Sullivan MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sullivan, Maine.
1. Tidal Falls Preserve
SERENE COASTAL NATURE EXPERIENCE
Tidal Falls Preserve offers visitors a chance to discover marine life like starfish in tidal pools during low tide. Visitors are recommended to wear water shoes while exploring the natural coastal environment. The preserve provides shaded picnic spots by the sea, making it a perfect location for a serene family outing.
2. The Granite Garden Gallery
LOCAL ART AND SCULPTURE
The Granite Garden Gallery showcases unique local artwork with a focus on stone sculptures reflecting Maine's granite heritage. Visitors can explore both indoor exhibits and outdoor garden displays featuring works by regional artists. The gallery provides a perfect blend of art and nature in a quintessential Maine setting.
3. Spring Woods Gallery
HANDCRAFTED MAINE ARTISTRY
Spring Woods Gallery features a collection of handcrafted works by Maine artists in a charming setting. The gallery specializes in paintings, pottery, jewelry, and other crafts that reflect the natural beauty of the region. Visitors can often meet local artists and learn about traditional Maine craftsmanship during their visit.
4. The Rock Church of Scoodic Peninsula
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
The Rock Church of Scoodic Peninsula stands as a significant historical and religious landmark in the region. Its distinctive stone architecture and peaceful setting make it a notable stop for history enthusiasts and photographers alike. The church represents an important part of the area's cultural and spiritual heritage.
5. Sullivan Harbor Farm
TRADITIONAL MAINE SMOKEHOUSE
Sullivan Harbor Farm is renowned for its traditionally smoked seafood products, particularly their award-winning smoked salmon. Visitors can tour the smokehouse facility to learn about time-honored smoking techniques that have been perfected over generations. The farm store offers a variety of fresh and smoked seafood products to take home as authentic Maine souvenirs.
6. Acadia National Park
MAJESTIC COASTAL WILDERNESS
Acadia National Park encompasses over 47,000 acres of stunning coastal Maine landscape just a short drive from Sullivan. Visitors can explore granite peaks, woodland, rocky beaches, and glacier-carved lakes through an extensive network of hiking trails and historic carriage roads. The park offers breathtaking views from Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast.
7. Schoodic Point
RUGGED COASTAL BEAUTY
Schoodic Point offers a less crowded alternative to experience Acadia National Park's natural beauty just minutes from Sullivan. Visitors can witness dramatic ocean waves crashing against the pink granite shoreline and enjoy panoramic views of Mount Desert Island across the bay. The area features scenic drives, hiking trails, and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
8. Frenchman Bay Conservancy
PROTECTED NATURE PRESERVE
Frenchman Bay Conservancy maintains several nature preserves in the region surrounding Sullivan, offering miles of hiking trails through diverse ecosystems. Visitors can explore forests, wetlands, and coastline while enjoying spectacular views of Frenchman Bay and the surrounding mountains. The conservancy's properties provide habitat for numerous wildlife species and opportunities for bird watching, photography, and peaceful contemplation.
9. Gordon's Wharf
HISTORIC WORKING WATERFRONT
Gordon's Wharf preserves Sullivan's maritime heritage as a former granite shipping port that now serves as a community gathering place. Visitors can learn about the area's granite industry through interpretive displays while enjoying scenic views of Taunton Bay. The wharf hosts various community events throughout the year and provides water access for kayaking and other recreational activities.
10. Chester Pike's Galley
CLASSIC MAINE SEAFOOD
Chester Pike's Galley serves traditional Maine seafood in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its fresh lobster, clam chowder, and other local specialties prepared with authentic Down East flavor. Visitors appreciate the reasonable prices, generous portions, and genuine Maine hospitality that keeps locals and tourists coming back.
11. Downeast Scenic Railroad
HISTORIC RAILWAY JOURNEY
Downeast Scenic Railroad offers a nostalgic 10-mile round-trip train ride aboard meticulously restored vintage railcars. Passengers travel through the beautiful Maine countryside while learning about the historical importance of railroads to the region's development. The volunteer-operated excursion railroad provides a family-friendly experience that appeals to train enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
12. Ellsworth Waterfront
RIVERSIDE SHOPPING AND DINING
The Ellsworth Waterfront features a charming mix of shops, restaurants, and recreational spaces along the Union River just a short drive from Sullivan. Visitors can browse unique local boutiques, enjoy waterfront dining, or relax in Harbor Park while watching boats navigate the river. The area serves as both a community gathering place and a convenient gateway to Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park.
13. Woodlawn Museum
HISTORIC ESTATE AND GARDENS
Woodlawn Museum preserves a 180-acre historic estate featuring a grand Federal-style mansion filled with original furnishings and artifacts. Visitors can tour the pristine 1827 Black House, stroll through formal gardens, and explore wooded walking trails on the expansive grounds. The museum hosts various events throughout the year, including a popular croquet tournament, antique show, and holiday celebrations.
14. Wild Blueberry Land
QUIRKY FRUIT-THEMED ATTRACTION
Wild Blueberry Land is a whimsical roadside attraction shaped like a giant blue dome resembling a blueberry, celebrating Maine's famous wild fruit. Visitors can purchase homemade wild blueberry products, baked goods, and other Maine specialties in this unique gift shop. The family-owned business also offers educational displays about wild blueberry cultivation and harvesting traditions in Down East Maine.
15. Mount Desert Oceanarium
INTERACTIVE MARINE EDUCATION
Mount Desert Oceanarium provides hands-on learning experiences about Maine's marine ecosystems through interactive exhibits and touch tanks. Visitors can observe the famous Maine Lobster Hatchery where thousands of baby lobsters are raised each year before being released into the wild. The attraction includes nature trails through a salt marsh with guided tours explaining the importance of these coastal habitats to the Gulf of Maine's marine life.