Greenbush MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Greenbush, Maine.
1. Town of Greenbush Photo Gallery
HISTORICAL GLIMPSES OF GREENBUSH
The Town of Greenbush Photo Gallery offers a fascinating collection of historical photographs showcasing the town's past and present. Visitors can view an 1875 map of Greenbush showing the names and locations of families living there at that time, as well as a panoramic photograph from 1924 that was donated to the town in 2010. The gallery also features the town's logo, which was created as part of a contest during Greenbush's sesquicentennial celebration in 1984.
2. Penobscot River
SCENIC WATERWAY EXPERIENCE
The Penobscot River flows through Greenbush, offering visitors scenic views and recreational opportunities. As one of Maine's major waterways, the river provides excellent spots for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing during the warmer months. The natural beauty surrounding the river makes it a perfect destination for nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Wade House
HISTORIC WAGON MUSEUM
Wade House is an excellent historical attraction featuring a visitors center and museum with an impressive coach and wagon collection. Visitors often remark that it contains possibly the best coach and wagon collection they will ever see. The site offers a glimpse into the area's transportation history through its well-preserved artifacts.
4. Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
PROTECTED WILDLIFE HAVEN
Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a protected natural area located near Greenbush that spans over 11,000 acres of diverse habitats. The refuge offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and is particularly known for its exceptional bird watching. Visitors can explore the wetlands, meadows, and forests while potentially spotting moose, deer, beavers, and numerous bird species.
5. Old Town Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Old Town Museum preserves and displays the rich history of the Old Town area, which is near Greenbush. The museum features exhibits on the region's lumber industry, Native American heritage, and early settler life. Visitors can view artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of this Maine community's development over time.
6. Hudson Museum
CULTURAL ARTIFACTS COLLECTION
The Hudson Museum at the University of Maine in nearby Orono houses an impressive collection of cultural artifacts from around the world. Its collections are particularly strong in Pre-Columbian, Native American, and Arctic ethnographic materials. The museum offers changing exhibits and educational programs that explore diverse cultures and artistic traditions.
7. Orono Bog Boardwalk
NATURAL PEATLAND EXPERIENCE
The Orono Bog Boardwalk offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a Maine peatland ecosystem via a mile-long boardwalk. The carefully constructed path takes visitors through a changing landscape of plant communities including open bog, forest, and marsh areas. Interpretive stations along the route provide information about the bog's ecology, plants, and wildlife.
8. Collins Center for the Arts
PREMIER PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Collins Center for the Arts is a premier cultural venue located on the University of Maine campus in Orono, a short drive from Greenbush. The center hosts a diverse range of performances including Broadway shows, concerts, dance productions, and film screenings throughout the year. Its modern facilities and excellent acoustics make it one of the region's finest entertainment destinations.
9. University of Maine Museum of Art
MODERN ART SHOWCASE
The University of Maine Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works in downtown Bangor. The museum features rotating exhibitions of paintings, photography, and sculptures by both established and emerging artists. Admission is free, making this cultural gem accessible to all visitors in the region near Greenbush.
10. Bangor City Forest
URBAN WILDERNESS RETREAT
Bangor City Forest offers over 680 acres of woods and wetlands with more than nine miles of well-maintained trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The forest features the Orono Bog Boardwalk on its eastern edge, allowing visitors to experience both woodland and bog environments in one visit. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with chances to spot deer, foxes, and numerous bird species throughout the seasons.
11. Cole Land Transportation Museum
VINTAGE VEHICLE COLLECTION
The Cole Land Transportation Museum houses an extensive collection of vehicles that showcases the evolution of transportation in Maine. Visitors can view antique automobiles, carriages, sleds, snowplows, and military vehicles that tell the story of how Mainers have traveled and transported goods over time. The museum also features exhibits on Maine's logging, agricultural, and military history.
12. Maine Discovery Museum
INTERACTIVE CHILDREN'S LEARNING
The Maine Discovery Museum is New England's largest children's museum, offering three floors of interactive exhibits designed to engage curious minds. Children can explore science, nature, geography, music, art, and Maine's unique culture through hands-on activities. The museum's exhibits include a nature trail, an artscape, and a body journey that makes learning fun for visitors of all ages.
13. Timber Kitchen & Bar
LOCAL FARM-TO-TABLE DINING
Timber Kitchen & Bar offers a refined dining experience featuring locally-sourced ingredients and Maine specialties in a modern rustic atmosphere. The restaurant's menu changes seasonally to showcase the freshest ingredients from regional farms, waters, and forests. With its craft cocktails, local beer selection, and wood-fired cooking techniques, Timber provides visitors a true taste of Maine's culinary traditions.
14. Marsh Island Brewing
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Marsh Island Brewing produces a variety of craft beers in Orono, just a short drive from Greenbush. The brewery offers tours and tastings where visitors can sample their award-winning IPAs, stouts, and seasonal specialties. Their taproom provides a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy fresh beer while learning about the brewing process from knowledgeable staff.
15. Bangor Mall
REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTER
The Bangor Mall is a major shopping destination serving the greater Bangor area, including nearby Greenbush. The mall features a wide range of national retailers, specialty shops, and dining options under one roof. As the largest enclosed shopping center in the region, it provides visitors with a climate-controlled shopping experience regardless of Maine's weather conditions.