When it comes to landmarks, Maine has plenty: historically and culturally rich destinations that just can’t be found anywhere else. Along with buildings that have survived to tell tales from bygone eras and beautiful landscapes waiting to be explored, Maine’s variety of lighthouses and its maritime history make it a particularly interesting state for landmark hunters.
Here are just a few of the Maine landmarks you won’t want to miss.
Top Landmarks in Maine
Maine Landmarks
Acadia National Park
If one place tops the list of your Maine must-dos, it’s probably Acadia National Park — and for good reason. A hidden gem in every sense of the word, this national park receives fewer visitors each year than other NPS-operated wildernesses, but its dynamic views and one-of-a-kind scenery mean it’s worth the drive.
Along with the granite peak Cadillac Mountain, this wilderness also boasts a variety of backcountry camping options, hiking trails, beaches, and more. You can even catch a horse-drawn tour along the network of old carriage roads that crisscross the park!
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The nearby gateway town of Bar Harbor is a worthy destination on its own accord, filled with cute yet elegant dining options, boutiques, and spas. We also recommend the Abbe Museum in town.
One of the best campgrounds in the area is KOA Arcadia.
Portland Head Light
As you may have already garnered, lighthouses are kind of a big deal in Maine. In fact, the state boasts more than 60 of them altogether. That said, the Portland Head Light bears a unique distinction: it’s the oldest in the state, first constructed back in the late 1780s.
Today, although the tower itself is closed to visitors, this unique lighthouse makes for an excellent photo opp — and the views around its surrounding park are unmissable, especially at sunrise.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located along the epic shoreline just outside of the town of Portland proper, the Portland Head Light is close to plenty of restaurants, shops, and other urban to-dos. These include the Portland Museum of Art and the Victoria Mansion.
Camping can be found at Wassamki Springs.
Portland Observatory
Construction on the Portland Observatory was first ordered by Captain Lemuel Moody. He saw in the early 1800s that a communication station was needed for Portland’s ever-busier harbor. The tower was finished in 1807, and is the only remaining historic maritime signal tower of its type in the United States.
In 2006, the Observatory was designated both a National Historic Landmark and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, and has now been converted to a museum that is open to public visitation.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located in Portland’s East End, the Observatory is close to many other major tourist destinations in town, such as the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and a variety of breweries.
Park your RV at Bayley’s Camping Resort and stay a while!
Victoria Mansion
An absolutely stunning example of 19th century architecture, the Victoria Mansion offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time — and up into high society, too. This opulently decorated edifice was originally constructed in 1860, and was built as a summer home for the hotel magnate Ruggles Sylvester Morse. Because the house has been carefully preserved and restored throughout the years, a full 97% of its original contents are still surviving today, including everything from furnishings to artwork to gas lighting fixtures.
Both docent-led and self-guided tours are available, and the mansion also dresses up for Christmas — as you’d expect.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
As always, the town of Portland offers an endless array of restaurants, shops, museums and more, and it’s just a short drive from untouched spaces like Mackworth Island State Park, Ferry Beach State Park and others.
Some great camping can be found at Powder Horn Family Camping Resort.
Ogunquit Beach
Ogunquit Beach is of the most famed stretches of coastline in the state of Maine, An especially popular destination in the summertime, this beach offers a great place to swim, sunbathe and otherwise relax, not to mention an epic sunrise view. Although frigid in the winter, the waterfront is no less compelling, with the cold ocean splashing against the shore dramatically.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The small town of Ogunquit is a beach vacationer’s paradise, filled with quaint eateries, shops, and attractions. Just a short way north the beach gives way to the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve which teems with wildlife.
Campsites are available nearby at Ogunquit Farm RV Resort.
Cape Neddick Nubble Light
Also known simply as the Nubble Lighthouse, this Cape Neddick landmark is encased in a small but beautiful park. First constructed in 1879, this lighthouse has been a tourist attraction essentially since its inception. The very first keeper here, Nathaniel H. Otterson, welcomed visitors every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Close to the historic town of York, the Cape Neddick Nubble Light is situated in a perfectly beachy location filled with that unique New England coastline charm.
One excellent nearby camping option is York Beach Camper Park.
Old York Gaol
The Old Gaol in York is one landmark you won’t want to miss. Gaol is a Middle English term for “jail,” and indeed, the Old Gaol was a colonial prison used in the 18th century, with the oldest surviving portions of the structure dating to 1720. This makes it both the oldest prison in the United States as a whole and also one of the oldest buildings in the state of Maine more generally. It’s been a National Historic Landmark since 1968.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Other historical buildings in York to add to your itinerary include Jefferds Tavern and the York Corner Schoolhouse; you can find out much more at the Old York Historical Society which manages the properties.
As far as camping goes, we recommend Dixon’s Coastal Maine Campground.
McIntire Garrison House
Another beloved York-area landmark is the McIntire Garrison House, which was built circa 1707. Given its surprising age and wooden construction, it’s remarkably well preserved, and extremely rare. In fact, it’s one of the last remaining examples of an England colonial log garrison house, which were designed by the settlers to fend against attacks from the Native Americans whose lands they’d invaded.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
York offers a variety of contemporary shops and attractions as well as its historical features. Plus, you’re not far from some of the best state parks in all of Maine.
Of course, you’ll need a place to stay. That’s where Libby’s Oceanside Camp comes into play.
Mount Katahdin
Claiming several superlatives, Mount Katahdin is the tallest peak in the state of Maine, standing an impressive 5,269 feet above sea level. It is also the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. For many brave and rugged hikers, Mount Katahdin represents a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, but the trail to the top is short enough that an experienced hiker could tackle it in a day.
The mountain is located within the boundaries of Baxter State Park, which has plenty of other worthy hiking trails and outdoor adventure opportunities.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located in the untouched wilderness in the central portion of the state, Mount Katahdin is surrounded by other green spaces worth exploring, such as the Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area, the Nahmakanta Public Reserved Land and Lily Bay State Park.
RV camping can be found at Wilderness Edge Campground Inc.
Fort Halifax
Located in the small and historic town of Winslow, Fort Halifax was once a British colonial outpost constructed all the way back in the 1750s. Although time and history mean that only a small part of the original blockhouse is still surviving, that blockhouse is the oldest in the United States and is open to visitors during the warmer summer months.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Just a short way northeast of Augusta, Fort Halifax is near both urban and wilderness destinations worth adding onto your trip. Check out nearby Lake St. George State Park or Mt. Blue State Park.
When you’re ready to set up camp, head to Two Rivers Campground.
Planning an RV Trip to Maine
An RV trip is the perfect way to check out these amazing Maine landmarks. While you’re there, check out the best campgrounds and the best state parks in the state. Make sure you also spend plenty of time in Acadia National Park, one of Maine’s main attractions.
