Rockland MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rockland, Maine.
1. Farnsworth Art Museum
HISTORIC MAINE ART COLLECTION
The Farnsworth Art Museum showcases a robust collection of Maine's history and art, featuring the Wyeth family and contemporary women artists. The museum includes a sculpture garden that visitors can explore at their leisure. It also houses a specialized gift shop where art enthusiasts can purchase unique souvenirs.
2. Rockland Breakwater Light
SCENIC HARBOR LIGHTHOUSE
Rockland Breakwater Light offers visitors the chance to stroll on a scenic mile-long breakwater path made of 700,000 tons of granite, completed in 1889. The lighthouse provides panoramic harbor views and a chance to capture splendid sunset scenes. Good balance and proper footwear are advised for the walk along this historic structure.
3. Project Puffin Visitor Center
MARINE WILDLIFE EDUCATION
The Project Puffin Visitor Center provides educational resources about the conservation efforts for Atlantic puffins along the Maine coast. Visitors can learn about the successful restoration of puffin colonies on nearby islands through interactive displays. The center offers a glimpse into the lives of these charismatic seabirds and the ongoing work to protect them.
4. Maine Lighthouse Museum
MARITIME HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Maine Lighthouse Museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of lighthouses and their keepers along the Maine coast. The museum houses an impressive collection of lighthouse artifacts, lenses, and maritime memorabilia. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the important role these structures played in Maine's maritime heritage.
5. Maine Lobster Festival
CELEBRATED SEAFOOD EVENT
The Maine Lobster Festival is an annual celebration of the state's most famous seafood that attracts visitors from around the world. The festival features fresh lobster meals, cooking competitions, entertainment, arts and crafts, and the famous lobster crate race. Taking place in summer, this event has been a cornerstone of Rockland's cultural identity for decades.
6. Sail Power and Steam Museum
MARITIME TECHNOLOGY HISTORY
The Sail Power and Steam Museum preserves and displays the nautical heritage of Maine's coastal communities. The museum features exhibits on the evolution of maritime technology from sail to steam and beyond. Visitors can explore historic vessels, maritime artifacts, and interactive displays that bring the region's seafaring past to life.
7. Maine State Ferry Service
ISLAND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
The Maine State Ferry Service operates from Rockland, providing vital transportation links to nearby islands including Vinalhaven, North Haven, and Matinicus. Passengers can enjoy scenic views of Penobscot Bay during these comfortable ferry rides. The service offers both day-trip opportunities for tourists and essential connections for island residents.
8. Jess's Market
PREMIER SEAFOOD MARKET
Jess's Market is a highly-rated seafood market offering the freshest catches from Maine's coastal waters. The market provides visitors with an authentic taste of Maine through its selection of lobster, crab, scallops, and other local seafood. Customers appreciate the knowledge and friendliness of the staff who can offer preparation tips and cooking advice.
9. Schooner American Eagle
HISTORIC SAILING EXPERIENCE
The Schooner American Eagle offers multi-day cruises that allow visitors to experience the Maine coastline from the sea. This historic vessel provides an authentic sailing adventure with comfortable accommodations and delicious meals prepared onboard. Passengers can participate in sailing activities or simply relax and enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery.
10. A Morning in Maine
COASTAL KETCH TOURS
A Morning in Maine offers two-hour sailing excursions aboard a traditional ketch, providing an intimate way to experience Rockland Harbor and Penobscot Bay. The tours are led by knowledgeable captains who share insights about the local marine environment and maritime history. Passengers often encounter wildlife including seals, porpoises, and various seabirds during these scenic voyages.
11. Ducktrap Kayak & SUP
WATERCRAFT RENTAL SERVICE
Ducktrap Kayak & SUP offers convenient paddleboard and kayak rentals delivered directly to visitors in the Rockland area. This service allows tourists to explore Rockland's picturesque coastline at their own pace from the water. Equipment is well-maintained and comes with basic instruction for those new to paddling sports.
12. Marie Reed Park
BREAKWATER ENTRANCE GREENSPACE
Marie Reed Park surrounds the entrance to the famous Rockland Breakwater, offering grassy hills and a small beach area for visitors. The park serves as an ideal spot for picnics or relaxation before or after walking the mile-long breakwater. Its location provides excellent views of Rockland Harbor and the surrounding coastal scenery.
13. Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
SEABIRD CONSERVATION HUB
The Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center educates the public about the diverse seabird populations that nest on Maine's offshore islands. The center features exhibits on conservation efforts, research projects, and the ecological importance of these protected habitats. Visitors can learn about various species including terns, puffins, and other seabirds that benefit from the refuge's protection.
14. Rockland Harbor
WORKING WATERFRONT HUB
Rockland Harbor serves as both a working port and a recreational destination with a mix of fishing vessels, pleasure boats, and historic schooners. The harbor is protected by the famous granite breakwater and offers stunning views of Penobscot Bay and the surrounding islands. Visitors can stroll along the harbor front, watch boat activity, or dine at waterfront restaurants that showcase the area's maritime character.
15. Owls Head Lighthouse
HISTORIC COASTAL BEACON
Owls Head Lighthouse sits atop a dramatic rocky cliff in nearby Owls Head, just minutes from Rockland, offering spectacular views of Penobscot Bay. Built in 1825, this historic lighthouse continues to guide mariners and has become one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine. The surrounding Owls Head Light State Park provides walking trails, picnic areas, and access to a small pebble beach.