Science and Nature
Science & Nature Centers in Maine
Enjoy a Rustic Camping and Outdoors Vacation
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.
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State & Local Parks - Gardens - Outdoor Adventures25 listings
Brunswick, ME
Thomas Point Beach
Meadow Road (off Route 24) 207-725-6009This 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.
Camden, ME
Merryspring Horticultural Nature Park
30 Conway Road 207-236-2239This 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.
Searsport, ME
Moose Point State Park
310 West Main Street - US Route 1 207-548-2882A 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.
Bar Harbor, ME
Acadia National Park
Maine Route 3 207-288-3338Nature lovers can explore tide pools and rocky shores as well as natural gardens. - Park Maps
Bar Harbor, ME
Cadillac Mountain
Off Cadillac Summit Road - Acadia National ParkThe 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.
Blue Hill, ME
Blue Hill Falls
Off ME Routes 172 & 175These 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.
Brookton to 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.
Machias, ME
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.
Pembroke, ME
Reversing Falls Park
Reversing Falls RoadA 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)
Mount Chase, ME
Shin Pond
Off NH Route 159Dotted 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.
Solon, ME
Caratunk Falls
US Route 201 at Falls RoadThese 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.
Augusta, ME
Viles Arboretum
153 Hospital Street 207-626-7989Come to this natural area to watch birds and other wildlife and enjoy thousands of native Maine plants.
Bingham, ME
Houston Brook Falls
Off Pleasant Ridge RoadScenic water falls are a treat for the eyes and ears. The trail to the falls passes through privately-owned land, so please be respectful.
The Forks, ME
Moxie Falls
Lake Moxie Road - Off US Route 201One 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.
West Paris, ME
Snow Falls Gorge
Off Route 26A 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.
Lewiston, ME
Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary
Highland Spring RoadEnvironmental 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)
Sebago, ME
Douglas Mountain Tower
98 Douglas Mountain RoadA climb to the top of this tower will afford you with exquisite views: Sebago Lake, Casco Bay and the city of Portland.
Scarborough, ME
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center
92 Pine Point Road 207-883-5100This 3,100-acre estuary offers many walking trails. Naturalist-led tours are available as well as self-guided. Canoe & kayak rentals are offered. Stop into the Maine Audubon Nature Store for a great gift. - Trail Guide (PDF)
West Boothbay Harbor, ME
Maine State Aquarium
194 McKown Point Road 207-633-9500The 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.
Freeport, ME
Desert of Maine
95 Desert Road 207-865-6962A 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.
Wells, ME
Wells National Estuarine Reserve
342 Laudholm Farm Road 207-646-1555This 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.
Gray, ME
Maine Wildlife Park
56 Game Farm Road 207-822-6460The 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
Wells, ME
Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge Trails
321 Port Road 207-646-9226Rachel 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
Brooksville, ME
Holbrook Island Sanctuary
172 Indian Bar Road 207-326-4012This is a remote natural area with lots of opportunity to explore and observe a variety of ecosystems, for from stands of hardwood trees to wildflowers to tidal pools. - Sanctuary Brochure (PDF)
Freeport, ME
Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
426 Wolfe's Neck Road 207-865-4465Sign 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)