Maine has a status for being cultured, foodie, outdoorsy and steeped in historical past. It is also identified for being, notably should you examine into historic seaside resorts and dine out on lobster dinners. However a trip in Maine doesn’t must break the bank – you’ll be able to hike, swim, cross-country ski and benefit from the arts scene, all without spending a dime.
From York to Fort Fairfield and all over the place in between, you will discover a great deal of free (or cheap) actions to maintain you busy in Maine year-round, which means it can save you your cash for particular experiences reminiscent of particular seafood dinners and the odd in a single day keep on the shore.
Whether or not you fancy a hike on the rocky shoreline looking for native wildlife, or front-row seats at a mashed-potato wrestling match, you will discover loads of enjoyable without spending a dime Maine – simply preserve your digital camera prepared! Here is a information to the highest free issues to do in Maine.
1. Tour Maine’s lighthouses
Most of Maine’s lighthouses are free to discover, together with the well-known Portland Head Gentle in Cape Elizabeth, commissioned by George Washington and possibly probably the most photographed lighthouse within the nation. Pack a picnic and benefit from the adjoining 90-acre Fort Williams Park with its beautiful ocean views and outdated forts. Not far down the street, you’ll be able to swing by the Spring Level Ledge Lighthouse and Massive Gentle in South Portland.
As you head up the coast, you’ll discover extra lighthouses within the Midcoast area, reminiscent of Owl’s Head Lighthouse and Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse in Rockland and the well-known Marshall Point Lighthouse in Port Clyde (you may acknowledge its profile from the film, Forrest Gump). West Quoddy State Park in Lubec is the easternmost level within the continental United States and residential to West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, a definite candy-striped tower commissioned by Thomas Jefferson.
Planning tip: Whereas many lighthouses are free to go to, staying in a lighthouse prices somewhat extra. One of many extra inexpensive choices is the Little River Light on an offshore island close to Cutler, inbuilt 1876 and nonetheless used to maintain this stretch of coast secure for transport.
The most effective seashores in Maine
2. Go to Stephen King’s home
Horror followers received’t need to miss Stephen King’s spooky mansion on West Broadway Road in Bangor. This stately purple mansion and its creepy wrought-iron fence evoke the writer’s most well-known works, and the supernatural-looking wood tree carving within the entrance yard is definitely worth the cease alone. Sadly, you in all probability received’t catch a glimpse of the well-known writer (as he resides principally in Florida), however you by no means know! There are plans to finally open the home to the general public as a museum.
On the lookout for extra free stuff to do in Bangor? Snap a selfie with the Paul Bunyan statue, search for wildlife within the 80-acre Bangor Metropolis Forest, or stroll or bike alongside the Penobscot River Walkway. Fort Knox (the different Fort Knox) and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge are a 25-minute drive from Bangor, providing unimaginable views of the Penobscot River and tons of historical past.
Planning tip: In the event you’re on a literary kick, different well-known properties you’ll be able to go to or see from the road embrace Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s residence in Portland, EB White’s dwelling in Brookline, and Harriet Beecher Stowe’s home in Brunswick.
3. Sunbathe on southern Maine’s seashores
Southern Maine is basically taken up by York and Cumberland Counties and it gives a house for many of the state’s 1.3 million individuals. It is simple to know why – York County is dwelling to a few of Maine’s greatest sandy seashores. Lengthy Sand Seashore in York and Ogunquit Seashore somewhat additional north are two of probably the most lovely seashores in New England, excellent for holidays throughout Maine’s brief, heat summers.
Previous Orchard Seashore towards Scarborough is certainly one of Maine’s busiest seashores in the course of the summer time, due to its nostalgic pier and amusement park. As you head north, sandy seashores start to vanish, changed by Maine’s signature rocky shoreline, however you’ll nonetheless discover a couple of sandy spots for a dip within the Atlantic as you drift up the coast.
Planning tip: Maine’s southern seashores get extraordinarily busy in the summertime; take into account visiting out of season, when the lengthy, pretty strips of sand tackle a unique character, inviting lengthy, contemplative walks.
4. Stroll the First Friday Artwork Stroll in Portland
Maine’s largest metropolis is the state’s cultural hub, dwelling to world-class eating places, hip breweries, cool espresso retailers and extra. It’s straightforward to spend tons of of {dollars} right here simply on meals and beer, however there are many free issues to do that will help you steadiness your price range.
Portland’s First Friday Artwork Stroll occurs on the primary Friday of each month, and most of the metropolis’s artwork galleries and studios open to the general public without spending a dime, usually offering free snacks and wine. For extra artwork, the Portland Museum of Artwork (PMA) within the coronary heart of downtown has a everlasting assortment of over 18,000 artworks by artwork greats from Andy Warhol to Claude Monet, and entry is free late on Friday afternoon.
Planning tip: In addition to European greats, the PMA is dwelling to one of many largest collections of works by Winslow Homer – thought-about to be one of many best American painters of the nineteenth century – who spent a lot of his life in Maine. PMA owns Homer’s studio in Prouts Neck and excursions can be found for a further payment.
5. Take a hike by the Maine forests
Maine is dwelling to 1000’s of miles of mountain climbing, biking and nature trails. In addition to numerous sections of the Appalachian Trail, take time to discover the free-to-visit Alewive Woods Preserve in Kennebunk, a 625-acre nature protect with 2.5 miles of straightforward mountain climbing trails.
Simply an hour north of Portland, Nice Mountain in Bridgton makes for an ideal day hike, with rewarding views of western Maine. With youngsters in tow, the Shoreline Path in Moosehead area’s Lily Bay State Park is a straightforward two-mile path for the entire household, and you could even see a moose should you’re fortunate.
For barely more durable mountain climbing trails, the Bethel space is dwelling to Grafton Notch State Park and the Mahoosuc Public Lands. The Appalachian Path runs by the park, and there are different close by simpler trails should you desire a shorter day hike.
Planning tip: To keep away from crowds on the paths, take into account mountain climbing within the spring or in late fall as soon as the summer time crowds have departed and the leaf-peepers have returned to the cities. Simply deliver applicable out of doors put on for the changeable climate.
10 breathtaking hikes in Maine
6. Jam out at LL Bean’s out of doors concert events
Each summer time, well-known out of doors clothing store LL Bean hosts Summer season within the Park at its flagship retailer in Freeport. Store for flannel shirts and duck boots earlier than having fun with a free live performance by massive names reminiscent of Walker Hayes and Brandi Carlile. Along with common concert events, LL Bean additionally hosts free yoga lessons, health lessons, film nights and extra – shaking up its conventional picture! All occasions are family-friendly so even the little members of your loved ones can have heaps of enjoyable.
7. Cross-country ski, snowshoe and sled in winter
With 1000’s of miles of cross-country snowboarding trails all through the state, snow doesn’t must cease your enjoyable. Many strolling trails throughout the state could be accessed in winter with snowshoes or cross-country skis, together with many routes in Acadia Nationwide Park, that are free to make use of in the course of the winter months. Acadia Winter Trails Association volunteers groom miles of the carriage trails for snowboarding.
There are 15 miles of free cross-country ski trails to play on in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. In the event you’re new to cross-country snowboarding, you’ll be able to discover the superbly groomed trails at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester for lower than $20.
Planning tip: Sledding followers (each adults and youngsters) will discover a great deal of nice sledding hills to get pleasure from. Deliver your greatest sled to Payson Park in Portland, Essex Road Hill in Bangor or Mighty Hill in Gorham.
The most effective time to go to Maine for seafood, snowboarding and extra
8. Expertise the Maine Potato Blossom Pageant
For a singular Maine expertise, head north into Aroostook County for the Maine Potato Blossom Festival, held yearly in Fort Fairfield in July. The pageant takes place when the potato fields blossom, and options greater than 85 occasions unfold over 9 days. There’s a town-wide yard sale, nightly leisure, an enormous parade, fireworks and legendary mashed potato wrestling bouts. Most occasions are free or low value and the pageant is nice household enjoyable.
9. Discover Acadia Nationwide Park
Each April, the US Nationwide Park Companies celebrates National Park Week, and you may go to any of the nation’s nationwide parks without spending a dime, together with Acadia Nationwide Park. Positioned on Mount Desert Island about 3½ hours north of Portland, this was the primary nationwide park established east of the Mississippi River and it is a true spotlight of Maine.
That includes 27 miles of scenic motorways, 158 miles of mountain climbing trails and 45 miles of carriage roads principally constructed by the Rockefeller household, Acadia Nationwide Park is an unimaginable place to discover. Watch the dawn over the nation from atop Cadillac Mountain, take a cold sip within the Atlantic at Sand Seashore, or hike to the summit of any of the granite peaks within the park.
Planning tip: Whereas Acadia Nationwide Park encompasses a big part of Mount Desert Island, there’s extra to this scenic piece of shoreline than the nationwide park. Head exterior the park boundaries to search out free mountain climbing trails and peaceable locations to swim.
10. Traverse the state on two wheels
Maine is a good place to discover on two wheels, with mild site visitors on the backroads, and loads of backroads to discover. In the event you’re within the southern Maine area, hop in your bike and cycle the 22-mile Eastern Trail from Massive Gentle in South Portland to Kennebunk.
For extra hardcore cyclists, the multi-day Down East Sunrise Trail from Ellsworth to Ayers Junction covers simply over 100 miles on paved or gravel roads. Bond Brooks Trails in Augusta has 6 miles of free-to-use single-track mountain biking trails and Quarry Highway Trails in close by Waterville has extra mountain bike trails which can be free to all.
