebec River in Bath, the Maine Maritime Museum is one of the state’s most important historical attractions.
Why It’s Significant
Exhibits on Maine’s shipbuilding industry
Outdoor sculpture replicas of historic vessels
Tours of the historic Percy & Small Shipyard
Beautiful riverfront campus
Visitors can learn how Maine’s shipwrights built iconic wooden ships that shaped American maritime history.
Wadsworth-Longfellow House – Portland’s Literary Legacy
The childhood home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, this historic treasure is one of Portland’s most visited cultural sites.
What Visitors Experience
Guided tours of the preserved 18th-century home
Insight into Longfellow’s life and family
Colonial-era architecture and artifacts
A serene garden oasis in the center of Portland
It’s a must-see for literature lovers and anyone fascinated by early American life.
Victoria Mansion – A Victorian Masterpiece in Portland
Known for its extraordinary architecture and lavish interior design, Victoria Mansion is one of the best-preserved Victorian homes in the country.
Highlights
Stunning frescoes and period furnishings
Guided tours offering historical context
One-of-a-kind mid-19th-century craftsmanship
Seasonal holiday decorations, including the famous Christmas display
This museum showcases luxury and artistry from Maine’s Gilded Age.
Fort Knox & Penobscot Narrows Observatory – A Dual Historical Experience
Located in Prospect, Fort Knox is one of Maine’s best-preserved military forts.
Visitors Enjoy
Exploring granite-walled passageways
Learning about 19th-century military life
Stunning views from the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory
Historical reenactments and educational programs
The observatory offers unmatched 360-degree views of Maine’s midcoast region.
Old Fort Western – America’s Oldest Wooden Fort
Built in 1754, Old Fort Western in Augusta is a National Historic Landmark.
Why It’s Worth Visiting
Living history demonstrations
Artifacts from the French & Indian War
Educational tours that bring the past to life
A picturesque riverside setting
This is one of Maine’s most important colonial historic sites, rich with stories and preserved structures.
The Abbe Museum – Honoring Wabanaki History & Culture
Located in Bar Harbor, the Abbe Museum is dedicated to the fascinating history of the Wabanaki Nations, Maine’s Indigenous peoples.
Museum Features
Exhibits created in partnership with tribal communities
Native art, stories, and cultural history
Educational programs for all ages
A modern, beautifully designed museum environment
It’s one of the most meaningful cultural experiences in Maine.
Ogunquit Heritage Museum – The Story of a Coastal Art Town
The charming town of Ogunquit has a rich history rooted in fishing, art, and seaside life.
What You’ll See
Exhibits on local artists, fishermen, and early settlers
Artifacts that reveal the town’s creative history
A historic building surrounded by peaceful gardens
Stories of Ogunquit’s evolution into a beloved coastal destination
A great stop for travelers exploring the southern Maine coast.
Brick Store Museum – Kennebunk’s Window Into Everyday Maine Life
This museum in Kennebunk explores the history of the region through diverse collections.
Highlights
Maritime artifacts and ship models
Local textiles, clothing, and artwork
Exhibits on daily life in the 18th and 19th centuries
Family-friendly programming and special events
It’s a wonderful stop for families and those interested in social history.
Boothbay Railway Village – Step Back Into Early 20th-Century Maine
The Boothbay Railway Village Museum offers a charming trip into Maine’s transportation and small-town history.
Visitors Experience
Antique vehicles and locomotives
A recreated early 1900s village
Narrow-gauge train rides
Artifacts from rural Maine life
It’s fun, educational, and perfect for families exploring the Boothbay region.
Castine – One of the Oldest Towns in New England
The town of Castine is a living history destination with centuries of stories.
Why It’s Fascinating
Historic markers across the town
Battle sites from the Revolutionary War
The 1811 Maine Maritime Academy campus
Well-preserved colonial architecture
Castine offers an immersive blend of charm and history around every corner.
Kennebunkport – Coastal History & Presidential Ties
Beyond its beaches, Kennebunkport is rich in maritime history and cultural significance.
Must-See Areas
Dock Square’s historic buildings
The First Families Museum
The nearby Walker’s Point presidential compound
Early fishing and shipbuilding landmarks
It’s a beautiful town with layers of historical depth.
Monhegan Island – An Artist Colony With Centuries of History
Accessible by ferry, Monhegan Island is a place of inspiration, creativity, and time-honored tradition.
Island Highlights
Historic Monhegan Lighthouse
Artist studios and galleries
Dramatic coastal cliffs and trails
A peaceful, preserved island village
Monhegan blends natural beauty with rich cultural history.
Bath Historic District – Shipbuilding Heritage at Its Best
Bath’s downtown district is steeped in maritime history.
Top Attractions
19th-century architecture
Traditional shipyard culture
Charming storefronts and local eateries
It’s a scenic, educational stop for history lovers.
York Village – One of Maine’s Most Historic Communities
York is one of the oldest towns in Maine and offers an incredible variety of preserved sites.
What You’ll Discover
Old York Gaol, a rare surviving colonial jail
Museums showcasing early settler life
The historic Nubble Lighthouse nearby
Picturesque streets lined with colonial homes
York is perfect for travelers who enjoy walking through living history.
Conclusion: Discover Maine’s Story Through Its Museums & Historic Towns
Maine’s past is alive in its waterfront towns, historic missions, preserved forts, lighthouses, and cultural museums. This Ultimate Maine History Trail highlights the best places to explore the state’s heritage—all currently open and offering immersive, educational, and meaningful experiences.
From the shipyards of Bath to the artist cliffs of Monhegan, from colonial forts to Indigenous cultural centers, Maine’s history trail invites you to slow down, learn deeply, and experience the stories that shaped this unforgettable state.