Road Tripping Through Maine: Museums, Parks, and Landmarks

If you're looking for a fun road trip, Maine has plenty of options. From Calais to Topsham, you can enjoy beautiful scenery and amazing tourist spots along the way. This article will provide you with a list of must-visit museums, parks, and landmarks in Maine.

Did you know that Maine is one of the few states in the US that has no billboards? This makes driving in Maine a unique and relaxing experience. You can focus on the natural beauty of the state without any distractions.

If you're driving from Calais to Topsham, Bangor, ME, is a great halfway point to stop and stretch your legs. Bangor is home to various coffee shops, antique stores, and restaurants you can explore.

The drive from Calais to Topsham is about 200 miles and would take approximately 4 hours without any stops. However, we recommend taking your time and spending at least a weekend exploring the state.

Here are our top five stops along the way:

1. Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is one of the must-visit tourist stops along your road trip in Maine. This park covers more than 49,000 acres of breathtaking scenery, including mountains, coastal forests, and lakes. You can hike, bike, or drive along the scenic loop road that overlooks the beautiful ocean view. If you want to take a break, you can stop by the sandy beach or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters.

Point of Interest: Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak on the East Coast, and the first place in the United States to see the sunrise from October to March.

2. Maine Maritime Museum

If you're interested in learning about the maritime history of Maine, then the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath is a perfect stop. This museum features a collection of over 20,000 artifacts that tell the story of Maine's shipbuilding heritage. You can take a guided tour to see ship structures, exhibits, and lighthouse lenses that showcase the state's maritime history.

Point of Interest: Don't miss the opportunity to take a river trip on a historic ship or a modern boat and see the shipyards and waterfront from the water.

3. Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory

The Penobscot Narrows Bridge is a must-visit landmark on your Maine road trip. This bridge connects the towns of Prospect and Verona Island and spans the Penobscot River. What makes this bridge unique is its observation deck, which is the highest public bridge observatory in the world. You can climb 420 feet to the observatory and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding areas.

Point of Interest: The Fort Knox State Historic Site is just a few minutes away, and it's a perfect stop to learn about the military history of Maine.

4. Portland Head Light

Portland Head Light is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine, and it's located in Cape Elizabeth. This lighthouse has been in operation since 1791, and it's a popular destination for tourists. You can visit the lighthouse museum and learn about the history and the role of the lighthouse in maritime navigation. The park around the lighthouse is also a great place to take a walk and enjoy the ocean view.

Point of Interest: Visit the nearby Two Lights State Park, which is named after the two lighthouses used to navigate ships.

5. Moosehead Lake

Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in Maine, covering over 120 square miles. The area around the lake is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. You can also take a guided tour to see the moose that are often found in the area. The foliage around the lake is also an excellent place to enjoy the fall colors.

Point of Interest: Take a scenic ride on the Katahdin Steamship to enjoy the view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

In conclusion, your road trip from Calais to Topsham can be a fun and memorable experience. With these top five stops and their respective points of interest, you can enjoy and appreciate Maine's natural beauty and rich history. Take your time and make the most out of your trip. Happy travels!