Museums in Maine

Our portion of coastal Maine has a rich history that we are excited to show you. While we don’t have battlefields or baseball star birthplaces near our inn, there is still a history brimming with stories and culture of the gorgeous Mainer lifestyle.

We’d love to highlight and introduce you to some of our favorite museums in the area so you can decide which ones you think would be the most fun to explore. It’s time to make history!

Museums near Bar Harbor

These are perfect if you’re touring Bar Harbor or exploring Acadia National Park and you don’t want the adventure to stop!

Woodlawn Museum 

• Address: 19 Black House Dr, Ellsworth, ME

Start out your day with a lovely home tour of a 19th-century mansion. The Woodlawn Museum allows you to peer into the average life of a wealthy American in the 1800s. The antiques are beautiful and interesting, and it gives quite the perspective on where we are today. For some additional relaxation, you can walk around the grounds on the nearby trails which give you a good view of the mansion.

Seal Cove Auto Museum

• Address: 1414 Tremont Rd, Seal Cove, ME

Who doesn’t love cars? At the Seal Cove Auto Museum, dozens of cars from days long gone are lined up waiting to be seen. While some of these contraptions will seem familiar (the 1926 Ford, for example), others will seem downright foreign like the 1886 Benz Bentley Replica. Take a ride through the history of the car at this lovely museum. Who knows, maybe there will be a car show?

Wendell Gilley Museum

• Address: 4 Herrick Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME

Wendell Gilley was a prolific artist and sculptor, with a pronounced focus on avian life. Peruse the shelves of various bird species—carved into wood. Past exhibits have included artwork from David Allen Sibley, an exhibit focused on the birds of Maine, and other art pieces with birds as used as the primary symbol or message. 

If your bird watching curiosity is about to take flight, or it’s been soaring for a while, this museum is a great place to grow it.

On the Road to Marshall Point Lighthouse

One of the major activities we recommend all our guests try is the Lighthouse Scenic Drive along the coast of Maine. These museums make fun extra bonus stops if you’re interested!

Farnsworth Art Museum

• Address: 16 Museum St, Rockland, ME

You won’t find a better art museum north of Farnsworth. The vast collection of pieces from modern and classic artists is breathtaking. You’ll get to see sculptures, paintings, photographs, and multimedia art projects from many talented people from across the country. Whether you have an inquisitive mind for art or you’re just a casual onlooker, you’re sure to have a grand time.

Maine Lighthouse Museum

• Address: 1 Park Dr, Rockland, ME

Right next to the Farnsworth Art Museum, the Maine Lighthouse Museum can give you interesting insights into the purpose, technology, and cultural significance of these tiny towers. It’s a great stop for families with young kids, and can enrich your lighthouse tour experience with all the background knowledge about them.

Another cool exhibit is the deep dive into the Coast Guard and United States LifeSaving Services. Both of these organizations are important and protect our country and save people stranded in the ocean blue.

Bucksport Historical Society

• Address:  92 Main St, Bucksport, ME

Do you find antiques from yesteryear fascinating? Do you want to get a full understanding of the lives of Mainers in the 20th century? Then you should check out the furniture and antiques at Bucksport Historical Society.

The volunteers here have worked hard to preserve the history and legacy of the town. They also regularly hold meetings to talk about new progress and highlight building restoration projects as well as community events. You’ll get to meet some of the locals and hear the stories of their ancestors from their own mouths.

Book a Day at Eggemoggin Reach Inn

Come stay at a place with a relaxing atmosphere near the Eggemoggin Reach. We have excellent, cozy rooms and a central location to both the Bar Harbor Museums and the Lighthouse Tour ones. It’s the true Maine vacation experience.

Check Out the Rooms