There’s a lot to see and do in Maine, but some of our favorite things are the ones that others might think aren’t worth the trip. These are the wacky, weird, and unexpected things that some people might believe aren’t worth the trip. But, we’d argue that these things are exactly what visitors and residents should prioritize!
- Entire Solar System, Presque Isle
TravelForDummies / TripAdvisor Head north to the county for the scaled model of our solar system. Created by the University of Maine in Presque Isle, this model begins with the sun in Presque Isle and goes all the way to Houlton where you’ll find the (now defunct as a planet) Pluto.
- Battery Steele, Peaks Island
subinev / Flickr This Fort was built in 1942 as part of efforts to support World War II. From the outside, the area appears to be completely left to nature. Overgrown trees and branches crowd what appears to be a crumbling facade. However, the real magic of Battery Steele lies underground. The bulk of the fort is made up of an underground area. These tunnels have been overtaken by artists and the mark of local Maine residents and friends covers the walls.
- Len Libby Chocolatier, Scarborough
jjandames / Flickr If you prefer your life-sized things to be edible, head to Len Libby Chocolatier to see the 1,700-pound milk chocolate creation. Lenny the moose has been delighting visitors since 1997 with his hand-sculpted body and white chocolate lake.
- Wiggly Bridge, York
MeganZopf / TripAdvisor Located in York, The Wiggly Bridge is a lovely hidden way to explore the area. The bridge connects York Harbor to the wonderful Steedman Woods. As suspension bridges go, the wooden portion spans a teensy 75 feet and when you walk, the entire thing bounces and — you guessed it — wiggles!
- Perry’s Nut House, Belfast
samm4mrox / Flickr Perry’s Nut House began back in 1927 when I.L. Perry opened the shop to sell the bumper crop of Pecans growing in the South. Over the years, he added curios and oddities and the shop, making it a nationally known stop. The store included things such as an alligator hide, trick mirrors, boxing bear cubs, and a water buffalo shot by Teddy Roosevelt! Today it’s still worth a visit for great candy and nuts, plus truly unique photo ops.
- The Reversing Falls, Mahar’s Point, West Pembroke
wolfsavard / Flickr In West Pembroke, a tidal flow alternately fills and drains both Whiting Bay and Dennys Bay. The salt water flows incredibly fast into the bays over rocks causing the appearance of “falls.”
- Fawcett’s Antique Toy and Art Museum, Waldoboro
C B / Google This museum gets rave reviews, not only for the many vintage comic books, animation cells, and dolls from early Disney movies but also for the owner himself. John Fawcett has poured his heart and soul into amassing a collection of this magnitude and his expertise about each piece is remarkable. Don’t miss this if you love anything vintage or anything toy-related!
What are your favorite tourist traps to see? Let us know in the comments so we can add it to our must-see list!
TravelForDummies / TripAdvisor
Head north to the county for the scaled model of our solar system. Created by the University of Maine in Presque Isle, this model begins with the sun in Presque Isle and goes all the way to Houlton where you’ll find the (now defunct as a planet) Pluto.
subinev / Flickr
This Fort was built in 1942 as part of efforts to support World War II. From the outside, the area appears to be completely left to nature. Overgrown trees and branches crowd what appears to be a crumbling facade. However, the real magic of Battery Steele lies underground. The bulk of the fort is made up of an underground area. These tunnels have been overtaken by artists and the mark of local Maine residents and friends covers the walls.
jjandames / Flickr
If you prefer your life-sized things to be edible, head to Len Libby Chocolatier to see the 1,700-pound milk chocolate creation. Lenny the moose has been delighting visitors since 1997 with his hand-sculpted body and white chocolate lake.
MeganZopf / TripAdvisor
Located in York, The Wiggly Bridge is a lovely hidden way to explore the area. The bridge connects York Harbor to the wonderful Steedman Woods. As suspension bridges go, the wooden portion spans a teensy 75 feet and when you walk, the entire thing bounces and — you guessed it — wiggles!
samm4mrox / Flickr
Perry’s Nut House began back in 1927 when I.L. Perry opened the shop to sell the bumper crop of Pecans growing in the South. Over the years, he added curios and oddities and the shop, making it a nationally known stop. The store included things such as an alligator hide, trick mirrors, boxing bear cubs, and a water buffalo shot by Teddy Roosevelt! Today it’s still worth a visit for great candy and nuts, plus truly unique photo ops.
wolfsavard / Flickr
In West Pembroke, a tidal flow alternately fills and drains both Whiting Bay and Dennys Bay. The salt water flows incredibly fast into the bays over rocks causing the appearance of “falls.”
C B / Google
This museum gets rave reviews, not only for the many vintage comic books, animation cells, and dolls from early Disney movies but also for the owner himself. John Fawcett has poured his heart and soul into amassing a collection of this magnitude and his expertise about each piece is remarkable. Don’t miss this if you love anything vintage or anything toy-related!
And once you check these things out we’ve got more for you! Here are 11 hidden gems to explore in Maine when you think you’ve done it all!
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Address: Presque Isle, ME, USAAddress: Battery Steele, Peaks Island, ME 04108, USAAddress: Len Libby Candies - Home of the Life Size Chocolate Moose!, 419 US-1, Scarborough, ME 04074, USAAddress: York, ME 03909, USAAddress: Perry’s Nut House, 45 Searsport Ave, Belfast, ME 04915, USAAddress: Reversing Falls Park, Reversing Falls Rd, Pembroke, ME 04666, USAAddress: 3468 Atlantic Hwy, Waldoboro, ME 04572, USA
