9 Eclectic Small Towns In Maine
Maine is famous for its rocky coastline and fresh lobster, but there’s much more to see beyond the usual tourist spots. Scattered across the state are small towns, each with its own mix of history, scenic landscapes, and local businesses. These towns give a real sense of Maine’s character, away from the busy tourist areas. For example, Brunswick is where Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin, while Windham played a major role in shipbuilding during the 18th and 19th centuries. Gorham, home to the University of Southern Maine, has a rich architectural history, and York, one of the oldest towns in the state, still has colonial-era buildings that date back to the 1600s.
The word "eclectic" means a mix of different styles, ideas, or influences, and that’s exactly what these towns represent. Maine itself has a long and diverse history, from Native American settlements to early European colonies. It was originally part of Massachusetts before becoming its own state in 1820. Many of Maine’s small towns grew around industries like shipbuilding, fishing, and lumber. Over time, they developed their own unique character while preserving their history. Exploring these places means stepping into a past shaped by hardworking communities, stunning natural landscapes, and a deep connection to the sea and land! With that, here are some of the most eclectic small towns in Maine.
Brunswick
The area that is now Brunswick was first called "Pejepscot" for over a century before its official incorporation in 1739 when Maine was still part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. One of the town’s most well-known features is Maine Street, a bustling area lined with shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks. Brunswick is home to the Bowdoin College Museum of Art which exhibits ancient artifacts and modern masterpieces.
The Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum showcases exhibits on Arctic exploration. The Harriet Beecher Stowe House, which inspired the novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, is a notable historic site connected to the college. For those interested in local history, the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum honors the Civil War general and former Maine governor, while the Skolfield-Whittier House provides a look into 19th-century Brunswick through a beautifully preserved Victorian home.
The Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum highlights the town’s military history, featuring artifacts from the former Brunswick Naval Air Station. Outdoor lovers can check out the Labyrinth in the Woods or visit Swinging Bridge Park, which has a historic suspension bridge with great river views.
Windham
Windham was first settled by farmers in the mid-1700s, and agriculture remained the main way of life for much of its history. Over time, industrial growth, wars, and social changes shaped Windham into what it is today—a mostly residential town with a busy commercial center.
For fun, Seacoast Adventure has go-karts and mini-golf, while Smitty's Cinema combines movies with a full dine-in experience. If you prefer the outdoors, Dundee Park is a quiet lakeside spot for swimming and picnicking. Babb’s Covered Bridge, a historic wooden structure, adds a touch of old-world charm.
Hikers and nature lovers have plenty of options, including Lowell Preserve Trailhead, Gambo Preserve, and Black Brook Preserve. Nearby, Cummings Preserve Trailhead and Shaw Park offer more trails, and the Sebago Lake Scenic Overlook provides a beautiful view of the water.
Gorham
Gorham was incorporated in 1764 and later expanded by annexing land from Standish in 1831 and 1839 and from Scarborough in 1864. The town’s good soil supported farming, while its rivers powered mills, making Gorham an early manufacturing hub with Portland as a key market. Visitors can check out the Baxter House Museum, a preserved 18th-century home, which tells the story of the town’s past. The Baxter Memorial Library, named after Governor Percival Baxter’s family, has been an important part of the community for generations.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Shaw Park sits along the Pleasant River and is great for kayaking, hiking, and picnicking. Tourists can also visit Babbs Covered Bridge, which was originally built in 1840, and is a historic landmark. Vandals burned the original bridge in 1973, but the town rebuilt it exactly as it was, using locally milled lumber. Just outside Gorham, the Fore River Sanctuary offers peaceful hiking trails and wildlife sightings.
York
Before it was called York, the Abenaki people named the area Agamenticus after the York River. When English settlers arrived, they first renamed it Bristol. By the time it was officially incorporated in 1652, the name had changed again to York. The town has a mix of small shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Stonewall Kitchen is a well-known store where you can find gourmet jams and other specialty foods.
Wiggly Bridge Distillery makes small-batch spirits and has a unique backstory. The Old York Historical Society runs several preserved buildings, including the Elizabeth Perkins House and the Sayward Wheeler House, which show what life was like in the past. York is also known for its scenic spots.
Nubble Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine, standing on a rocky island just off the shore. Long Sands Beach is a popular spot for walking, sunbathing, and surfing. Wiggly Bridge, a small suspension bridge, leads to a quiet nature area. If you like hiking, Mount Agamenticus has trails that lead to great views of the coastline.
Falmouth
The story of Falmouth goes back thousands of years. Long before European explorers arrived, Native Americans lived along Casco Bay. About 12,000 years ago, Paleo-Indians followed big game into this region as glaciers melted. Falmouth was officially incorporated in 1718, but its history stretches far beyond that.
For outdoor activities, Mackworth Island has a scenic loop trail with stunning ocean views. Gilsland Farm Audubon Center is great for birdwatching and peaceful walks. Presumpscot Falls Park and the nearby Presumpscot River Preserve are great spots for hiking and enjoying the river’s beauty. The Martin Point Bridge in Portland provides more scenic waterfront views, and Yarmouth History Center, which is located in Yarmouth offers insight into the region’s past.
Kennebunk
Possibly referring to Great Hill at the mouth of the Mousam River, Kennebunk means “long cut bank.” The town was settled in 1621 and started as a farming and shipbuilding community. The town’s coastline features Gooch's Beach, Middle Beach, and Mother's Beach. These beaches are great for walking, enjoying the waves, or relaxing by the shore.
A sidewalk connects the beaches along Beach Avenue, making them popular with walkers and joggers. Historic homes line Summer Street, including the famous Wedding Cake House, known for its unique Gothic-style architecture. The Brick Store Museum showcases the town’s history, and the Kennebunk Free Library is a well-loved spot for locals.
For those who enjoy nature, the Mousam River Wildlife Sanctuary has walking trails with great views of the river and local wildlife. Kennebunk’s town center has a mix of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. For example, the Wallingford Farm sells fresh produce, flowers, and gifts in a historic setting. The town’s old railroad station, Kennebunk Railroad Depot, is another reminder of its past.
Wells
Wells was named after Wells, a cathedral city in Somerset, England. The town stretches along the Atlantic Ocean, with sandy beaches and rocky cliffs forming a scenic shoreline from Drakes Island to Moody. Wells Beach is a popular spot with soft sand, tidal pools, and ocean views. Drakes Island is another beautiful coastal area, perfect for walking or relaxing by the water. The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge protects salt marshes and forests, providing a peaceful place for birdwatching and hiking.
The Wells Reserve at Laudholm has miles of trails that take visitors through fields, forests, and estuaries. For history lovers, the Historical Society of Wells and Ogunquit shares stories of the area's past, while the Johnson Hall Museum holds a collection of antique vehicles, tools, and other artifacts. Chase Farms, though temporarily closed, is a well-known family farm that has been a local favorite for fresh produce and dairy products.
Kittery
Kittery, Maine, is the oldest town in the state, incorporated in 1647. It originally had three parishes: Lower (Kittery), Middle (Eliot) until 1810, and Upper (Berwick) until 1713. The Kittery Trading Post is a huge store for outdoor gear and clothing. Tributary Brewing Co. is a popular spot for craft beer lovers. The town is also home to the Kittery Historical & Naval Museum, which displays artifacts from its long maritime past.
The John Paul Jones Historic Site honors the famous naval commander, while the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge connects Kittery to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. For history and nature lovers, Fort McClary State Historic Site has a 19th-century fort with scenic views. Seapoint Beach is a quiet, rocky shoreline perfect for a peaceful walk. Nearby, the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and Albacore Park, which features a retired navy submarine, add to the area's rich history and coastal charm.
Cumberland
Cumberland became its own town in March 1821, a year after Maine became a state. Before that, it was part of North Yarmouth. It was mostly an agricultural community with dairy farms, apple orchards, and greenhouses. Because the town faces Casco Bay, anything related to ships played an important role in its history.
Visitors can check out Skillins Greenhouses, a well-known family-run garden center. The Prince Memorial Library serves as a community hub for residents. The Cumberland Fairgrounds host the annual Cumberland County Fair, which started in 1868 and still runs in the last week of September. For outdoor activities, Twin Brook Recreation Area has trails for hiking and spots for picnicking.
Broad Cove Reserve provides access to the water with scenic views. Nearby, Royal River Park has walking paths along the river. Skyline Farm, which is located in North Yarmouth, features historic carriages and open land for visitors to explore. The Bickford Collection Truck Museum, also located in Yarmouth, showcases vintage trucks and transportation history. The Beth Condon Memorial Butterfly Garden in Yarmouth is another spot dedicated to preserving butterflies and native plants.
Maine’s small towns each have their own history, local businesses, and natural beauty. Some have deep ties to shipbuilding and farming, while others are known for their colleges, historic homes, or scenic coastal spots. These places have changed over time but still hold onto their past in different ways. Whether it’s a historic bridge, an old lighthouse, or a community fair that has lasted for over a century, each town has something unique.
