Maine's nature centers, wildlife refuges honor the beauty of the outdoors

Maine > State > Families and Kids > Science and Nature

The majesty of nature looms large in Maine, from the coastal islands and shoreline to the deep inland forests. Among the places for visitors, families and children to learn more about Maine's natural history are Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, the Pine Tree State Arboretum in Augusta, the Merryspring Horticultural Nature Park in Camden, on the Midcoast, and the Stanton Bird Sanctuary in Lewiston. Much of Maine's traditional economy, such as lumbering and paper making, exploits the natural gifts of the state, and the history of those industries can be explored at places like the Maine Forest and Logging Museum in Bradley. The Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge in Wells remembers and honors the revolutionary nature writer. See more below.

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Saint Croix River View of St. Croix Island - Robbinston, ME

St. Croix River

This river, which functions as the geographic border between the Unites States and Canada, is one of dozens in Maine, but it holds the distinction of having the highest tides in the continental US. The river's watershed meanders from Grand Lake at Brookton to Calais and Robbinston near the coastline. One of the popular spots on the river is the St. Croix Island International Historic Site.

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge - Wells, ME - Photo Credit Debbie Lennon

Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge Trails

321 Port Road Wells, ME, 04090 Phone: 207-646-9226

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, named for the pioneering environmentalist, was established to protect coastal habitats of birds and other wildlife. It includes 11 parcels of land along the Maine coast between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth, and it is headquartered in Wells. The refuge welcomes visitors for walking and hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking and canoeing, and wildlife photography and observation.
The Carson Trail starts at the Carson headquarters in Wells. It is a one-mile walk with views of one of southern Maine’s most valuable ecosystems. Leashed dogs are allowed on the Carson Trail. All refuge trails are open 7 days a week during daylight hours only. Leashed dogs are allowed on trails. - Interactive Map

Machias Seal Island

The island is about 10 miles off the coast from Cutler, and this island's inhabitants are special indeed. The Atlantic Puffin is native only to the northern Atlantic coast. The birds are large, playful and colorful, often referred to as the "penguins of New England." Charter boat sightseeing and puffin-watching tours are available.

Reversing Falls Park

Reversing Falls Road Pembroke, ME, 04666 Phone:

A remarkable natural phenomenon: The strong tidal surges actually make these waterfalls seem like they're falling backwards at certain times of the day. - Park Map (PDF)

Wells National Estuarine Reserve

342 Laudholm Farm Road Wells, ME, 04090 Phone: 207-646-1555

This land, used thousands of years ago by Native Americans and formerly a salt-water farm, has been preserved as a nature center and place of environmental education for all. The Visitor Center, located in a 19th-century farmhouse, has exhibits, videos, brochures, trail maps, and a gift shop.
Hours: Trails are open daily 7am - Sunset. Visitor Center is open May 1-November 17. Please check website for admission.

Acadia National Park

Maine Route 3 Bar Harbor, ME, 04609 Phone: 207-288-3338

Nature lovers can explore tide pools and rocky shores as well as natural gardens. - Park Maps

Desert of Maine

95 Desert Road Freeport, ME, 04032 Phone: 207-865-6962

A glacier moved over this area 11,000 years ago and left sand and mineral deposits, forming the region known today as the Desert of Maine. Visitors will see living trees half covered in sand, wild flowers, and other flora. Narrated coach tours, walking tours, barn museum, mini golf, gift shop, and a campground. Open early May to mid-October.

Snow Falls Gorge

Off Route 26 West Paris, ME, 04289 Phone:

A great spot for family hiking, the centerpiece of which is Snow Falls. A bridge crosses the gorge, offering good scenic viewing. The area nearby has many mines, now abandoned, which offer mineral collectors the opportunity to collect mica, garnet, quartz, and tourmaline. Some are privately owned and require and entrance fee.

Moose Point State Park

310 West Main Street - US Route 1 Searsport, ME, 04940 Phone: 207-548-2882

A fabulous state park where there is snowmobiling and a rocky beach that can be walked. There is swimming and seals, picnic benches, and the entire park is beautiful--plenty of hiking places.
Open: Memorial Day thru September, 9am - Sunset.

Thomas Point Beach

Meadow Road (off Route 24) Brunswick, ME, 04011 Phone: 207-725-6009

This beach is also a nature preserve, and offers ample opportunities to observe Maine wildlife. There is a lifeguard on duty. Camping is also available for a fee. Open mid-May to mid-September. Check the schedule on their website for scheduled events & activities.

Douglas Mountain Tower

98 Douglas Mountain Road Sebago, ME, 04029 Phone:

A climb to the top of this tower will afford you with exquisite views: Sebago Lake, Casco Bay and the city of Portland.

Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park

426 Wolfe's Neck Road Freeport, ME, 04032 Phone: 207-865-4465

Sign up for a one-hour-long, guided nature tour or grab a map and explore this park’s wildlife and nature at your own pace. Wolf’s Neck Woods is famous for its ospreys, so keep an eye out for Googins Island, their nesting grounds, on the horizon. On guided nature walks, you can view wildlife easily with zoom binoculars; or, bring your own! - Trail Map (PDF)

Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary

Highland Spring Road Lewiston, ME, 04240 Phone: Toll-Free: 888-363-0007

Environmental biologists and students of nature use this property -- a green oasis in Lewiston -- to study plants of the region. Passive recreation like hiking and nature viewing is welcome. - Trail Map (PDF)

Houston Brook Falls

Off Pleasant Ridge Road Bingham, ME, 04920 Phone:

Scenic water falls are a treat for the eyes and ears. The trail to the falls passes through privately-owned land, so please be respectful.

Cadillac Mountain

Off Cadillac Summit Road - Acadia National Park Bar Harbor, ME, 04609 Phone:

The highest point on the Atlantic coast north of Rio de Janeiro, Cadillac Mountain offers incredible views of the ocean, islands, and inland Maine's mountains. Park Loop Road takes visitors winding to the top, 1530 feet from the service.

Caratunk Falls

US Route 201 at Falls Road Solon, ME, 04979 Phone:

These beautiful falls, situated on the Kennebec River, are home to an amazing historic find: Indian relics and petroglyphs that date back as far as 9000 years ago. The Kennebec Valley Trail crosses near the falls over an old railroad bridge.

Moxie Falls

Lake Moxie Road - Off US Route 201 The Forks, ME, 04985 Phone:

One of the highest waterfalls in Maine, this natural wonder features an assortment of trails around the falls, and a swimming hole at the falls' bottom. Along the trails are observation areas. The trail to the swimming hole is quite steep, and good physical condition is required.

Blue Hill Falls

Off ME Routes 172 & 175 Blue Hill, ME, 04614 Phone:

These falls are an example of a rare and unusual natural occurrence. Their connection to a surging and retreating tidal basin makes the falls reverse during certain times of the day.

Shin Pond

Off NH Route 159 Mount Chase, ME, 04765 Phone:

Dotted with resorts and beaches, this body of water will provide visitors with just about every type of activity, from fishing and boating, to sea plane rides.

Merryspring Nature Center

30 Conway Road Camden, ME, 04849 Phone: 207-236-2239

This nature preserve offers visitors ample opportunities to observe gardens of wildflowers and wildlife, as well as hiking and cross-country ski trails.
Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset, No admission fee.

Maine State Aquarium

194 McKown Point Road West Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04575 Phone: 207-633-9500

The design of this museum resembles the rocky coast of Maine. Interactive displays encourage discovery learning. The aquarium is home to extraordinary lobsters of all sizes and colors. Colorful marine life can be seen in the Downeast tank. At center stage is an 850-gallon tank for sharks and skates, where kids and parents can pet a live shark. At the elevated touch tank, visitors can feel the spiny skin of a sea urchin. Currently closed for major renovations; scheduled to reopen in June 2023. Please check the website or Facebook page for updates.

Maine Wildlife Park

56 Game Farm Road Gray, ME, 04039 Phone: 207-822-6460

The Maine Wildlife Park in Gray is a great place to view and learn more about wildlife. The 200-acre park has moose, black bear, lynx, mountain lions, wild turkeys, bald eagles, owls, a show fish pool and more on display. Offerings include a visitor center, fish hatchery, nature store, tree trial, game trail, wetlands trail, gardens, animal feeding, and story hour. Open mid-April through Veteran's Day

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