Anyone who has called Vacationland home for awhile knows there’s no shortage of hidden gems and secret places in Maine. Because really, as many of us know, the entire state itself is a bit of a secret! Tucked away in the upper righthand corner of the United States, Maine is often thought of as a summer destination, with nothing but snow and wind to show for itself in the winter. While some of that might be true (we have to admit Maine has its fair share of cold days) the reality is that there’s a lot more to Maine than staying indoors during the winter. If you’re like us and love the often-overlooked destinations, hidden gems, and secret places in Maine, check out this list… these are some of our favorite top-secret spots in the Pine Tree State!

1. The Abandoned Mansion Hike in Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth
Fort Williams Park, 1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
las - initially / Flickr
The easily navigable cliff walk is made of crushed stone making it easy on the feet. It follows the the beautiful cliffs and takes visitors past the historic remnants of Fort Williams. While most people come to Fort Williams Park for the views, the fort and the lighthouse, there's actually a lesser-known abandoned mansion hiding in the area!
2. Maine's Oldest Standing Tavern, Freeport
Jameson Tavern, 115 Main St, Freeport, ME 04032, USA
nightbeacons / Flickr
Maine has some of the most interesting history in the northeast, but sometimes this history comes in places you least expect. In addition to old mills, roads and historic homes, a lot of Maine’s history lies within the old businesses and shops that have stood the test of time. But, only one of these places can be referred to as the "the Birthplace of Maine." To find out how it earned this distinction, check out this story of the state’s oldest standing tavern, AKA Jameson Tavern, by clicking on the link above.
3. A Hidden Underwater City, Flagstaff Lake
Flagstaff Lake, Maine, USA
Dead River Area Historical Society / Facebook
The first permanent settlers of Flagstaff Village, which took its name from the flagpole erected by Benedict Arnold and his men, came in the 1800s. But, by the 1950s, this city had been flooded and all its residents displaced. Click the title above to learn more about this sad Maine piece of history.
4. Lovely Norway, Oxford County
Norway, ME 04268, USA
mcgrayjr / Flickr
Maine has become increasingly more recognized for its culinary scene. Towns like Portland, Camden and Rockland have some of the best restaurants not only in New England, but all of America. While we certainly recommend you check them out, we also urge you to explore some of the lesser known towns in Vacationland. Some of the smaller ones have shops and restaurants run by locals who have lived in the state all their life. And we love that! Norway, Maine is a great example!
5. The Bold Coast Scenic Byway
Milbridge, ME, USA
West Gouldsboro, Gouldsboro, ME 04607, USA
VW Beetle / Flickr
This is one of the best drives you can do in Maine. But, the fact that it begins a bit further north makes is often forgotten by those based further south. The roughly 3-hour drive will take you from Millbridge, all the way up the coast to Eastport. While it's fairly straightforward, there are lots of beautiful spots along the way that make this drive so much more than the destination. We recommend starting US Highway 1 in West Gouldsboro, Maine.

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6. The Entire Solar System, Presque Isle
Presque Isle, ME, USA
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.
7. A Two Waterfall Hike near Andover
Dunn Falls, North Oxford, ME 04261, USA
zigzaglens / Flickr
You'll start this hike on the Appalachian Trail, and it's fun to look out for thru hikers. It takes you along a stream, to a waterfall, and you won't want to miss it.
8. The Last Bridge of a Kind, New Portland
Wire Bridge Road, Wire Bridge Rd, New Portland, ME 04961, USA
C Hanchey / Flickr
Located in the small town of New Portland, between Bangor and the Canadian border, this bridge is truly special. The bridge is older than even the town financial records, but it was likely built before 1866 along with three others of its kind.
9. The Rockland Cafe, Rockland
Rockland Café, 441 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841, USA
Westie W. / Yelp
When you’re looking for tasty food, great service and reasonable prices, your best bet is to find out where the locals eat. If you’re in Rockland, that place is Rockland Cafe, which offers plates piled high with comfort food, and has some great seafood options, too (of course!).
10. Old Fort Western, Augusta
Old Fort Western, 16 Cony St, Augusta, ME 04330, USA
management / TripAdvisor
We didn't know about this one until we went digging around to write the original article. But, it's thriving and fun for visitors, who can expect to see historical re-enactments performed by trained volunteers. Old Fort Western was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973.

What are your favorite secret places in Maine? Hidden gems you simply adore? Share them with your fellow Mainers. It’s the neighborly thing to do!

Another cool secret spot is this awesome tiny house, hidden away in the woods near a river.

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More to Explore

Secret Places in Maine

Sarah M. | June 04, 2022

What are some other hidden gems in Maine?

One of our favorite hidden gems is actually, well, quite big and flamboyant. Up in beautiful Columbia Falls, Maine's Wild Blueberry Land is hard to miss, and definitely the most delicious unique and roadside attraction in America, as it's both a tourist destination and a bakery. In terms of things to do, there's a blueberry-themed mini-golf course - a must for anyone visiting. 

Another gem of a roadside attraction (that, just as with the behemoth blueberry, is a massive, man-made monolith) is the World's Largest Paul Bunyan Statue over in Bangor. And while we aren't completely sure if this is the largest Pau Bunyan statue in America, our gut tells us that honor belongs to Minnesota. Regardless, Maine's lumber history gives us some ability to claim him as an icon. Check out the statue by visiting the park across from the Civic Center.

What are some other secret places in Maine?

For those looking for a bit of peace and quiet, there's no place quite like Rachel Carson Salt Pond Preserve up in New Harbor. In addition to its beautiful beaches, this preserve is home to some truly incredible tidepools that are teeming with marine life and seaside treasures! You can find the tidepools up and down the coast during low tide. This hidden gem in Maine is great for kids, too, who love splashing and digging in the pools, and it's also very accessible Fun fact: this is where Rachel Carson gathered specimens to research her book, "Edge of the Sea."

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