Things to do

20 Stunning Things To Do In Rockland, Maine

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Located about an hour and a half from Portland, Rockland serves as the largest shipping center in the world for lobster. It is known for its craggy shoreline, featuring scenic inlets and harbors for sailing, boating, or hiking.

This place serves as a gateway to the best that Mid-Coast Maine offers. Therefore, if you're looking for adventure or relaxation, we've got you covered with the stunning things to do in Rockland Maine.

1. Visit Farnsworth Art Museum

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This Museum ranked as Rockland's #1 attraction, showcases works by all three generations of Wyeth family members, all of whom were respected and well-known painters in the twentieth century.

Also, the 20,000-square-foot art museum hosts several additional shows by some of America's best painters that are well worth visiting.

Rockland, Maine, definitely would be incomplete without The Farnsworth Art Museum. The Museum also has the nation's second-biggest collection of work by renowned sculptor Louise Nevelson and has developed and opened 4 new galleries dedicated completely to contemporary art.

2. Get Chocolate At Bixby And Co.

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Based in Rockland, Maine's historic area, it produces healthful and natural chocolate. They also emphasize "real foods" that are artisanal and natural, with a flavor that echoes a simpler past while simultaneously boldly embracing the future.

They only use natural as well as organically produced products that are free of GMOs and additives.

It does not matter if you're shopping for yourself or your loved ones, you should definitely stop by Bixby and Co. for the ideal presents to reward yourself and others. The nicest part about the chocolate is that it's the sort of chocolate that you can become addicted to without feeling bad.

3. Stroll To The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

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It is another popular local landmark and offers an intriguing stroll as well as a unique outdoor experience when visiting Camden.

This Lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places and has a history of 100 plus years, making it a well-known landmark in Maine. Walking the mile-long granite stones that jut out into the bay, however, is an even more appealing prospect.

This breakwater route goes to the lighthouse and is busy during the summer months with visitors looking for a unique afternoon stroll that not only brings you to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse but also provides a scenic view of the city.

4. Explore The Penobscot Bay

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Penobscot Bay is a North Atlantic Ocean inlet that forms at the opening of the Penobscot River. It is really a gorgeous site to see during your trip to Rockland, especially in the good weather conditions, and the bay is also regarded as one of the world's greatest cruising destinations.

There are a lot of choices for cruises to select, from Penobscot Bay, ranging from one-hour cruises to multi-night cruises, and the shorter harbor tours, in particular, offer stunning scenery.

Isle au Haut, Little Deer Isle, Deer Isle, Islesboro, North Haven, Vinalhaven, Matinicus Isle, Criehaven, Sears Island, Great Spruce Head, and Nautilus Island are all the islands of Penobscot Bay.

5. Go On A Lobster Boat Escapade

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As mentioned at the top, Rockland, Maine is recognized as the "Lobster Capital of the World," and there are several good lobster restaurants. However, you may take a boat trip to witness how they are caught.

Guests may pull up traps and discover how lobstermen decide if a lobster is fit for dinner or should spend more time at the bottom of the ocean. You may also buy your catch and cook the freshest lobster you can imagine, or have it prepared for you at a restaurant.

Tours pass by lighthouses and other monuments, and marine creatures such as porpoises, seals, and whales can be observed. You may take a lobster tour on a sailboat, a classic Downeast lobster boat, or even a ship with see-through flooring.

6. Get A Made In Maine Souvenir From Archipelago

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A locally owned shop, Archipelago basically deals with and displays art and crafts made by local artists. From pottery to jewelry, the pieces are genuinely one-of-a-kind, and they make excellent gifts to carry home with you as it will be a nice memory to treasure for yourself, as well as a remembrance that your loved ones will undoubtedly appreciate and enjoy.

Hence, Archipelago offers deliciously unique and one-of-a-kind Maine-made products and gifts, while also supporting the lively creative economy.

7. Enjoy Meals with Waterfront Views

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Seafood restaurants on Rockland's waterfront include Archer's on the Pier, Dry Dock, Berry Manor Inn, 16 Bay View, Hill's Seafood Co, and Waterworks Restaurant. It provides a beautiful ambiance to eat and relax in, as well as some spectacular views.

They also produce some really fun-looking drinks. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and supper, so stop in at any time. Also, they will prepare seafood straight from the body of water that is right in front of you.

8. Join The Maine Lobster Festival

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While you are in Rockland and you don't enjoy the lobster festival, it is not worth the visit. This festival takes place in August and lasts five days, has evolved from a modest local celebration to an internationally famous event celebrating lobsters and other seafood.

In addition to food vendors specializing in the most delicious seafood dishes, this event has a seafood cooking competition. There are also other activities and entertainment options to consider, such as a running race.

The five days of fun and eating on Maine's coast, with over 20,000 pounds of lobster in the shell and thousands more pounds of cooked and selected lobster flesh for rolls served.

9. Visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum

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Another museum on the list, this museum features the United States' greatest collection of antiques linked to lighthouses, lifesaving, and the United States Coast Guard. The Maine Lighthouse Museum is located at One Park Drive on the waterfront in historic downtown Rockland, overlooking the stunning Rockland Breakwater and Penobscot Bay.

As said earlier, this certainly won't be the first museum you will see, but it is rather unusual and intriguing, and it is definitely worth visiting in conjunction with your visit to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.

Moreover, this is also an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of lighthouses, lifesaving, and the Coast Guard.

10. Relax At Barrett's Cove Public Beach

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If you're considering a trip to Rockland, Maine, you probably want to explore a few neighboring Camden attractions. If you want a beach with a fantastic view but not many people, Barrett's Cove on Megunticook Lake in Camden is another must-see site since it is one of Camden's most isolated and picturesque beaches.

Barrett's Cove Beach is seldom crowded, which is astonishing given Camden's traditionally large visitor flow.

This lakeside beach offers breathtaking views of the high cliffs that rise from the sea and form the Western side of Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park. This little beach is owned by the town, available to the public, and provides accessible parking.

11. Go To The Historic Site - Fort Knox

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Fort Knox State Historic Site is a must visit site while in Rockland. It is the biggest historic fort and the most popular historic site in Maine. People may be surprised to know that, despite its long and rich history, it has never been involved in any fight.

The construction lasted from 1844 to 1864 and cost more than one million dollars, but it was never completed. It is Maine's earliest granite fort and New England's most outstanding unaltered example of military construction from that time.

This Historic Site should be a must-see for anybody visiting Rockland since it features unique and wonderfully crafted buildings, as well as a thorough understanding of New England military history and construction.

12. For Stunning Views Visit Maiden's Cliff

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Maiden's Cliff offers breathtaking views of Megunticook Lake and the surrounding woodlands and landscape. The white crucifix on top of the 800-foot cliff is the first thing that stands out.

The route to the summit is a mile long, with the first half being a steep climb and the later section being a more level-ground trail. It is quite popular with both visitors and residents. Typically, it takes about an hour to trek this path to the edge.

It is a memorial to Elenora French, an 11-year-old girl who died on May 7, 1864, after falling down the cliff. Elenora was climbing the cliff with her sister, friends, and teacher when she fell 300 ft due to a rash gust of wind.

13. Tour Owls Head Transportation Museum

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Owls Head is located just a few miles south of Rockland. Owls Head Transportation Museum, located in this little hamlet, is an incredible and one-of-a-kind attraction for visitors of all ages. This museum features 200+ historic airplanes, motorbikes, bicycles, and vehicles.

Some of these transportation items date back as far as the early nineteenth century. If you instantly envision a stuffy, cramped museum where you must be an antique specialist, think otherwise. People and children may easily move through the museum and enjoy the exhibits because of its unusual design, which resembles an aircraft hanger.

Walking around this museum reminds you of the significance of technical innovation and the incredible journey that transportation has made over the years to get us where we are now.

14. Visit Camden and Camden Harbor

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While there are plenty of things to do in Rockland during your stay, you should make time to visit and explore Camden, Maine. Camden, located just 8-miles away and up the road from Rockland, is recognized as the Jewel of the Maine Coast.

Camden is what comes to mind when you think of a little New England seaside village. Camden is a tiny seaside town with a lively harbor and community, particularly during the summer months.

Camden now is an eclectic mix of modern boutiques and restaurants, yet it has the 19th-century building appearance and feel that distinguishes it. Many visitors like visiting Camden for the day and seeing the downtown area, with shopping being a high priority.

15. Schooner Eastwind Sunset Sail to see the Maine Coastline

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The Schooner Eastwind offers an exceptional chance to view the picturesque Maine coastline at sunset. This traditional two-masted schooner allows visitors to cruise past the rocky cliffs, lighthouses, and tiny seaside settlements that define the region's nautical heritage.

With a B.Y.O.B policy, an onboard bathroom, and prizes included in the ticket fee, the cruise offers an easygoing and personalized experience. As the sun sets below the horizon, travelers may unwind and take in the breathtaking coastal landscape, leaving them keen to know more about this intimate glimpse into Maine's naval history.

16. Explore Project Puffin Visitor Center

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The Project Puffin Visitor Center honors Project Puffin's accomplishment in reintroducing puffins and other rare Maine seabirds to historic breeding sites. The public may watch puffins and other seabirds in real time thanks to a fantastic video system that sends live footage to the Center.

If time allows, guests can see a 20-minute documentary video that explains the successes and problems faced by Audubon and its conservation partners in restoring and protecting seabirds on Maine islands.

Exhibits like a puffin burrow and a copy of an observation "hide" allow children to learn about the project's effectiveness.

17. Go To Jess's Market For Fresh Sea Food

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Jess's Market is a Midcoast Maine seafood, lobster, and shellfish destination that offers the freshest and most diverse selection available. They are a second-generation family business that began operations in 1986. Their display case is filled with fascinating products from both close and far.

Along with the wonders of the sea, they provide a large range of quality wines, local microbrews, foraged foods, and grocery items to complement your entree. They can ship or pack your order for travel for up to 24 hours. So, don't forget to visit Jess's Market while you are in Rockland.

18. See Arts In Blue Raven Gallery

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Blue Raven Gallery showcases finely crafted modern art by a broad range of experienced artists. They value creative work, convey the artist's distinct voice, and interest the spectator intellectually, emotionally, and visually.

Blue Raven Gallery curates a range of excellent photographers, painters, and sculptors who are distinctive and unique, linking their clients' vision to the art they desire. If you love arts, then you now know where you need to visit.

19. Hang Out At Buoy Park

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Strolling out in this park is a lovely escape and is ideal for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in nature and breathe fresh and clean air. The park is nicely designed, with a lot of space for leisurely walks and peaceful reflection.

The park's specialty is its proximity to the ocean, which provides outstanding views of the coast. The pleasant sound of waves lapping on the coast provides a relaxing atmosphere, making it ideal for a quiet picnic or a good book.

20. Get Entertained At The Strand Theatre

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The Strand Theatre in Rockland, Maine, has been entertaining audiences since 1923 and is proud of its location in the town center. For many years, the theater was the center of entertainment, enduring both the Great Depression and the development of television.

Additionally, it's the ideal location for special occasions. These include the Maine Jewish Film Festival, the Camden International Film Festival, and sporadic retrospectives or legendary films. Satellite simulcasts of live HD performances from the Bolshoi Ballet, the National Theatre of London, and the Metropolitan Opera also adorn the big screen.