Pembroke MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pembroke, Maine.
1. Reversing Falls Park
EXTREME TIDAL WONDER
Reversing Falls Park is located in Pembroke and features the coast's most extreme tides. Visitors can witness the breathtaking natural phenomenon of tidal reversals that create stunning visual effects. The park offers a serene retreat for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
2. Cobscook Bay State Park
COASTAL WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Cobscook Bay State Park offers visitors a pristine coastal wilderness experience near Pembroke. The park features dramatic tidal changes, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and scenic hiking trails along the rugged shoreline. Camping facilities make it an ideal destination for overnight adventures in DownEast Maine.
3. Shackford Head State Park
SCENIC COASTAL HEADLAND
Shackford Head State Park provides spectacular views from its prominent headland jutting into Cobscook Bay. Hikers can explore a network of trails through diverse coastal habitats including spruce forests and rocky shorelines. The park's elevated vantage points offer excellent opportunities for whale watching and observing the powerful Bay of Fundy tides.
4. Deer Island Point Lighthouse
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
Deer Island Point Lighthouse stands as a historic maritime beacon guiding ships through the challenging waters near Eastport. The lighthouse offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich maritime heritage and navigational history. Its picturesque setting makes it a popular spot for photographers and lighthouse enthusiasts.
5. Raye's Mustard Mill Museum
AMERICA'S LAST STONE MILL
Raye's Mustard Mill Museum showcases America's last remaining traditional stone-ground mustard mill still in operation. Visitors can tour the historic facility to witness the century-old production process using the original stone wheels and equipment. The museum also offers tastings of their award-winning mustards produced using methods unchanged since 1900.
6. Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION HAVEN
Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 28,000 acres of protected wilderness near Pembroke. The refuge provides critical habitat for migratory birds, moose, black bear, and numerous other wildlife species. Visitors can explore hiking trails, observation platforms, and participate in seasonal hunting and fishing activities.
7. Quoddy Head State Park
EASTERNMOST POINT USA
Quoddy Head State Park marks the easternmost point in the continental United States, featuring dramatic coastal landscapes. The iconic candy-striped West Quoddy Head Lighthouse stands as one of Maine's most photographed landmarks. Hiking trails wind through spruce forests and peat bogs, offering spectacular views of Grand Manan Island and opportunities to spot whales offshore.
8. Machias Seal Island
PUFFIN NESTING COLONY
Machias Seal Island serves as a crucial nesting habitat for Atlantic puffins and other seabirds near the Maine coast. Visitors can take guided boat tours during the summer months to observe the colorful puffins up close. The island's status as a disputed territory between the US and Canada adds an intriguing historical dimension to this natural wonder.
9. Roosevelt Campobello International Park
PRESIDENTIAL SUMMER RETREAT
Roosevelt Campobello International Park preserves the summer retreat of President Franklin D. Roosevelt just across the international bridge from Lubec. The 34-room cottage where the Roosevelt family vacationed stands as the centerpiece of this unique international park. Visitors can tour the historic cottage, explore scenic hiking trails, and enjoy picnic areas with spectacular views of Passamaquoddy Bay.
10. Gleason Cove Park
PEACEFUL WATERFRONT ESCAPE
Gleason Cove Park offers a tranquil waterfront setting with stunning views of Passamaquoddy Bay near Pembroke. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, beachcombing, and observing some of the most dramatic tidal changes in the region. The park's boat launch provides convenient access for kayakers and small craft enthusiasts to explore the protected waters of the bay.
11. Bold Coast Trails
DRAMATIC OCEAN CLIFFS
Bold Coast Trails feature some of the most spectacular coastal hiking in the eastern United States through the Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land. Hikers can traverse nearly ten miles of trails along dramatic cliffs rising up to 200 feet above the crashing Atlantic Ocean. The remote wilderness area offers primitive camping sites with unforgettable ocean vistas for those seeking an immersive natural experience.
12. Helen's Restaurant
LEGENDARY MAINE PIE
Helen's Restaurant has been serving hearty Maine comfort food and their famous wild blueberry pie since 1950. The family-owned establishment offers a menu featuring fresh local seafood and traditional New England favorites in a welcoming atmosphere. Helen's has achieved legendary status among both locals and visitors for its consistently delicious food and warm hospitality.
13. Eastport Breakwater
HISTORIC FISHING HUB
The Eastport Breakwater extends 1,200 feet into Passamaquoddy Bay, offering visitors panoramic views of the surrounding waters and Canadian islands. Fishing enthusiasts gather along this historic structure to cast for mackerel, pollock, and other species in the nutrient-rich waters. The breakwater serves as a central community gathering place, hosting events like the annual Salmon Festival and Fourth of July celebrations.
14. Pembroke Country Store
LOCAL GOODS AND GOSSIP
The Pembroke Country Store serves as both a practical necessity and social hub for this small coastal town. Visitors can find a variety of local products, basic groceries, and handcrafted items from area artisans. The store provides a glimpse into authentic small-town Maine life where locals gather to exchange news and visitors receive friendly advice about area attractions.
15. Bubble Rock
GRAVITY-DEFYING BOULDER
Bubble Rock is a large glacial erratic perched precariously on the edge of South Bubble Mountain in Acadia National Park. The strangely placed geological feature appears to defy gravity as it balances on the edge of a steep cliff. Hikers are rewarded with both the curious sight of the boulder and spectacular panoramic views of Jordan Pond and the surrounding mountains.