Open Travel Guide
History of Maine

Maine History & Heritage Guide 2026

The history of Maine told through its places: sites worth the detour and the context they need.

Maine has 8+ historical sites covered in this guide, led by Fort Knox State Historic Site, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and Fishermen's Museum and Maine Maritime Museum. Each entry below includes the practical details — what it costs, when to go, and how to plan around it.

Maine is the northeasternmost state in the contiguous United States, celebrated for its rugged Atlantic coastline studded with lighthouses, lobster shacks perched over sheltered coves, the dramatic granite peaks of Acadia National Park, and vast northern forests roamed by moose. From the vibrant restaurant scene of Portland to the tranquil islands of Penobscot Bay, Maine offers a compelling blend of outdoor adventure and coastal charm.

Historical sites

Places where Maine's past comes alive.

Historic

Fort Knox State Historic Site

Where: Prospect (Penobscot River)

Admission: Adult: $4.50 | Child: $1 ages 5–11; free under 5

Historic

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and Fishermen's Museum

Where: New Harbor (Bristol)

Admission: Adult: $4 grounds; Museum included | Child: Free under 12

Historic

Maine Maritime Museum

Where: Bath

Admission: Adult: $18 | Child: $10 ages 6–16; free under 6

Historic

Portland Head Light and Museum

Where: Cape Elizabeth

Admission: Adult: Museum $5 | Child: Museum $1 ages 6–18; grounds free

Historic

Victoria Mansion

Where: Portland

Admission: Adult: $20 | Child: $10 ages 6–17; free under 6

Historic

Penobscot Marine Museum

Where: Searsport

Admission: Adult: $14 | Child: $8 ages 7–15; free under 7

Historic

Burnham Tavern (oldest building in Maine)

Where: Machias

Admission: Adult: $5 | Child: $2 under 12

Historic

Wadsworth-Longfellow House

Where: Portland

Admission: Adult: $12 | Child: $5 ages 5–17