Hudson MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hudson, Maine.
1. Hudson Museum at the University of Maine
CULTURAL GEM ON CAMPUS
The Hudson Museum at the University of Maine is a small but impressive museum filled with interesting exhibits including funerary dolls, textiles, and baskets. The museum offers interactive displays for children and showcases great artistic pieces that make it a hidden gem in the area. It provides a nice way to spend time while on campus, with the added benefit of potentially seeing Maine teams practicing and the beautiful Stillwater River just across College Avenue.
2. Robyville Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN STRUCTURE
Robyville Covered Bridge is a charming historic bridge that attracts visitors to Hudson, Maine. The wooden structure offers a glimpse into the region's architectural past and makes for excellent photo opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while experiencing this piece of Maine's transportation history.
3. Twin Maple Outdoors
ADVENTURE IN NATURE
Twin Maple Outdoors offers exceptional outdoor experiences for nature enthusiasts in Hudson, Maine. With a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors, this outdoor adventure destination provides guided experiences showcasing the natural beauty of Maine's wilderness. Visitors can immerse themselves in authentic Maine outdoor activities while creating memorable experiences.
4. Acadia National Park
MAINE'S NATURAL WONDER
Acadia National Park is a breathtaking natural attraction located within driving distance of Hudson, offering stunning coastal landscapes and mountain vistas. Visitors can explore over 120 miles of hiking trails, drive the scenic Park Loop Road, or enjoy the sandy beaches along the rugged Maine coastline. The park is known for its spectacular sunrise views from Cadillac Mountain and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.
5. Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory
ENGINEERING MARVEL WITH VIEWS
The Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory is an impressive cable-stayed bridge spanning the Penobscot River near Hudson, Maine. The observatory offers spectacular 360-degree views from 420 feet above the river, making it the tallest public bridge observatory in the world. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains, bay, and river while learning about the engineering marvel of the bridge itself.
6. Fort Knox State Historic Site
MILITARY HISTORY PRESERVED
Fort Knox State Historic Site is a well-preserved 19th-century military fortification located near the Penobscot Narrows Bridge. The granite fort, built between 1844 and 1869, features underground passages, cannon batteries, and panoramic views of the Penobscot River. Visitors can explore the historic architecture, participate in guided tours, and even experience paranormal investigation events at what some consider one of Maine's most haunted locations.
7. Moosehead Lake
WILDERNESS WATER PARADISE
Moosehead Lake is Maine's largest lake, offering pristine waters surrounded by stunning wilderness within driving distance of Hudson. The lake provides excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and connecting with nature in all seasons. Visitors can enjoy waterfront dining, scenic cruises, and the chance to spot moose and other wildlife along the shoreline.
8. Mount Katahdin
MAINE'S HIGHEST PEAK
Mount Katahdin stands as Maine's highest peak at 5,269 feet and serves as the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The mountain offers challenging hiking trails with rewarding panoramic views of Maine's vast wilderness and surrounding lakes. Nature enthusiasts can experience diverse ecosystems while ascending through forests to the iconic Knife Edge trail that provides a thrilling ridge traverse for experienced hikers.
9. Bangor City Forest & Orono Bog
URBAN WILDERNESS ESCAPE
Bangor City Forest offers over 680 acres of wildlife habitat and recreational trails near Hudson, perfect for hiking, biking, and nature observation. The connected Orono Bog Boardwalk provides a unique opportunity to explore a northern peat bog ecosystem on a mile-long raised wooden path. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, photography, and seasonal changes in this accessible natural area that showcases Maine's diverse habitats.
10. Maine Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER EXCELLENCE
Maine Brewing Company is a renowned craft brewery worth the drive from Hudson, known for its commitment to quality and environmental sustainability. The spacious tasting room offers visitors the chance to sample a rotating selection of expertly crafted beers while enjoying wood-fired pizzas in a modern, airy space. The brewery's philosophy of "Do what's right" extends to sourcing local ingredients and supporting environmental causes through their 1% for the Planet membership.
11. Dysart's Restaurant & Truck Stop
ICONIC MAINE DINING
Dysart's Restaurant & Truck Stop is a legendary Maine eatery near Hudson that has been serving hearty comfort food to travelers and locals since 1967. The 24-hour restaurant is famous for its generous portions of homemade bread, mouthwatering pies, and classic Maine dishes like seafood chowder and blueberry pancakes. Dysart's gained additional fame through a viral commercial outtake featuring elderly couple Jack and Sonya Palmer attempting to pronounce "buttery flaky crust," cementing its place in Maine cultural history.
12. L.L.Bean Flagship Store
MAINE RETAIL LEGEND
The L.L.Bean Flagship Store in Freeport is an iconic Maine shopping destination that's open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The massive retail complex features multiple buildings with outdoor gear, clothing, home goods, and the famous giant Bean Boot photo opportunity outside the main entrance. Visitors can participate in outdoor discovery courses, observe the indoor trout pond, and experience the quintessential Maine brand that has defined New England style since 1912.
13. Stillwater River
SCENIC WATERWAY PARADISE
The Stillwater River flows peacefully through Orono near the University of Maine campus, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities close to Hudson. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, fishing, or simply relaxing along the riverbanks while taking in the natural beauty. The river provides a tranquil backdrop for photography, picnicking, and observing local wildlife throughout the changing seasons.
14. Cole Land Transportation Museum
MAINE'S VEHICLE HISTORY
The Cole Land Transportation Museum houses an impressive collection of vehicles that tell the story of Maine's transportation history from horse-drawn carriages to modern automobiles. The museum features meticulously restored antique cars, trucks, military vehicles, and logging equipment that showcase the region's industrial and cultural development. Visitors particularly enjoy the snow removal exhibits highlighting Maine's winter transportation challenges and the military memorial park honoring veterans.
15. Stephen King's House
LITERARY HORROR LANDMARK
Stephen King's distinctive Victorian mansion in Bangor has become a literary landmark that attracts horror fans and book lovers from around the world. The home's wrought-iron fence featuring bat and spider web motifs has become an iconic photo opportunity, though the author and his wife have now converted the property into a writer's retreat and archive. While interior tours aren't available, visitors can admire the exterior of the house that inspired aspects of King's fictional town of Derry, Maine, featured in novels like "IT."