11 Historic Maine Towns With Stunning Architecture You Must Visit
- Gerry Caron
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
11 Historic Maine Towns With Stunning Architecture You Must Visit
Maine is more than just rugged coastlines, moose safaris, and epic hikes — it’s a living museum of American architecture and New England history. Across the state, from coastal villages to inland hamlets, towns are packed with historic homes, churches, forts, and public buildings that reflect centuries of style, survival, and reinvention for the historic Maine towns,
Whether you're a fan of Federal, Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, Georgian, or Colonial architecture — or you're just looking to slow down and soak in Maine's character — this guide highlights 11 towns where history and design come to life.
🧱 Maine’s Fiery History Redefined Architecture
Peeling back the layers of history, many of Maine’s most beautiful buildings are born from ashes — literally. Across the state, disaster sparked design innovation, and what rose from the rubble became more ornate, more intentional, and more inspiring.
🔥 Portland, for instance, has burned down four times — the worst blaze during the Great Fire of 1866. That’s why a phoenix rising from ashes appears on the city’s seal. Walk around Portland today and you’ll find striking brickwork and stone structures intentionally designed to resist fire.
🔥 Bangor, once one of the world’s busiest lumber ports, was nearly obliterated in 1911. The blaze, called “Hell’s Half Acre,” destroyed nearly 300 buildings, reshaping the downtown area and paving the way for stately stone and brick replacements still visible today.
🔥 In 1947, one of the worst fire seasons in Maine’s history consumed more than 200,000 acres.
Bar Harbor’s famed Millionaire’s Row — lined with lavish Gilded Age mansions — was decimated.
The forests of Acadia National Park were also heavily damaged. Nature rebounded, but the landscape changed: where pine once dominated, birch and aspen now thrive.
When you stroll through these historic towns, remember: you’re not just admiring architecture — you’re witnessing resilience. These are communities that rebuilt with pride, purpose, and a love for craftsmanship.
🏛️ 1. Portland, Maine
From cobblestone Old Port streets to high Victorian churches and public buildings, Portland’s fiery past forged its distinct character.
Tate House Museum (1755) and Wadsworth-Longfellow House (1785) highlight pre-Revolutionary design.
Old Port District offers red-brick charm and maritime elegance.
Fort Gorges, built in the 1800s, is only accessible by kayak and stands as a granite sentinel in Casco Bay.
🏘️ 2. Bangor, Maine
The 1911 fire reshaped this lumber town into a hub of modern stonework and civic design.
Stephen King’s Gothic mansion and the Thomas Hill Standpipe reveal Bangor’s artistic and architectural spirit.
Visit “Devil’s Half Acre” for a colorful walking tour of the rebuilt red-light district.
🛥️ 3. Kennebunk & Kennebunkport
Known for shipbuilding prosperity and gorgeous seaside estates.
See the Gothic Wedding Cake House, and stroll Summer Street’s sea captain mansions.
Visit St. Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery, set on 66 acres of riverfront gardens.
🌲 4. Camden, Maine
Camden’s rocky coast and rolling hills cradle architectural elegance.
The Norumbega Inn, a Victorian castle, is now a luxury retreat.
The Camden Public Library anchors the downtown, surrounded by preserved homes and harbor views.
🇫🇷 5. Van Buren, Maine
In Aroostook County, Acadian culture thrives.
Tour the Acadian Village, a preserved 19th-century Francophone settlement.
Nearby Madawaska hosts the Acadian Festival every summer.
🎓 6. Brunswick, Maine
Home to Bowdoin College, this riverside town offers Federal and Gothic Revival charm.
Visit Pejepscot Historical Society Museums, and stroll among 18th-century homes.
✨ 7. New Gloucester, Maine
The last active Shaker Village in the world is here.
Tour working farm buildings, the Shaker Museum, and attend seasonal fairs.
Historic district includes town hall, original homes, and preserved meetinghouses.
⚖️ 8. Augusta, Maine
Capital city with deep roots in colonial trade and government.
Explore Old Fort Western (1754) and the grand Old Post Office (1890).
Take a self-guided Museum in the Streets Tour to see 30+ historic buildings.
🏰 9. Bucksport, Maine
A town where folklore meets fortress walls.
Walk through Fort Knox, a massive granite structure guarding the Penobscot River.
Visit Bucksport Public Library and look for the eerie bootprint gravestone in the village cemetery.
⚓ 10. Kittery, Maine
Maine’s oldest town, packed with maritime military history.
The restored Wood Island Life Saving Station is now a seasonal museum.
Nearby forts McClary and Foster offer panoramic views of lighthouses and the Atlantic.
🫐 11. Cherryfield, Maine
This quiet Washington County town boasts ornate Victorian homes in its well-preserved historic district.
Explore over 50 homes in Queen Anne, Italianate, and Gothic Revival styles — especially radiant in fall foliage.
🧭 Planning Tips
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for historic walking tours, open museums, and colorful landscapes.
🚘 Getting Around: Use scenic Route 1 or Route 2 to string together several towns in one road trip.
🛏️ Lodging: Many historic towns offer B&Bs in restored homes — a stay within history itself.
Plan Your Maine Adventure Today
Combine the thrill of whitewater rafting with the charm of historic towns for an unforgettable Maine experience. Whether you're navigating rapids or strolling through centuries-old streets, Maine offers the perfect blend of excitement and history.
:🖥️ Visit Maine
📞 Tourism info at individual town links above.
What to Do in Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond
Want more information? Check out our Moosehead News for the latest updates on seasonal events, local news, and detailed guides to make the most of your visit to the Moosehead Lake region.
ATV/Snowmobile:: Explore thousands of miles of pristine wilderness.
Boating/Canoeing/Kayaking: Explore the lake's serene waters.
Camping/Swimming: Find the best campsites for a wilderness retreat.
Fishing/Hunting: Discover prime fishing spots.
Hiking/Biking: Explore the wilderness.
Skiing/Sledding/Snowboarding/Snowshoeing: Miles of cross-country ski trails for those seeking a quieter adventure. Ski and snowboard rentals, plus lessons for beginners.
Local Attractions/Sightseeing: Learn about must-see sights in the region.
Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.
Perfect Accommodation for Your Visit
Look no further for the perfect accommodation during your visit to the Monson, Shirley, Greenville, Rockwood, and Jackman areas of Maine. Moose River Lookout offers an idyllic retreat nestled along the serene Moose River at the base of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in Rockwood.
Ultimate Outdoor Getaway
With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.
Book Your Stay
Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a vacation home rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
Whether you're a fan of Federal, Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, Georgian, or Colonial architecture — or you're just looking to slow down and soak in Maine's character — this guide highlights 11 towns where history and design come to life.
