Alexander MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Alexander, Maine.
1. Lawrence Lord's Old Farm Museum
COLORFUL HISTORICAL COLLECTION
Lawrence Lord's Old Farm Museum offers a very colorful and unusual place to visit in Alexander. The owner has done a remarkable job displaying various artifacts, including an impressive collection of tractor seats. Visitors can experience a glimpse into Maine's agricultural past through this unique and personally curated museum.
2. Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is a protected natural area that spans across parts of Alexander and neighboring communities. The refuge provides critical habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including migratory birds, moose, and other native Maine animals. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, wildlife observation areas, and educational programs throughout the year.
3. Wabanaki Cultural Center
INDIGENOUS HERITAGE SITE
The Wabanaki Cultural Center celebrates the rich heritage of Maine's indigenous Wabanaki peoples. The center offers exhibits displaying traditional arts, crafts, and historical artifacts that tell the story of the region's first inhabitants. Visitors can learn about Wabanaki traditions, language, and their continuing cultural contributions to the area.
4. Pocomoonshine Lake
SCENIC WATERFRONT RECREATION
Pocomoonshine Lake is a picturesque body of water in Alexander with a public boat launch offering water access for fishing and boating enthusiasts. The lake is known for its peaceful setting and abundance of wildlife, making it ideal for nature photography and bird watching. Seasonal activities include fishing for bass and pickerel in summer and ice fishing during winter months.
5. Cobbscook Bay State Park
COASTAL NATURAL WONDER
Cobbscook Bay State Park is located near Alexander, offering dramatic tide changes with waters that can rise or fall 24 feet in a 12-hour period. The park encompasses more than 800 acres of diverse coastal terrain including bold granite headlands, peaceful coves, and salt marshes. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the unique ecosystem shaped by some of the most extreme tidal ranges in the United States.
6. Pleasant Lake Preserve
TRANQUIL NATURE ESCAPE
Pleasant Lake Preserve offers pristine shoreline access and natural trails through native Maine woodland. The preserve is home to diverse plant and animal species, creating perfect opportunities for nature study and wildlife observation. Seasonal activities include swimming, kayaking, and photography against the backdrop of stunning lake views.
7. Calais Waterfront Walkway
RIVERSIDE SCENIC PATH
The Calais Waterfront Walkway follows the picturesque St. Croix River, offering views of both Maine and neighboring New Brunswick, Canada. This well-maintained pathway features interpretive signs detailing the area's rich history, including its significance in international trade and border relations. Visitors can enjoy benches, picnic areas, and fishing spots along this relaxing riverside trail just a short drive from Alexander.
8. St. Croix Island International Historic Site
COLONIAL SETTLEMENT HERITAGE
St. Croix Island International Historic Site commemorates the 1604 French settlement that represents one of the earliest European attempts at colonization in North America. The site features interpretive displays and a bronze relief model showing the layout of the original settlement that predated Jamestown and Plymouth. Visitors can learn about the challenging winter the settlers faced and the cultural exchanges with the indigenous Passamaquoddy people.
9. The Quoddy Head State Park
EASTERNMOST POINT LIGHTHOUSE
Quoddy Head State Park features the iconic candy-striped West Quoddy Head Light, marking the easternmost point in the United States. The park offers dramatic coastal views with hiking trails traversing coastal forests, sphagnum bogs, and dramatic cliff faces overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Visitors might spot whales, seals, and various seabirds while exploring this spectacular natural area within driving distance of Alexander.
10. Eastport Breakwater
HISTORIC MARITIME LANDMARK
The Eastport Breakwater extends 1,500 feet into Passamaquoddy Bay, offering panoramic views of the water, islands, and occasionally even whales and porpoises. This historic structure has served as both a working pier for the fishing industry and a popular spot for recreational fishing and sightseeing. The breakwater is particularly beautiful at sunset when the fading light illuminates the water and distant Canadian shoreline.
11. Josie's Porch Restaurant
HOMESTYLE MAINE COOKING
Josie's Porch Restaurant serves authentic Maine comfort food in a charming, rustic setting near Alexander. The restaurant specializes in homemade dishes using locally-sourced ingredients, with their seafood chowder and blueberry pie being particular favorites among locals and tourists alike. Diners appreciate the friendly service and reasonable prices in this unpretentious eatery that captures the essence of Down East hospitality.
12. Moose Island Bakery
ARTISANAL SWEET TREATS
Moose Island Bakery creates hand-crafted pastries, breads, and desserts using traditional recipes and techniques. The bakery is known for incorporating seasonal Maine ingredients like wild blueberries, maple syrup, and locally harvested apples in their creations. Visitors from Alexander often make the trip specifically for their famous whoopie pies and fresh-baked sourdough breads.
13. The Old Sow Whirlpool
NATURAL MARITIME WONDER
The Old Sow Whirlpool is the largest tidal whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere, visible from viewing points near the border with Canada. This natural phenomenon occurs due to the extreme tidal changes in the Bay of Fundy, creating swirling waters that can reach up to 250 feet in diameter. Boat tours operating from nearby harbors offer visitors the chance to observe this impressive maritime spectacle from a safe distance.
14. Roque Bluffs State Park
DUAL BEACH EXPERIENCE
Roque Bluffs State Park offers the unique experience of both a saltwater beach on Englishman Bay and a freshwater swimming area at Simpson Pond. The park features hiking trails through diverse habitats including forests, fields, and shoreline areas rich with wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors from Alexander appreciate the uncrowded beaches and excellent facilities including picnic areas with spectacular ocean views.
15. Machias Wild Blueberry Festival
CELEBRATED FRUIT HARVEST
The Machias Wild Blueberry Festival is an annual celebration honoring Maine's famous wild blueberry harvest with food, music, arts, and entertainment. The festival features a blueberry pie-eating contest, cooking demonstrations, a craft fair with local artisans, and numerous vendors offering creative blueberry-themed foods and products. This beloved regional tradition draws visitors from throughout Washington County, including Alexander residents, to enjoy the community celebration each August.
16. Hiking Trails
WHIMSICAL WOODS ADVENTURE
Alexander, Maine offers unique hiking experiences including the enchanting Alexander Art Trail featuring life-size wooden sculptures along a wheelchair-accessible gravel path, while nearby attractions include Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge and Cobscook Bay State Park providing additional trails through forests, wetlands, and coastal landscapes.