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Mid Coast region historic attractions add interest to your Maine getaway

Maine > Mid Coast > Indoor Activities > Historic Homes and Sites

Olson House - Farnsworth Art Museum & Wyeth Center - Rockland, ME
Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center

16 Museum Street Rockland, ME, 04841 Phone: 207-596-6457

One of the most-recognized of American paintings surely must be “Christina’s World” by Andrew Wyeth. A secondary player in the painting, after the figure of Christina, is her home, the Olson House in Rockland, a place where Andrew found four decades of friendship and continuing inspiration. Wyeth met Christina and Alvaro Olson in 1939, through the young woman who would later be his wife. He spent a great deal of time visiting and painting in the rugged structure, and he once said, "In the portraits of that house, the windows are eyes or pieces of the soul almost.”
Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site - New Harbor, ME - Photo Credit ME Bureau of Parks & Lands
Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site (Fort William Henry)

2 Colonial Pemaquid Drive New Harbor, ME, 04554 Phone: 207-677-2423

One of northern New England's earliest communities, rich in archeological history, Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site is staffed by people who lead interpretive tours and teach visitors about the native people who camped on this once-remote peninsula that evolved into a rough, frontier settlement in the mid-1620s. The museum that houses artifacts unearthed from the grounds.
The property has beaches, motor boating, fishing, sea kayaking, a self-guided walking trail, food service, a picnic area, and a trilered boat launch. This historic site includes Fort William Henry; a burying ground from the 1700s; and a museum with exhibits from ancient Native American life through the colonial period; and a gift shop.
Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day; daily; 9 a.m. to sunset. Fee charged. During the off season, Visitors may park outside the gate and walk in during the same hours. Facilities are closed during the off season.
Heritage Park

Main Street and Public Landing Belfast, ME Phone: 207-338-3370

This historic collection of buildings and shops sits on the water, giving visitors a look at the New England coastal town of the 19th century. In addition to picnicking, walking, and relaxing, this waterfront park is the site of special events such as Arts in the Park and Belfast Summer Nights concerts.
Information: http://bit.ly/11fdk28
Nickels Sortwell House - Wiscasset, MA - Photo Credit Historic New England
Nickels-Sortwell House

121 Main Street Wiscasset, ME, 04578 Phone: 207-882-7169

This house recalls Wiscasset’s golden age, when wealth from shipbuilding and maritime trade built elegant mansions. After serving as a hotel during most of the 19th century, the house was restored by the Sortwell family, who purchased it in 1899. From the 1930s, Frances Sortwell carried on the family tradition of philanthropy and was one of Wiscasset’s most dynamic preservationists.
Hours: June 1-October 15, Friday-Sunday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; tours every half hour.
Admission: $5; seniors, $4; students and children, $2.50.
Information:
Montpelier

US Route 1 and ME Route 131 Thomaston, ME Phone:

A replica of the home of General Henry Knox, President George Washington's Secretary of War. Visitors will see a complete reconstruction of this home in its 18th century splendor.
Hours: May 25-October 14, Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $10; seniors, $8; children age 5-13, $4; family, $20
Information: http://knoxmuseum.org
Castle Tucker

2 Lee Street Wiscasset, ME Phone: 207-882-7169

In 1858, Captain Richard H. Tucker Jr., son of a wealthy shipping family, bought this mansion with its commanding view of the Sheepscot River for his bride. He purchased a houseful of furniture from Boston, updated the interiors, and added a three-story piazza overlooking the river. Today, Castle Tucker stands as a record of late Victorian life in one of Maine’s most beautiful villages.
Hours: June 1-October 15, Wednesday-Sunday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; tours every half hour.
Admission: Adults, $5; seniors, $4; students and children, $2.50.
Information: http://bit.ly/ZIBMrt
St. Andrews Episcopal Church - Newcastle. ME
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

11 Glidden Street Newcastle, ME, 04553 Phone: 207-563-3533

This Episcopal Church was the first designed by renowned architect Henry Vaughn in 1883, who later designed the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.
Joshua Chamberlain House

Originally the home of the famous Civil War general Joshua Chamberlain, exhibits now feature the general, his family history, life and experiences during the war.
Hours: Memorial Day to Columbus Day, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
Admission Adults, $8.50; children age 6-16, $4.
Information: http://pejepscothistorical.org/chamberlain
Fort Knox and Penobscot Narrows Observatory - Photo Credit Friends of Fort Knox Mission
Fort Knox and Penobscot Narrows Observatory

740 Fort Knox Road Prospect, ME, 04981 Phone: 207-469-6553

Historic fort adjacent to bridge and 420-foot-tall observatory overlooking Penobscot River Valley

This historic fort on the Penobscot Narrows is well-preserved with underground tunnels, batteries and more. Provides access to the Penobscot Bridge Observatory.
Olson House and Farm - Chushing, ME - Photo Credit Susan Metzger
Olson House and Farm

384 Hathorne Point Road Cushing, ME, 04563 Phone: 207-596-6457

A National Historic Landmark, this was the home of Alvaro and Christina Olson, the subject of one of artist Andrew Wyeth's most famous paintings, Christina's World." Wyeth created many paintings and drawings at the house, a classic Maine saltwater farm, from 1939 to 1968. Visitors may stroll through the rooms Wyeth painted and spent time with his friends. Wyeth is buried here. Note: This location is currently closed for renovations. Please check the website and social media for further information.