Shirley MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Shirley, Maine.
1. King Pine Disc Golf
SCENIC 9-HOLE COURSE
King Pine Disc Golf offers a charming 9-hole disc golf course nestled in the scenic landscape of Shirley Mills. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing game while surrounded by Maine's beautiful natural environment. The course provides a fun outdoor activity suitable for players of all skill levels.
2. Northeast Whitewater
THRILLING RIVER ADVENTURES
Northeast Whitewater provides daily whitewater rafting trips on the Kennebec and Penobscot rivers, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike. Located in the heart of moose country, their tours combine adrenaline-pumping water activities with opportunities to spot local wildlife. Their eco-tours are designed to showcase the natural beauty of Maine's waterways while providing an exciting outdoor experience.
3. Lone Wolf Guiding Services
WILDLIFE AND WINTER ADVENTURES
Lone Wolf Guiding Services specializes in dogsledding and moose watching adventures in the Shirley Mills area. Their guided expeditions offer unique opportunities to experience Maine's wilderness in both winter and summer seasons. Visitors can enjoy intimate encounters with local wildlife while learning about the region's natural ecology from experienced guides.
4. Dove Tail Bat Company
CUSTOM WOODEN BASEBALL BATS
Dove Tail Bat Company is a local manufacturer producing professional-level custom wood baseball bats in Shirley. Visitors can learn about the craftsmanship that goes into creating these high-quality sports equipment pieces, often used by professional players. The company represents Shirley's blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern sporting needs.
5. Historic Shirley Village
CHARMING HISTORIC DISTRICT
Historic Shirley Village allows visitors to wander through a quaint New England town filled with rustic architecture and local charm. Originally part of the Bingham Purchase, the village sits along the East Branch of the Piscataquis River, which was historically used for transporting logs. The area offers a glimpse into Maine's past while showcasing the natural beauty that surrounds this historic settlement.
6. Bill Nye's Birthplace
FAMOUS HUMORIST'S HOME
Bill Nye's Birthplace commemorates the famous American humorist who was born in this small Maine town. Visitors can connect with a piece of literary history while exploring the site that shaped Nye's early years. The birthplace offers cultural context to Shirley's contribution to American humor and literature.
7. Piscataquis River Trails
RIVERSIDE NATURE WALKS
The Piscataquis River Trails follow the East Branch of the Piscataquis River, offering scenic hiking and nature walks through Maine's beautiful landscape. The river begins just four miles from Moosehead Lake and flows southward, creating a perfect corridor for wildlife watching and outdoor recreation. These trails provide access to Shirley Bog and showcase the natural environments that have shaped the region's history and economy.
8. Moosehead Lake
MAINE'S LARGEST LAKE
Moosehead Lake, located near Shirley, is Maine's largest lake and a premier destination for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, wildlife watching, and scenic views across its expansive 40-mile length. The lake serves as a central attraction in the region, drawing tourists year-round for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
9. Lily Bay State Park
LAKESIDE CAMPING DESTINATION
Lily Bay State Park offers beautiful camping and day-use facilities on the shores of Moosehead Lake, just a short drive from Shirley. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking while taking in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and lake. The park provides modern amenities alongside natural beauty, making it a perfect base for exploring the greater Moosehead Lake region.
10. Katahdin Cruises and Moosehead Marine Museum
HISTORIC LAKE TOURS
Katahdin Cruises and Moosehead Marine Museum offers scenic cruises aboard the historic steamship Katahdin on Moosehead Lake. The museum portion showcases the maritime history of the region through artifacts and exhibits relating to logging and lake transportation. Visitors can experience both the natural beauty of the lake and learn about its significant role in Maine's development.
11. Moxie Falls
SPECTACULAR WATERFALL VISTA
Moxie Falls is one of Maine's highest and most accessible waterfalls, located a scenic drive from Shirley. The falls drop nearly 90 feet into a series of pools within a dramatic gorge setting surrounded by forest. A well-maintained trail leads to several viewing platforms, making this natural wonder accessible to visitors of varying hiking abilities.
12. Gulf Hagas
GRAND CANYON OF MAINE
Gulf Hagas, often called the 'Grand Canyon of Maine,' features a spectacular three-mile-long gorge with numerous waterfalls and swimming holes. The area is part of the Appalachian Trail corridor and offers challenging hiking with rewarding views of slate canyon walls rising up to 100 feet. This natural wonder showcases some of Maine's most dramatic riverside scenery within a reasonable drive from Shirley.
13. Moosehead Historical Society and Lumbermen's Museum
REGIONAL LOGGING HERITAGE
The Moosehead Historical Society and Lumbermen's Museum preserves and displays the rich logging heritage of the Moosehead Lake region. Exhibits showcase tools, photographs, and artifacts from Maine's lumber industry, which played a crucial role in the development of towns like Shirley. Visitors can gain insight into the challenging lives of lumberjacks and river drivers who shaped northern Maine's economy and culture.
14. Barrows Falls Trail
SCENIC WATERFALL HIKE
Barrows Falls Trail leads hikers to a beautiful cascading waterfall surrounded by Maine's lush forest landscape. The relatively short trail is family-friendly while still offering impressive natural scenery as reward for the journey. Located near Shirley, this hike provides a perfect half-day outdoor activity that showcases the region's natural beauty.
15. Whetstone Pond
TRANQUIL FISHING SPOT
Whetstone Pond is a serene fishing and recreation spot nestled in the woods near Shirley. The pond is known for its population of brook trout and peaceful atmosphere away from crowds. Visitors can enjoy fishing, paddling, wildlife watching, and simply taking in the natural surroundings of this hidden gem.