Pittston MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pittston, Maine.
1. Pittston Congregational Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
The Pittston Congregational Church stands prominently on a hill overlooking the Kennebec River, serving as an important local landmark of exceptional architectural significance. This church building combines Federal, Greek Revival, and Gothic Revival styles, creating a unique architectural presence. It was originally organized at the home of Major Reuben Colburn on November 17, 1812, with five ministers and eight church members in attendance.
2. Moody Mansion
QUEEN ANNE ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Moody Mansion in East Pittston is a dominant architectural presence designed in 1890 for Leonard and Marianna Moody. This large, ornate Queen Anne Style house dwarfs the other village structures both stylistically and physically, featuring decorated gables, arched windows, and an elaborate wrap-around porch. Originally serving as a summer home for the Moody family who had found success in real estate in Brooklyn, the mansion was also used as a facility to entertain business associates.
3. Colburn House State Historic Site
REVOLUTIONARY WAR CONNECTION
Built in 1768, the Colburn House State Historic Site stands as a very important historic landmark in the Kennebec River region of Maine. The house belonged to Major Reuben Colburn, a devout Congregationalist who was known to travel 35 miles by canoe to attend church services in Georgetown. This historic site serves as a reminder of the area's rich colonial history and connection to the early development of Maine.
4. Kennebec River
SCENIC WATERWAY VIEWS
The Kennebec River flows alongside Pittston, offering spectacular views and recreational opportunities for visitors and locals alike. The river has played a significant role in the town's development and history since colonial times. Visitors can enjoy activities such as canoeing, fishing, or simply taking in the natural beauty of this important Maine waterway.
5. Old Fort Western
COLONIAL MILITARY HISTORY
Old Fort Western, located a short drive from Pittston in nearby Augusta, is the oldest surviving wooden fort in New England. Built in 1754, this historic site features the original 1754 store house and reconstructed living quarters where visitors can experience colonial military life. The fort offers guided tours, living history demonstrations, and educational programs about Maine's early settlement period.
6. Maine State Museum
CULTURAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Maine State Museum in Augusta showcases the state's natural environment, prehistory, and cultural history through comprehensive exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore thousands of years of Maine history through displays about indigenous peoples, early settlement, industrial development, and natural resources. The museum's proximity to Pittston makes it an excellent day trip for those interested in learning about the broader context of Maine's heritage.
7. Viles Arboretum
BOTANICAL GARDENS PARADISE
Viles Arboretum encompasses 224 acres of fields, forests, and botanical collections just a short drive from Pittston. The arboretum features over 300 species of trees and shrubs, along with six miles of trails that are open year-round for hiking, cross-country skiing, and nature observation. Visitors can enjoy the sculpture garden, themed botanical collections, and regular educational programs focused on Maine's natural environment.
8. Gardiner Waterfront Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Gardiner Waterfront Park offers a pleasant recreational space along the Kennebec River just a short drive from Pittston. The park features a boat launch, picnic areas, walking paths, and a gazebo where summer concerts are often held. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, or simply relaxing while taking in views of the historic downtown Gardiner skyline across the water.
9. Hallowell Historic District
PRESERVED 19TH CENTURY ARCHITECTURE
The Hallowell Historic District showcases one of Maine's best-preserved 19th-century downtown areas, located just a short drive from Pittston. Visitors can stroll along Water Street to admire Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian architecture while browsing antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques. The district's charm is enhanced by its location along the Kennebec River, creating a picturesque setting that reflects Maine's maritime and commercial heritage.
10. Cushnoc Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Cushnoc Brewing Company offers a taste of Maine's thriving craft beer scene in a converted historic building near the Kennebec River. The brewery produces a variety of handcrafted beers ranging from traditional styles to innovative seasonal offerings, all made with quality ingredients. Visitors can pair their beer with wood-fired pizzas while enjoying the rustic ambiance of this popular local gathering spot.
11. Slates Restaurant
FARM-TO-TABLE DINING EXPERIENCE
Slates Restaurant is a beloved culinary institution in nearby Hallowell known for its commitment to locally-sourced ingredients and creative cuisine. The restaurant occupies a historic building with a warm, artistic atmosphere featuring local artwork and occasional live music. Diners can enjoy seasonal menus that showcase the best of Maine's agricultural bounty, from fresh seafood to farm vegetables.
12. Kennebec River Rail Trail
SCENIC RECREATIONAL PATHWAY
The Kennebec River Rail Trail is a 6.5-mile multi-use path connecting Augusta, Hallowell, Farmingdale, and Gardiner along the scenic Kennebec River. The trail follows the route of the historic railroad, offering beautiful views of the river and access to historic downtowns along the way. Visitors from Pittston can enjoy walking, jogging, cycling, or cross-country skiing while experiencing the natural beauty and historic charm of the Kennebec Valley.
13. Monmouth Museum
RURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Monmouth Museum preserves the rural heritage of central Maine through its collection of historic buildings and artifacts from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum complex includes a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, carriage house, and several historic homes furnished with period pieces. Visitors from Pittston can step back in time through guided tours, demonstrations of traditional crafts, and seasonal events that celebrate Maine's agricultural traditions.
14. Bradbury Mountain State Park
SCENIC HIKING DESTINATION
Bradbury Mountain State Park offers outdoor enthusiasts a variety of recreational opportunities within driving distance of Pittston. The park features trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling across its 800 acres of forested land. Visitors can climb to the summit of Bradbury Mountain for panoramic views of Casco Bay and the surrounding countryside, especially spectacular during fall foliage season.
15. Liberal Cup Public House and Brewery
ENGLISH-STYLE PUB EXPERIENCE
The Liberal Cup Public House and Brewery brings the atmosphere of a traditional English pub to the heart of Maine's Kennebec Valley. The brewery produces small-batch ales using traditional methods, served alongside hearty pub fare made with locally-sourced ingredients. With its warm wooden interior, friendly atmosphere, and regular events including trivia nights and live music, the Liberal Cup has become a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors from nearby towns like Pittston.