Dresden MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dresden, Maine.
1. Pownalborough Court House
HISTORIC COLONIAL COURTHOUSE
Pownalborough Court House is the first courthouse in Maine and the oldest colonial court house in New England still standing. This well-preserved historical landmark offers visitors a glimpse into early American judicial history. The site combines architectural significance with educational value about Maine's colonial past.
2. St. John's Episcopal Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
St. John's Episcopal Church originated in 1769, though its current building dates to the 1830s when it was built as the Dresden Union Meeting House. The stunning interior is now preserved as a venue for concerts and weddings rather than regular church services. History enthusiasts will appreciate that it became the permanent home for St. John's congregation in 1852.
3. Bowman House
COLONIAL ERA MUSEUM
The Bowman House is a historic house museum built in 1762 during the area's early colonial settlement. Later serving as an office for an ice harvesting business, the property now offers guided tours from June through October. Visitors can explore this well-preserved example of colonial architecture on Thursdays and Saturdays for an admission fee of $25 for adults.
4. Dresden Historical Society
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Dresden Historical Society operates the Dresden Brick School House Museum, preserving local artifacts and historical records. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the town's rich history dating back to colonial times. The museum offers insights into the daily lives and significant events of Dresden's past generations.
5. Tandem Glass Gallery & Studio
ARTISAN GLASS WORKSHOP
Tandem Glass Gallery & Studio showcases beautiful handcrafted glass creations by local artisans. Visitors can observe glass-blowing demonstrations and browse unique glass art pieces available for purchase. The studio combines artistic expression with traditional craftsmanship in a welcoming environment.
6. James Eddy Smelt Camps
TRADITIONAL MAINE FISHING
James Eddy Smelt Camps offers authentic ice fishing experiences along the Kennebec River during winter months. Visitors can rent small heated fishing shacks and try their hand at catching smelt, a local Maine tradition. The camps provide a unique cultural experience that highlights the region's connection to its waterways and seasonal fishing practices.
7. Kennebec River
SCENIC WATERWAY VIEWS
The Kennebec River forms Dresden's western border, stretching 170 miles through Maine. This historic waterway offers recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Scenic views along the river showcase Maine's natural beauty and the importance of this waterway to the region's development.
8. Lincoln County Historical Association
REGIONAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Lincoln County Historical Association preserves and promotes the rich history of Lincoln County, including Dresden. Their collection includes artifacts, documents, and photographs that tell the story of the region's development. The association offers educational programs and maintains several historic properties in the area.
9. Red's Eats
FAMOUS LOBSTER ROLLS
Red's Eats is an iconic Maine food stand known for serving what many consider the state's best lobster rolls. Located just minutes from Dresden in neighboring Wiscasset, this modest roadside eatery often has lines stretching down the block during summer months. Their generous, fresh-caught lobster meat piled high on buttered rolls represents quintessential Maine cuisine.
10. Wiscasset Village
ANTIQUE SHOPPING HAVEN
Wiscasset Village, just a short drive from Dresden, is known as Maine's prettiest village with its well-preserved historic buildings. The charming downtown area features numerous antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques perfect for treasure hunting. Visitors can spend hours browsing unique items while enjoying the picturesque New England atmosphere.
11. Montsweag Farm Restaurant
FARM-TO-TABLE DINING EXPERIENCE
Montsweag Farm Restaurant serves farm-fresh cuisine in a restored 18th-century farmhouse near Dresden. The restaurant emphasizes locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal menus that showcase Maine's agricultural bounty. Diners enjoy both excellent food and the charming rustic ambiance of this historic building.
12. Maine Maritime Museum
SHIPBUILDING HERITAGE SITE
The Maine Maritime Museum celebrates the region's rich shipbuilding and seafaring history on a 20-acre campus along the Kennebec River. Located in Bath, a short drive from Dresden, the museum features indoor exhibits, historic buildings, and the evocative sculpture of Wyoming, the largest wooden sailing vessel ever built in North America. Visitors can experience boat rides on the river during summer months and explore how maritime industries shaped Maine's development.
13. Popham Beach State Park
PRISTINE ATLANTIC SHORELINE
Popham Beach State Park offers one of Maine's most beautiful and expansive sandy beaches within driving distance of Dresden. Visitors can walk to Fox Island at low tide, swim in the Atlantic Ocean, or explore the historic Fort Popham nearby. The park's natural beauty includes scenic views, sand dunes, and diverse coastal wildlife.
14. Old Fort Western
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Old Fort Western, built in 1754, is America's oldest surviving wooden fort and a National Historic Landmark located in nearby Augusta. Visitors can explore the original fort building with its furnished rooms depicting colonial life through guided tours and living history demonstrations. The site offers educational programs about the region's early European settlement and relations with Native Americans.
15. Sheepscot General Store
CHARMING COUNTRY MARKET
Sheepscot General Store is a community hub and farm store offering local produce, baked goods, and crafts in nearby Whitefield. The store operates alongside Sheepscot Farm, providing farm-to-table products and hosting community events throughout the year. Visitors appreciate the authentic rural Maine experience and quality local products available at this charming country market.