Beals MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Beals, Maine.
1. Great Wass Island Preserve
UNIQUE COASTAL HIKING
Great Wass Island Preserve is a wonderfully wild, ecologically unique 1,576-acre nature preserve that takes up much of Great Wass Island. Visitors can explore the 4½-mile loop trail that passes through moss-covered woods, raised peat bogs, and along granite cliffs with stunning views of neighboring islands. The preserve is home to rare plants like beachhead iris and stunted jack pines, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
2. Beals Island
AUTHENTIC MAINE FISHING VILLAGE
Beals Island offers visitors a glimpse into an authentic Maine fishing village where hundreds of lobster traps line the water's edge. This quiet, unassuming island community is perfect for walking along the docks, taking pictures, and enjoying the ocean breeze while experiencing Maine's seafaring soul. The island provides a relaxing atmosphere where visitors can truly appreciate the coastal charm that has remained unspoiled by overdevelopment.
3. Downeast Institute
MARINE RESEARCH CENTER
The Downeast Institute serves as a marine research laboratory and education center located on Beals Island. Visitors can learn about marine conservation, aquaculture techniques, and ongoing research projects focused on Maine's marine resources. The institute offers educational tours that provide insights into shellfish cultivation and marine science initiatives important to the region's ecosystem and economy.
4. Bayview Take-Out
BEST LOBSTER ROLLS
Bayview Take-Out is renowned for serving what many consider the best lobster rolls in the region. This casual eatery provides authentic Maine seafood in a no-frills setting that perfectly complements the island's laid-back atmosphere. After a day of hiking or exploring the island, visitors can satisfy their appetite with fresh, locally-sourced seafood that captures the true taste of coastal Maine.
5. Roque Island
PRISTINE ISLAND GETAWAY
Roque Island is a scenic destination just beyond the Great Wass Island Preserve featuring pristine natural beauty. The island is known for its incredible beaches and undisturbed landscapes that showcase coastal Maine at its most picturesque. Though privately owned, boaters can view its stunning shoreline from the water, making it a worthwhile destination for those exploring the waters around Beals Island.
6. Ruggles House Museum
HISTORIC FEDERAL ARCHITECTURE
The Ruggles House Museum is a remarkable Federal-style home built in 1818 by Judge Thomas Ruggles, a wealthy lumber dealer and community leader. Visitors can admire the home's outstanding features including a flying staircase, Palladian window, and intricate woodwork crafted over three years by Massachusetts wood-carver Alvah Peterson. Guided tours offer insights into the period furnishings, much of which is original to the home, and include displays in the excavated basement where the original kitchen was located.
7. Ingersoll Point
SCENIC COASTAL TRAIL
Ingersoll Point offers visitors a beautiful coastal walking experience with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The trail system winds through diverse ecosystems including spruce forests, coastal meadows, and rocky shores characteristic of Down East Maine. Nature enthusiasts can observe local wildlife and plant species while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze and panoramic vistas.
8. Wild Blueberry Land
QUIRKY BLUEBERRY ATTRACTION
Wild Blueberry Land is a unique roadside attraction shaped like a giant blueberry that celebrates Maine's famous wild blueberry industry. Visitors can purchase blueberry-themed treats, gifts, and fresh local produce while learning about the history and cultivation of wild blueberries in Maine. The whimsical destination offers perfect photo opportunities and a taste of local culture that delights travelers of all ages.
9. Wild Blueberry Heritage Center
MAINE'S BLUEBERRY CULTURE
The Wild Blueberry Heritage Center showcases the rich history and cultural significance of wild blueberry cultivation in Maine. Exhibits feature the traditional harvesting methods, modern production techniques, and the economic importance of this iconic Maine crop. Visitors can sample blueberry products, view historical implements, and gain appreciation for this native fruit that has become synonymous with Maine's agricultural heritage.
10. Tide Mill Organic Farm
SUSTAINABLE FAMILY FARMING
Tide Mill Organic Farm is a family-operated organic farm that has been sustainably producing food for nine generations. Visitors can tour the facilities to see organic dairy production, free-range poultry, and sustainable agricultural practices in action. The farm store offers fresh organic products including meats, eggs, and vegetables grown using environmentally conscious methods that preserve the natural landscape.
11. Seal Cove Farm
ARTISANAL GOAT CHEESE
Seal Cove Farm is an award-winning goat dairy specializing in artisanal cheeses made from the milk of their own herd. Visitors can tour the farm to meet the goats, learn about sustainable farming practices, and observe the cheese-making process. The farm store offers a variety of handcrafted cheeses along with other local products that showcase the flavors of coastal Maine.
12. Jonesport Harbor
WORKING FISHING PORT
Jonesport Harbor provides visitors with an authentic glimpse into Maine's working waterfront where lobster boats come and go throughout the day. The picturesque harbor is lined with fishing gear, colorful buoys, and traps that illustrate the community's deep connection to maritime traditions. Visitors can watch lobstermen unload their daily catch, photograph the scenic views, and experience the rhythms of coastal life that define this region of Maine.
13. Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AREA
Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge encompasses more than 28,000 acres of protected habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Visitors can explore over 50 miles of trails that wind through diverse ecosystems including forests, wetlands, and fields that support a wide variety of plant and animal species. The refuge offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, hunting, and fishing throughout the year.
14. Schoodic Peninsula
LESS-CROWDED ACADIA EXPERIENCE
Schoodic Peninsula offers a quieter alternative to the more heavily visited portions of Acadia National Park with equally stunning coastal scenery. Visitors can drive the one-way loop road to experience dramatic ocean views, crashing surf, and pink granite shorelines characteristic of Maine's dramatic coastline. The peninsula features hiking trails, picnic areas, and the Schoodic Institute, which hosts educational programs about the region's natural history.
15. Machias Seal Island
ATLANTIC PUFFIN COLONY
Machias Seal Island is home to the largest puffin colony in the region, making it a premier destination for bird enthusiasts and photographers. Tour boats depart from nearby Cutler Harbor during the summer months, allowing visitors to observe these charismatic seabirds in their natural habitat. The island also hosts other seabird species including razorbills, common murres, and Arctic terns, creating an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience.