Boothbay and the surrounding towns are home to a variety of opportunities to learn about the history, culture, and beauty of the area. Whether you are looking for a couple hour activity or a full day exploration, we are certain these options will suit your needs.
The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor presents quality programs in an historic building. The 1894 building has had a full history serving as a lodge for the Pythians and the Masons, a restaurant and bar, a private residence, and a mini mall. Over the years, the great performance hall has seen Grammy winning musicians, jazz icons, improv comedy, puppet and magic shows, basketball games, and wrestling matches. The Opera House is open year-round, boasts over 100 performances and events annually, and it committed to reasonably priced tickets. Make sure to visit the grand old bar room upstairs.
The Railway Village Museum is 35-acres of fun for all ages. Visitors can ride the rails in a vintage coach car drawn by a 100-year-old steam locomotive. The Freeport Station once saw hundreds of incoming and outgoing passengers and now houses railway memorabilia. The ever-expanding model railroad is an exceptional portrayal of a 1950s-1960s New England railroad. The Village itself boasts multiple historic structures and buildings including a general store, one-room schoolhouse, and filling station. The Antique Auto Museum features over 60 automobiles and other automotive ephemera. Don’t the miss the display of hundreds of salt and pepper shakers and the change to visit with the resident goats. The Village is also a unique wedding venue for couples who are train enthusiasts or simply want something different and memorable.
The Maine Maritime Museum boasts 20 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits that celebrate the state’s nautical heritage and culture. Highlights include the immersive lighthouse experience called “Into the Lantern” and a full-size sculpture of the largest wooden sailing vessel ever crafted in North America. Daily cruises depart from the museum giving guests an opportunity to see majestic lighthouses from the water. The cruises also pass the shipyard where the newest generation Naval Destroyers are being built allowing a glimpse of the latest technology. The tradition of wooden boatmaking lives on in the working boatshop where visitors can talk with craftsmen and participate in workshops to learn the craft. Want a fun photo opportunity? Climb inside the human-sized lobster trap.
The Farnsworth Art Museum is 20,000 square feet of gallery space dedicated to American and Maine-inspired art. The museum is housed in multiple buildings across its Rockland campus and features the largest collection by sculptor Louise Nevelson. A United Methodist Church has been converted into exhibit space showcasing the works of three generation of Wyeth family. A unique facet of the museum is the home of the original benefactor. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the elegant Farnsworth Homestead has been maintained with original furnishings. The museum offers educational opportunities for all ages, perhaps you will discover your creative side in a watercolor class.
The mission of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is to inspire meaningful connections among people, plants, and nature through horticulture, education, and research. It opened in 2007 and has quickly become one of the largest and top rated gardens in the country. The 300-acre experience is open daily from May 1 through October 17 and there is something to see around every corner. What started as a trial garden became so popular that the spiral-shaped Dahlia Garden became a permanent fixture. The Butterfly and Moth House supports the entire life cycle of insects native to the area. Sixteen honeybee hives are regularly tended by beekeepers. The Lerner Garden of the Five Senses features winding paths that allow visitors to truly immerse themselves in the unique experience.
