Surroundings, Portland

Willowbrook at Newfield is a complex of restored buildings which represent a 19th century village. Numerous exhibits feature rural Maine and New England daily life from historic houses to historic trade shops to a red schoolhouse and more. Unique objects include an 1894 operating wooden carousel, over 60 restored carriages and sleighs, the second oldest Concord Coach in the nation, and a roadable airplane.Willowbrook is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Gilsland Farm Sanctuary covers more than 65 acres and is owned and managed by the Maine Audubon Society. The land includes meadows, woodlands, orchards, and a marsh. There are two miles of hiking trails at the sanctuary.There is a Environmental Center Building with birds exhibits, a Children's Discovery Room, a Teachers' Resource Center, and a Nature Store.

Freeport (pop. 7,800) is a popular summer tourist destination featuring shops and restaurants, beaches, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town is known as the "Birthplace of Maine" - where legislators signed the paper granting Maine independence from Massachusetts and later statehood. Freeport is home to the sporting goods store LL Bean.

York Wild Kingdom features a variety of animals from around the world. Rides, mini golf, and other amusement facilities are also available but have more limited hours than the zoo.

The Sayward-Wheeler House was built in 1718 in York Harbor and was the home of Jonathan Sayward. He was involved in the attack on the French fortress at Louisbourg and some of the items on display in the house were items he brought back from this expedition. Also on display are original furnishings and family portraits.

The Portland Head Light is in Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. It began operation in 1791 and was the first light to be completed after the founding of the United States. Today it is one of the oldest continuous operating lighthouses in the USA. There are a museum and walking trails in the area.

Kittery (pop. 9,500) is home to a number of historic sites, including Fort Foster. The town was a major shipbuilding center and has launched a number of important sea vessels, including the first American submarine and the first ship to fly the Stars and Stripes.The town also boasts some of the oldest houses in Maine.

The Fifth Maine Regiment Center on Peaks Island is a Civil War Memorial and Cultural Center. The Memorial Hall was built in 1888 and was the Headquarters of the Fifth Regiment Maine Volunteer Infantry 1861-1864. Today it serves as a Civil War and history museum.

CLOSED - merged with Maine Maritime Museum.The Portland Harbor Museum is located at the Southern Marine Technical College on the grounds of historic Fort Preble. It features exhibits on the maritime history of the area and Casco Bay. Nearby is Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse.

The Yarmouth Museum of History offers displays on the history of the area and includes photographs, clothing, furniture, documents, and other historical artifacts.Also of interest in Yarmouth is a 40 foot rotating globe in the entrance of Delorme, a mapping company.

The Androscoggin Historical Society Museum in Auburn contains a variety of exhibits related to the history of the area, including American Indian artifacts, natural history displays, Civil War items, photographs and farming equipment.

The Sabbathday Lake Shaker Museum is in the complex of one of the last remaining functioning Shaker villages. Six buildings in the complex contain exhibits on the history of the Shaker community and are open to the public.

Bath (pop. 9,000) has been a ship-building center since the early 17th century. Today nuclear naval vessels are produced at Bath Iron Works.The town also features an historic district with a number of older buildings including Greek Revival and Victorian mansions which were once the homes of sea captains and merchants.

The Pemaquid Point Lighthouse was built in 1826 and marks the entrance to Muscongus Bay and John Bay. Pemaquid Point was responsible for many ship wrecks prior the building of the lighthouse. Today it is a major attraction in Maine and receives almost 100,000 visitors each year.The keepers house has been converted into the Fishermen's Museum. On display are items related to the local maritime history.

The Hardy III Boat Tour offers cruises of varying length of the area including trips to Monhegan Island, seal watching and puffin watching cruises.

The Josephine Newman Sanctuary covers 119 acres and is owned and managed by the Maine Audubon Society. The land includes tidal mud flats, forest, and marshland and incorporates hiking trails.

Biddeford (pop. 22,000) is located just south of Portland and is an important manufacturing center. The city has close ties with its sister city Saco. The restored 1895 opera house is interesting.

Saco (pop. 17,000) is located in southwestern Maine and is the sister city to Biddeford. Saco is a major industrial center and a popular area for outdoor recreation. The nearby Saco River has fishing and water sports. Ferry Beach State Park is located along the banks of the river and offers 117 acres of recreational space.

The Bridgton Museum and Archives contains information on the Bridgton and Saco River Railroad of 1883-1941. Also on display is a 1911 Sears "Horseless Carriage", more commonly known as an automobile.

Ogunquit (pop. 1,200) is a popular summer resort with plenty of shops and restaurants. The area offers dramatic scenery with rocky shoreline and cliffs, as well as a beach.

This beach resort offers several recreational opportunities. With 7mi/11km of beach there are great opportunities for swimming and relaxing in the sun. Golfing, fishing, and tennis are also available in the area.

The Marsh Nature Center covers more than 3,100 acres of salt marsh and is home to birds, mink, muskrat, deer and other wildlife. Walking trails and canoe tours provide access to the area.

The Marrett House was built in 1789 and owned by the Rev Daniel Marrett. Antique furniture and a letter written by Helen Keller are the major attractions on display in the house.

The Woolwich Historical Society Rural Museum is located in an early 1800s home. The museum features a variety of old household items, furniture and farming equipment.

The Maine Wildlife Park displays wildlife native to Maine and also cares for injured or orphaned animals.

ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.The Jones Museum of Glass and Ceramics features a collection of glass and ceramic decorative arts from around the world.

Westbrook is a suburb of Portland with the Presumpscot River flowing through the center of the city. There are a number of parks and recreational areas.