Holden MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Holden, Maine.
1. Fields Pond Audubon Center
NATURE AND WILDLIFE HAVEN
The Fields Pond Audubon Center spans over 229 acres of diverse landscapes, including wetlands, forests, and ponds in Holden. Visitors can enjoy miles of trails that offer prime bird-watching opportunities, as well as seasonal activities like snowshoeing in the winter. The center is perfect for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and families alike who want to connect with Maine's natural environment.
2. Fields Pond
SERENE FISHING DESTINATION
Fields Pond is a serene, 85-acre pond popular among locals and visitors alike for fishing and kayaking in Holden. The pond is stocked with fish such as bass, perch, and pickerel, making it an excellent spot for both experienced anglers and beginners. Early morning visits are recommended when the pond is calm and peaceful, offering the best conditions for fishing and water activities.
3. Holden Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Holden Historical Society Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of this Penobscot County town. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Holden's development since its founding. The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into local heritage and the evolution of this charming New England community.
4. Holden Town Hall
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Holden Town Hall is an architecturally notable one-and-one-half story wood frame structure located on Main Road, built by the town in 1873. The handsome building features Gothic Revival, Italianate and Stick Style details and served as the site of the municipality's governmental functions until the mid-1960s. This historic structure later became the meeting hall for the local Grange until 1995 and hosted numerous community events throughout its history.
5. Brewer Lake
SCENIC WATERFRONT RECREATION
Brewer Lake offers substantial frontage in Holden, shared with neighboring Orrington, providing excellent recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing in this picturesque Maine lake setting. The lake serves as one of the area's premier natural attractions with its clean waters and scenic shoreline views.
6. Acadia National Park
ICONIC MAINE WILDERNESS
Acadia National Park is a breathtaking natural attraction accessible from Holden for day trips, offering some of Maine's most spectacular coastal scenery. Visitors can hike up Cadillac Mountain, explore 47,000 acres of mountains, woodlands, lakes and ocean, or drive the scenic Park Loop Road. The park combines rocky headlands, woodland, lakes and mountains in a diverse landscape that has attracted visitors for generations.
7. Bar Harbor Village
CHARMING COASTAL TOWN
Bar Harbor is a delightful seaside village worth visiting from Holden, known for its quaint New England charm and bustling waterfront. Visitors can stroll through the downtown area filled with unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants serving fresh Maine seafood. The historic village offers beautiful views of Frenchman Bay and serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park.
8. Fort Knox
HISTORIC MILITARY FORTRESS
Fort Knox is an impressively preserved 19th-century coastal fortification located a short drive from Holden. Built between 1844 and 1864, the fort was designed to protect the Penobscot River valley from naval attack and features remarkable granite architecture. Visitors can explore the fort's passageways, climb the spiral staircases, and enjoy panoramic views of the Penobscot River.
9. Darling's Waterfront Pavilion
PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Darling's Waterfront Pavilion is a popular outdoor concert venue located in nearby Bangor, hosting major national touring acts and music festivals. The amphitheater sits along the Penobscot River, providing a scenic backdrop for live entertainment throughout the summer season. Music fans from Holden and beyond gather here to enjoy performances ranging from country and rock to pop and alternative music in an open-air setting.
10. Cole Land Transportation Museum
VINTAGE VEHICLE COLLECTION
The Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor showcases Maine's transportation history through an impressive collection of vehicles, equipment, and memorabilia. Exhibits include vintage automobiles, trucks, trains, military vehicles, and logging equipment that tell the story of how transportation shaped Maine's development. The museum offers an educational and nostalgic experience for visitors of all ages interested in the evolution of transportation technology.
11. Moosehead Lake Region
VAST WILDERNESS PLAYGROUND
The Moosehead Lake Region offers a magnificent outdoor destination featuring Maine's largest lake surrounded by pristine wilderness. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and hiking in this expansive natural area known for its moose population. The region provides year-round recreational opportunities, from summer water sports to winter snowmobiling and skiing.
12. Belfast Historic District
COASTAL HERITAGE TOWN
Belfast Historic District features well-preserved 19th-century architecture and a picturesque harbor along Maine's midcoast. Visitors can explore the charming downtown filled with independent shops, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants. The walkable waterfront community combines maritime heritage with contemporary Maine culture, making it a delightful day trip from Holden.
13. Bangor City Forest
URBAN WOODLAND RETREAT
Bangor City Forest encompasses over 680 acres of woodland with miles of well-maintained trails just minutes from downtown Bangor. Visitors can hike, bike, cross-country ski, or snowshoe through diverse forest habitats that support a variety of wildlife. The extensive trail system includes boardwalks over wetlands and offers a peaceful natural escape close to Holden.
14. Maine Discovery Museum
INTERACTIVE FAMILY LEARNING
The Maine Discovery Museum in downtown Bangor is the largest children's museum in the state, offering three floors of interactive exhibits and educational activities. Children can explore science, nature, geography, children's literature, music, art, and Maine heritage through hands-on experiences. The museum provides an engaging indoor destination for families looking for educational entertainment near Holden.
15. Penobscot River Walkway
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATH
The Penobscot River Walkway offers a beautiful paved path along the historic river that played a crucial role in Bangor's development as a lumber capital. Visitors can stroll alongside the water, enjoying views of the river, historic buildings, and public art installations. The walkway connects to Bangor's revitalized downtown area, making it perfect for combining outdoor recreation with shopping and dining experiences.