Let’s Visit Maine
- Join our virtual tour highlighting the top attractions in Maine
- For an overview of the state, see: National Geographic Kids. Maine
Highlights
Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in Maine.
- Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor) is famous for its stunning coastal scenery, hiking trails, and Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. East Coast, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Portland Head Light (Cape Elizabeth) is renowned as one of the most photographed lighthouses in the U.S., dating back to 1791. It is a symbol of Maine’s maritime history and offers scenic views of the rocky coastline.
- Old Orchard Beach (Old Orchard Beach) is known for its long sandy beach, classic New England boardwalk, and historic amusement park, making it a favorite summer destination for families.
- Baxter State Park (Millinocket) is home to Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and Maine’s highest peak. It is famous for its rugged wilderness and opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
- Pemaquid Point Lighthouse (Bristol) is a well-known historic lighthouse that dates back to 1827. It is famous for its picturesque setting. Featured in numerous paintings and photos.
- Allagash Wilderness Waterway (Northern Maine) is a renowned 92-mile-long stretch of protected rivers and lakes, popular with canoeists and adventurers seeking a remote, natural experience in the North Woods.
- Victoria Mansion (Portland) is a beautifully preserved Italianate-style home built in the 19th century. It is famous for its elaborate architecture and period furnishings, offering a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of its era.
- Maine Maritime Museum (Bath) is known for its exhibits on Maine’s shipbuilding history, including a restored shipyard and full-scale representations of schooners, showcasing the state’s rich maritime heritage.
- Moosehead Lake (Greenville) is the largest lake in Maine and is famous for its outdoor recreational activities like boating, fishing, and moose watching. The lake’s remote location makes it a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
- Kennebunkport (Kennebunkport) is a charming seaside town famous for its historic homes, scenic harbor, and as the summer home of former President George H.W. Bush. It is a popular spot for tourists seeking coastal charm and luxury accommodations.
Intriguing mysteries and weird facts
Discover these little-known facts about Maine.
- Maine Is the Only State with One Syllable
Out of all 50 states, Maine is the only one whose name has just one syllable, making it quick and easy to say! - Maine Produces 90% of the Nation’s Lobsters
Maine is famous for its lobsters, and it supplies 90% of the country’s lobster catch. The largest lobster recorded was 44 pounds and 6 feet long. - It’s Home to the First Incorporated City in the U.S.
York, Maine, was incorporated in 1641, making it one of the oldest towns in America. It was founded even before the United States became a country. - Maine Has More Coastline Than California
While it’s hard to believe, Maine’s jagged, irregular coastline measures about 3,478 miles, which is more than California’s coastline. This includes all the bays, inlets, and islands along the coast. - Stephen King Lives in Maine
Famed horror author Stephen King, known for books like The Shining and It, is a lifelong resident of Maine. Many of his novels are set in the state, adding to Maine’s eerie reputation. - The State Animal Is the Moose
Maine is home to the largest population of moose in the lower 48 states. Spotting one of these massive creatures in the wild is a common experience in Maine’s wilderness. The moose population is estimated at over 70,000 roaming the state. - Maine’s Desert Isn’t What You Think
Maine has a real desert near the town of Freeport, but it’s not a natural one. The Desert of Maine was created due to poor farming practices that caused the topsoil to erode, leaving behind sandy dunes. - The First Ship Built in America Was Made in Maine
The Virginia was the first ship built by English colonists in 1607 at the Popham Colony, near present-day Phippsburg. It helped establish Maine’s shipbuilding tradition. - Maine Has Over 3,000 Islands
Scattered along the coast of Maine are more than 3,000 islands, many of which are uninhabited. Some, like Mount Desert Island, are major tourist destinations, while others are perfect for remote adventures. - L.L.Bean Is Open 24/7
L.L.Bean, the famous outdoor clothing and gear store in Freeport, Maine, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It’s a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and a quirky fact about the state.
Notable People
Here are 10 famous men and women from Maine.
Famous Men
- Stephen King (1947– ) was born in Portland, Maine, and is one of the most famous authors in the world, known for writing horror novels such as The Shining, It, and Carrie, many of which have been adapted into films.
- Joshua Chamberlain (1828–1914) was born in Brewer, Maine, and became a hero of the Civil War, particularly for his defense of Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg. He later served as Governor of Maine and president of Bowdoin College.
- Nelson Rockefeller (1908–1979) was born in Bar Harbor, Maine, and served as the 41st Vice President of the United States under President Gerald Ford. He was also the governor of New York for four terms.
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882) was born in Portland, Maine, and became one of America’s most famous poets. He is known for works like The Song of Hiawatha and Paul Revere’s Ride.
- John Ford (1894–1973) was born in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and became one of the most famous directors in Hollywood history, known for classic films like The Searchers and Stagecoach. He won four Academy Awards for Best Director.
Famous Women
- Margaret Chase Smith (1897–1995) was born in Skowhegan, Maine, and became the first woman to serve in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. She is known for her courageous stand against McCarthyism.
- Joan Benoit Samuelson (1957– ) was born in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and became an Olympic gold medalist in the marathon at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, the first time the women’s marathon was included in the Olympics.
- Dorothea Dix (1802–1887) was born in Hampden, Maine, and became a famous social reformer and advocate for the mentally ill. Her efforts led to the creation of the first generation of American mental asylums.
- Olympia Snowe (1947– ) was born in Augusta, Maine, and served as a U.S. Senator from Maine for 18 years. She was known for her moderate stance and bipartisanship during her political career.
- Anna Kendrick (1985– ) was born in Portland, Maine, and is a well-known actress and singer. She is famous for her roles in Pitch Perfect, Twilight, and Up in the Air, for which she received an Academy Award nomination.
Date of Ratification of the Articles of Confederation/
Admission to the Union
March 15, 1820 (23rd)
State Capital and Government
Area and Total Population
| Area: 30,842 square miles | Total Population: 1,330,000 |
Major cities and their population
| City/ Town | Population |
| Portland | 69,000 |
| Lewiston | 38,000 |
| Bangor | 32,000 |
Education
Educational Resources
Fairs and festivals
Flag
The flag of the State of Maine has the state coat of arms on a blue field. A moose rests under a tall pine tree in the center of the shield. The figures of a farmer and a seaman on either side of the shield represent the state reliance on agriculture and the sea. At the top of the shield is the “North Star” representing the state motto: Dirigo (“I Lead”).
Geography
Location
Glimpses Into History
Breathtaking Landscapes
Check out these amazing landscapes and wildlife of Maine.
National Landmarks and Historic Sites
National Monuments
- Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (National Park Service)
National and State Parks
Sports
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) Division I Teams
State Motto
“Dirigo’ meaning “I direct” or “I guide.”
State Nickname
- The Pine Tree State
State Symbols
See State symbols. Maine
Seal
The Great Seal of Maine was adopted in June 1820. In the center is a scene showing a moose resting in a field bordered by water and woods. Directly behind the moose. stands a pine tree. To the left of the shield, a farmer rests on his scythe. To the right of the shield, a sailor leans on an anchor. The motto “Dirigo” (I direct) and a stylized North Star appears above the shield.
License Plate
State Animal
State Bird
State Flower
Tourism: Enjoy some incredible vacations
Watch a video
- Maine (US Embassy Vienna)
- 25 top things to do in Maine (Anna and Karl Travel)
- 10 best places to visit in Maine (Sky Travel)
- Top 10 best places to visit in Maine (US Travel Guide)
- Acadia National Park vacation guide (Expedia)
Weather
More Resources For The Best Things To Do
Augusta
Bangor
Portland
- Visit Portland, Maine
- Visit Maine. Portland
- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
- Portland Ovations
Sanford
West Boothbay Harbor
York
