The 20 Best Things to Do in Freeport, Maine
Freeport is a coastal town in main that includes the Harraseeket Historic District, which encompasses some of Maine’s oldest maritime villages. It is popular due to its coastal location, and it is also known for being a shopping destination. In addition to admiring the seascapes and going shopping, there are many more activities and attractions to enjoy in this location, so you are sure to find things to do that will suit your tastes. Here are the 20 best things to do in Freeport, Maine.
20. Grab a Bite to Eat at When Pigs Fly
Travellens recommends going for something to eat at When Pigs Fly. There are plenty of places to eat in Freeport, but this establishment has one of the best reputations in the town, and it is known for being one of the best places to get breakfast in Maine. It is a bakery that produces a vast array of homemade fresh bread and then some miscellaneous bakery items such as cookies, bread puddings, and some jams and jellys.. There is the option to dine-in or to order over the counter to takeout.
19. Sample the Local Produce at Bow Street Market
If you want to sample some of the local produce, one of the best places to do so is at the Bow Street Market. There are stalls selling locally grown, reared, and produced fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and much more. It is also a fantastic place to visit for wine enthusiasts, as there are opportunities to taste and purchase high-quality wines from the local area. If you plan to enjoy a picnic in one of the parks, the market is the best place to pick up some fresh ingredients for your lunch.
18. Go to Eartha
While you are staying in Freeport, you should take a trip to nearby Yarmouth to see Eartha. According to Visit Maine, Eartha is the world’s largest full-scale rotating and revolving atlas. It is housed in the former headquarters of the DeLorme mapping corporation, which was purchased by Garmin in 2016. Eartha has a diameter of 41 feet, and it weighs 5,600 pounds.
17. Take a Cruise of the Bay
Due to the coastal location of Freeport, one of the most popular activities is taking a cruise of the bay. There are various tour companies offering boat trips of differing lengths. It is an amazing way to see Maine’s breathtaking coastline from a different perspective and a chance to see the marine life in their natural habitat. Taking a boat trip is also a relaxing activity, as you can simply sit back and enjoy the scenery and fresh air.
16. Drink a Beer at the Maine Beer Company
The Crazy Tourist recommends visiting the Maine Beer Company to try a beer. It is a Maine brewery that produces various special brews and artisanal beers. They have a tasting room where you can sample the beers and a restaurant that serves the beers alongside casual food such as pizza. There is also a shop that sells the beers alongside merchandise such as glasses, shirts, and beanies.
15. See the Art at Ack Me Arts
Those who enjoy art should include a visit to Ack Me Arts in their vacation itinerary. It is only a small studio, so it is easily missed, but it is worth calling by to see the unique and colorful art. Although the work is varied and includes paintings, prints, and cards, all the work is done by a young artist called Stephen Young. Freeport is his inspiration, and he tries to reflect the vibrancy of this location. Many of the pieces are available for sale.
14. Visit Casco Castle
One of the landmarks to visit when you spend time in Freeport is Casco Castle. It is an iconic landmark that was built in 1903 that was originally part of a historic amusement park that was built to promote commerce in the area and the new trolley line. Although the rest of the amusement park was burnt down because of financial loss, Casco Castle still stands proud on the grounds. It is considered one of Maine’s most Instagram-worthy spots.
13. Have a Picnic at Leon Gorman Park
If you want to get away from the bustling vibe of the town and enjoy some peace and quiet in a setting surrounded by greenery, then head to Leon Gorman Park. It is an excellent spot to sit and enjoy a picnic if the weather is right. There are trails to explore, and visitors can enjoy ice skating in the winter. However, one of the best times to visit is in Fall, when the park is at its prettiest with the leaves on the trees turning different shades of red, yellow, gold, and brown.
12. Go to Pettengill Farm
An outdoor activity to enjoy with a historic theme is a visit to Pettengill Farm. It is a salt-water farm that was built in the 19th century, and the Freeport Historical Society now owns it. It covers 140 acres of salt marshes, fields, apple orchards, and woods, and there are trails to explore the landscape. There is a saltbox house that is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it has no heating, electricity, or plumbing. The house is surrounded by North American plant species. Although the grounds are open all year round, visitors must book an appointment to view inside the saltbox house.
11. Learn About the Area’s History at Freeport Historical Society
Those who want to learn more about the area’s history should visit Freeport Historical Society. Honorary Hilbert R. Johnson, who was the city’s judge and a historian, founded the Freeport Historical Society in 1941. The society closed down three years later due to World War II, and it was not re-established until 1961. Its aim is to preserve Freeport’s history and display artifacts that reflect the town’s history. The artifacts are displayed over four floors of a Civil War-era baymen’s cottage. Examples of exhibits include period clothing, toys, transportation-related memorabilia, kitchen utensils, war memorabilia, and a thirteen-star flag from 1777. Throughout the year, the museum hosts various events and educational programs.
10. Visit Bradbury Mountain State Park
Outdoor enthusiasts should head to Bradbury Mountain State Park, which is just outside Maine in Pownal. The park is one of Maine’s original five state parks, and it was established in the 1940s. It covers 730-acres and has more than 21 miles of scenic hiking trails. The trails are also suitable for horseback riding and snowmobiling. One of the best trails is the Knights Woods Trail, which has informative panels along the way that tell you about the animals and forests. There are panoramic views across Casco Bay from the hill in the park.
9. Explore Mast Landing Audubon Sanctuary
Although it is only one mile from downtown Freeport, the Mast Landing Audubon is like a beautiful oasis. The sanctuary covers 101 acres, and it consists predominantly of woodland. There are multiple trails to explore that take you through hemlock forests and apple orchards and across tidal marshes and streams. Along the way, visitors may spot wildlife, including porcupines, minks, white-tail deer, and many bird species.
8. Enjoy a Massage at Kate Gerencer LMT Therapeutic Massage, LLC
Many people take a vacation to get away from the stresses and strains of daily life. If this applies to you and you want to enjoy some rest and relaxation during your break, then you should consider booking a massage at Kate Gerencer LMT Therapeutic Massage, LLC. In addition to the massages, clients can enjoy a range of other therapies in a relaxing environment.
7. Go on a Seawater Fishing Excursion
Freeport is a great place to visit for those who enjoy fishing or for people who have never tried sea fishing and want to give it a go for the first time. There are various sea fishing excursions available that cater to different ages and levels of experience. These vary from short, family fishing trips that include full tuition to full-day trips for those who are experienced at sea fishing.
6. Visit Winslow Memorial Park
Winslow Memorial Park is one of Freeport’s most picturesque beauty spots and a great place to spend time for those who enjoy being outdoors. There are views of the harbor and Casco Bay from various points throughout the park. There is plenty to enjoy at the park, including trails, a boating lake, and picnic shelters. It is also a popular place to stay for campers, as there are more than 100 campsites within the park.
5. Take a Chocolate Factory Tour
A fun and interesting activity to enjoy in Freeport is taking a tour of a chocolate factory, especially if you are a chocolate lover. Wilbur’s of Maine is a family-run business that Tom and Catherine Wilbur established in 1983. Originally, it was a retail store selling confectionery on Bow Street, but they rapidly expanded as they ca up with more chocolate varieties. They opened their own factory on Lower Main Street in 2008. Visitors can take a tour of the factory to learn more about the business and chocolate production. At the end of the 30-minute tour, visitors can sample some of the factory’s chocolates, and each visitor receives a chocolate souvenir to eat or take home.
4. Shop at the Outlets
Freeport is famous as a shopping destination, so you should spend some time shopping at the outlets in the town. It is most famous for being the home to the L.L. Bean flagship store, which is at the heart of Freeport. L.L. Bean specializes in clothing and outdoor recreation equipment. Between Main Street and Freeport’s waterfront, there are more than 170 brand outlets where locals and visitors can shop. These are interspersed with cafes and restaurants where you can refuel.
3. Explore the Desert of Maine
An unusual geographical feature of Freeport, and one of the town’s biggest attractions, is the Desert of Maine. Technically, it is not a desert, as there is too much precipitation. In reality, it is a large area of sandy dunes that spans 40 acres and is surrounded by pine forests. The site was purchased in 1707 by the Tuttle family for farming. They attempted to grow potatoes using a rotation system that did not work. Their farming methods led to soil erosion that exposed glacial silt, which has a sand-like appearance, spreading across the farm. When the Tuttle family abandoned the farm in 1919, it was bought by Henry Goldrup. There are guided tours of the desert, a farm museum, a sand museum, and a gift shop.
2. Go to the Wolfe’s Neck State Park & Center for Agriculture & the Environment
Wolfe’s Neck State Park is on Maine’s coastline, and it is a natural playground for people to enjoy an array of outdoor activities. In addition to the three miles of scenic hiking trails, visitors can try kayaking in Casco Bay, meet the farm animals, and enjoy family-friendly activities. They can also dine at the on-site restaurant and buy the farm’s produce at the farm shop. The park also houses the Center for Agriculture & Environment, where visitors can learn more about the sustainable farming community in Maine.
1. Hike the Hedgehog Mountain Trail
According to Trip 101, one of the best things to do in Freeport, Maine, is to hike the Hedgehog Mountain Trail. It is a trail that is accessible to people of all fitness levels, as it is relatively short at 2.8-miles. The loop trail is clearly marked, and it takes you through a pine forest and meadows of wildflowers. In the winter, the trail is also used for snowshoeing.
