Portland, ME Tourist Attractions
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On Casco Bay is Portland (pop. 65,000), the largest town in Maine, best visited in summer (boat trips round the bay). For adults there is the Portland Museum of Art, for children the Children's Museum of Maine. There are numbers of fine old houses in the town, in particular the home of the Portland-born poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-82). The Old Port Exhange has excellent shops and restaurants.
Victoria Mansion
The Victoria Mansion in Portland was built between 1858-60 and was designed by the well-known architect, Henry Austin. The home features, painted walls and ceilings, wood carvings, and unique carpets, silver, glass and porcelain.
Neal Dow Memorial
The Neal Dow Memorial is a 1829 Federalist-style house that was built for New Dow who was a two-time mayor of Portland. The house still contains original furnishings and family memorabilia. It is the headquarters of the Maine Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
Portland Museum of Art
The collection at the Portland Museum of Art features decorative arts dating from the 1700s. It includes artists such as Andrew Wyeth, Winslow Homer and Rockwell Kent. In the European collection there are works by Monet, Degas and Picasso. The museum also features temporary exhibits throughout the year.
Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine
The Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine in Portland features displays on science, agriculture, and daily life. The interactive exhibits and activities appeal to children and families.
Fore River Sanctuary
The Fore River Sanctuary is a 76 acre preserve that is located in Portland and is home to a wide variety of birds. A nature trail leads to the Cumberland and Oxford Canal. Also of interest is Jewell Falls, Portland's only waterfall.
Maine Historical Society Museum
The Main Historical Society Museum features changing exhibitions and programs spanning more than five centuries of Maine life. The original exhibitions feature art, artifacts and documents that bring Maine history to life.
Southworth Planetarium
The Southworth Planetarium in the Science Building on the Portland Campus of the University of Southern Maine features a solar system display by the National Geographic Society, as well as astronomy shows and programs.
Tate House Museum
The Tate House was built in 1755 and belonged to Captain George Tate. The house is furnished in period with an English flare to it, in keeping with his British heritage. On the grounds is an 18th century garden.
Wadsworth-Longfellow House
Built in 1785-86 for Gen. Peleg Wadsworth, grandfather of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, this was the first brick house in Portland. The house features personal items of the Wadsworth and Longfellow families.
Casco Bay Lines
Casco Bay Lines provides ferry service to the Calendar Islands and a scenic boat tour of the area.
Freeport - Frost Gully Gallery
The Frost Gully Gallery in Freeport features the art of local artists and changing temporary art exhibits.
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co and Museum
The Maine Narrow Guage Railroad Museum in Portland features narrow gauge coaches, locomotives, and other related equipment.
Old Port Mariner Fleet
The Old Port Mariner Fleet offers fishing and sightseeing, dinner, sunset, and whale watching cruises to Jeffrey's Ledge and the Sagadahoc Grounds.
Portland Discovery - Land & Sea Tours
Portland Discovery Tours offers narrated trolley tours through Portland that feature the city's history and architecture.
Bay View Cruises
Bay View Cruises take visitors around the Calendar Islands and bay area.
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