Exeter MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Exeter, Maine.
1. CornerStone Baptist Church
FAITH AND COMMUNITY CENTER
CornerStone Baptist Church is a prominent religious establishment in Exeter, Maine that serves as a community gathering place. The church features excellent acoustics and uses modern technology like overheads to enhance worship experiences. It offers two Sunday services with superb music that appeals to both young and old congregation members.
2. Wyld Dream Farm
RURAL AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Wyld Dream Farm offers visitors a genuine rural Maine agricultural experience in Exeter. Visitors can explore the working farm and potentially interact with various farm animals. The farm represents the agricultural heritage that is an important part of Exeter's community identity.
3. Exeter Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Exeter Historical Society preserves and celebrates the rich history of this Maine community. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Exeter's development through the years. The society often hosts educational programs and events that connect current residents with their town's past.
4. Piper Mountain Christmas Trees
SEASONAL FAMILY TRADITION
Piper Mountain Christmas Trees offers a beloved seasonal experience just a short drive from Exeter. Families can select and cut their own Christmas trees while enjoying the picturesque rural setting. The farm often enhances the holiday experience with wagon rides, hot chocolate, and other festive activities during the Christmas season.
5. Cole Land Transportation Museum
MAINE'S TRANSPORTATION HISTORY
The Cole Land Transportation Museum in nearby Bangor showcases Maine's rich transportation history through an impressive collection of vehicles and equipment. Exhibits include antique automobiles, logging vehicles, military transport, and other historically significant modes of transportation. The museum offers an educational and nostalgic experience for visitors of all ages interested in how transportation shaped Maine's development.
6. Bangor City Forest
URBAN WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Bangor City Forest provides over 680 acres of natural woodland and wetland habitat with numerous recreational trails accessible from the Exeter area. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and wildlife observation throughout the changing seasons. The forest offers a convenient escape into nature with well-maintained trails suitable for various fitness levels.
7. University of Maine Museum of Art
CONTEMPORARY ART COLLECTION
The University of Maine Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of contemporary art in downtown Bangor, a short drive from Exeter. The museum features rotating exhibitions of paintings, photography, and sculptures by both nationally renowned and regional artists. Admission is free, making this cultural resource accessible to all visitors interested in experiencing thought-provoking contemporary art.
8. Dysart's Restaurant & Truck Stop
ICONIC MAINE DINING
Dysart's Restaurant & Truck Stop is a legendary Maine dining establishment located in Hermon, just minutes from Exeter. Famous for its hearty portions of home-style comfort food, the 24-hour restaurant has been serving truckers, locals, and tourists since 1967. Dysart's gained additional fame through viral videos and represents an authentic piece of Maine's roadside culture.
9. Maine Discovery Museum
INTERACTIVE CHILDREN'S LEARNING
The Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor offers three floors of interactive exhibits designed specifically for children and families near Exeter. Exhibits focus on science, nature, geography, children's literature, and the arts with hands-on learning opportunities. The museum provides a stimulating educational environment where children can explore, create, and discover through play.
10. Bangor Mall
REGIONAL SHOPPING DESTINATION
Bangor Mall serves as the primary shopping destination for residents of Exeter and surrounding communities in central Maine. The enclosed mall features numerous retail stores, dining options, and services all under one roof. Shoppers appreciate the convenience of finding national retailers and specialty shops in one central location.
11. Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race
THRILLING SPRING TRADITION
The Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race is an exciting annual event that passes near Exeter, attracting participants and spectators each spring. Paddlers navigate 16.5 miles of challenging water conditions including rapids and obstacles in various watercraft categories. The race has been a beloved Maine tradition since 1966, typically taking place in April as one of the first major outdoor events of the season.
12. Orono Bog Boardwalk
NATURAL WETLAND EXPLORATION
The Orono Bog Boardwalk offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a Maine peat bog ecosystem via a carefully constructed wooden walkway near Exeter. The mile-long boardwalk loop traverses through changing environments from forest to shrub and open bog habitats with interpretive stations along the route. Visitors can observe specialized plants including carnivorous species and potentially spot various wildlife that inhabit this sensitive ecological area.
13. Penobscot River Trails
SCENIC RIVERSIDE RECREATION
Penobscot River Trails provides an exceptional outdoor recreation destination with meticulously maintained trails along the East Branch of the Penobscot River within driving distance of Exeter. The facility offers opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, biking, and hiking across different seasons on over 15 miles of trails. Visitors appreciate the stunning riverside scenery, wildlife viewing opportunities, and the facility's commitment to environmental education.
14. Timber Tina's Great Maine Lumberjack Show
LOGGING HERITAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Timber Tina's Great Maine Lumberjack Show entertains audiences with authentic displays of traditional logging skills and competitive lumberjack sports. Professional lumberjacks and lumberjills compete in axe throwing, log rolling, sawing, and climbing events that showcase Maine's forestry heritage. The family-friendly show combines education about Maine's logging history with exciting demonstrations of impressive physical skills.
15. Swasey's Farm Stand
LOCAL PRODUCE DESTINATION
Swasey's Farm Stand is a beloved local establishment offering fresh seasonal produce grown right in Exeter, Maine. Customers can purchase locally grown vegetables, fruits, and other farm products that reflect the agricultural character of the community. The farm stand represents the continuing importance of small-scale agriculture in maintaining Exeter's rural character and supporting the local food economy.