Waterville, ME Tourist Attractions
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Waterville, (pop. 16,000) is an important industrial center for the area. The town is also home to Colby College and Thomas College and has a lively cultural scene. Not far from the town is the Belgrade Lakes region with Great Pond, the inspiration for the movie "On Golden Pond".
Redington Museum
The Redington Museum is housed in a two-story home that was built in 1814. The museum features displays on the history of the town and region. The collection includes antique furniture, household items, toys, tools, weapons, and documents dating back two centuries.There is also a recreated 19th century apothecary shop with antique pharmaceutical equipment, remedies, and other interesting artifacts.
Waterville Opera House
The Waterville Opera House was built in 1902. It was originally opened as an Opera House but was later used as a movie theater and then shut down. The Jaycees took over in the late fifties and the building was once again used for musical and theater productions and now stands as a public facility for the arts.
Surroundings
Stanley Museum, Kingfield
The Stanley Museum is located in the 1903 Georgian-style Stanley School. The museum features the inventions of the Stanley family which lived in Kingfield. Their most famous invention is the "Stanley Steamer" automobile, examples of which are on display at the museum. Other exhibits include family memorabilia, airbrush painting and photography, and violins.
Farmington
Farmington (pop. 7,400) offers a variety of recreational opportunities including, boating in Clearwater Lake, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. The town is also home to the University of Maine at Farmington.
Nordica Homestead Museum
The Nordica Homestead Museum in Farmington is located in the birthplace of the opera singer, Lillian Nordica. On display are a variety of her personal effects, including clothing, jewelry, and original furnishings.
Rangeley Lakes Logging Museum, Rangeley
The Rangeley Lakes Logging Museum features artifacts from regional logging operations as well as art by Maine lumbermen, including chain saw carvings of Rodney Richard and Rodney Richard Junior.
Reich Museum
The Reich Museum is located in a stone building on 175 acres and offers displays and the life and work of natural scientist Wilhelm Reich. There is also an children's area with interactive displays.
Art Gallery at University of Farmington
The Art Gallery at University of Farmington presents rotating exhibits by Maine artists and focuses on contemporary art.
Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad, Unity
The Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad offers a variety of sightseeing and historic excursions. From Unity Station, the "Spirit of Unity", a 1913 Swedish Steam Locomotive, offers guided two hour tours.
Sugarloaf, Carrabassett Valley
Sugarloaf USA in Carrabassett Valley offers skiing on Maine's second highest peak, at 4,237ft/1,290m. Fifteen lifts services 129 trails for all levels of skiers.
