Dayton MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dayton, Maine.
1. Harris Farm Cross Country Skiing
WINTER RECREATION PARADISE
Harris Farm Cross Country Skiing offers visitors a beautiful winter recreational experience with well-groomed trails winding through scenic Maine countryside. Visitors can rent equipment on-site and enjoy trails suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike. The farm transforms seasonally, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Pumpkin Valley Farm
FALL FAMILY FUN
Pumpkin Valley Farm provides classic autumn entertainment with activities including corn mazes, duck races, and tractor rides for just $10.00 admission. The farm features family-friendly attractions such as face painting, bounce houses, a petting zoo, slides, and a corn pit. It's an ideal destination for creating fall memories with activities suitable for all ages.
3. Harris Farm Sugarhouse
SWEET MAPLE TREATS
Harris Farm Sugarhouse delights visitors with authentic Maine maple syrup production and tasting experiences. The sugarhouse demonstrates traditional syrup-making methods and offers fresh maple products for purchase. Visitors can learn about the process from tree tapping to bottling while enjoying sweet samples.
4. Harris Farm Stand
LOCAL FARM FRESH GOODS
Harris Farm Stand offers locally grown produce and farm-made products directly from one of Maine's beloved family farms. Shoppers can find seasonal vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and specialty items throughout the year. The farm stand embodies Maine's agricultural traditions while providing high-quality, fresh foods to the community.
5. Solar Rock Winery
SUSTAINABLE WINE TASTING
Solar Rock Winery combines winemaking artistry with sustainable practices in a picturesque Dayton setting. Visitors can sample unique varieties of wine produced using environmentally conscious methods and solar power. The winery offers tastings, tours, and special events throughout the year for wine enthusiasts.
6. Dayton United Methodist Church
HISTORIC COMMUNITY LANDMARK
Dayton United Methodist Church serves as both a spiritual center and historic landmark in the heart of the community. The church building showcases traditional New England architecture and has been a gathering place for generations of local residents. Visitors can appreciate the historical significance and peaceful atmosphere of this long-standing community fixture.
7. Biddeford-Saco Country Club
PREMIER GOLF EXPERIENCE
Biddeford-Saco Country Club offers an exceptional golfing experience just minutes from Dayton on a beautifully maintained course. The club features challenging holes, practice facilities, and a welcoming clubhouse with dining options. Golfers appreciate the scenic landscapes and professional atmosphere of this regional favorite.
8. Saco Heath Preserve
UNIQUE ECOLOGICAL WONDER
Saco Heath Preserve protects a rare raised bog ecosystem with a boardwalk trail allowing visitors to explore without disturbing the delicate environment. Nature enthusiasts can observe unique plant species including Atlantic white cedar, black spruce, and carnivorous plants. The preserve offers an accessible wilderness experience with educational signage explaining the ecological significance of this natural treasure.
9. Funtown Splashtown USA
THRILLING AMUSEMENT PARK
Funtown Splashtown USA delivers double the excitement as Maine's largest amusement and water park complex near Dayton. Thrill-seekers can enjoy rides like the wooden roller coaster Excalibur and Dragon's Descent, while the water park offers refreshing slides and pools. The family-friendly attraction provides entertainment options for all ages with rides, games, and refreshments throughout the expansive park.
10. Aquaboggan Water Park
WET AND WILD FUN
Aquaboggan Water Park provides cooling summertime entertainment with numerous water slides, wave pools, and splash areas. Visitors can challenge themselves on thrilling slides or relax in more gentle water attractions suitable for younger children. The park includes amenities such as concessions, picnic areas, and lounge spaces for a complete day of water recreation.
11. Biddeford Mills Museum
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SITE
Biddeford Mills Museum preserves the rich textile manufacturing history that shaped the region's economic and social development. Visitors can explore restored mill spaces and exhibits showcasing the technology, products, and workers' experiences from the industrial era. The museum connects the past with present through educational programs highlighting the transformation from manufacturing center to modern mixed-use development.
12. Wood Island Lighthouse
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
Wood Island Lighthouse stands as a historic sentinel at the entrance to Saco Bay, guiding mariners since its construction in 1808. Visitors can take seasonal boat tours to the island and climb the lighthouse tower for spectacular coastal views. The restored keeper's house contains exhibits about lighthouse operations and the maritime history of southern Maine.
13. Saco River Brewing
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Saco River Brewing crafts exceptional beers inspired by the natural beauty of the region in a relaxed taproom setting. Visitors can sample a rotating selection of unique beer styles while enjoying views of the brewing operations. The brewery hosts special events and food trucks, making it a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists exploring western Maine.
14. Ferry Beach State Park
COASTAL NATURAL RETREAT
Ferry Beach State Park offers a peaceful coastal escape with a rare stand of tupelo trees and a beautiful sandy beach along Saco Bay. Nature trails wind through diverse habitats including wetlands, dunes, and maritime forests hosting abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and bird watching in this accessible natural area near Dayton.
15. Saco River Market
LOCAL ARTISAN SHOWCASE
Saco River Market brings together local farmers, artisans, and food producers in a vibrant community marketplace. Shoppers can find fresh produce, handcrafted items, prepared foods, and specialty products all sourced from the surrounding region. The market creates a festive atmosphere where visitors can connect directly with the creators of Maine's distinctive foods and crafts.