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Explore the Maine Art Museum Trail: 9 Must-See Museums, 350 Scenic Miles & 80,000 Works of Art

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • 1 day ago
  • 4 min read

A couple viewing art at one of the museums on the Maine Art Museum Trail

Discover the Maine Art Museum Trail: A Scenic Journey Through Art and Inspiration

If you're an art lover looking for your next cultural adventure, the Maine Art Museum Trail is the perfect experience. Spanning the stunning coastline and charming towns of Maine, this curated trail features nine world-class art museums, more than 80,000 works of art, a 350-mile scenic route, and infinite possibilities for discovery and inspiration. Follow the trail that has the best views in Maine!


From Indigenous heritage to modern marvels, the Maine Art Museum Trail offers something for everyone—whether you're into American classics, contemporary installations, or the timeless beauty of coastal life. Each museum holds a unique lens into Maine's rich artistic legacy and its role in shaping the broader art world.


The Nine Stops Along the Maine Art Museum Trail


1. Abbe Museum – Bar Harbor

Dedicated to the history and art of Maine’s Wabanaki Nations, the Abbe Museum is Maine's only Smithsonian Affiliate. This seasonal museum offers powerful exhibits on Indigenous culture, contemporary Wabanaki art, and Maine's earliest stories.

Phone: (207) 288-3519


2. Bates College Museum of Art – Lewiston

Located on the campus of Bates College, this teaching museum explores global art with a strong emphasis on Maine artists and modern/contemporary pieces. Home to the Marsden Hartley Memorial Collection, it’s a must-see.

Phone: (207) 786-6158


3. Bowdoin College Museum of Art – Brunswick

Boasting over 25,000 objects from more than 5,000 years of history, this museum is a cornerstone of American college art collections. It's free to the public and offers everything from classical antiquities to modern installations.

Phone: (207) 725-3275


4. Colby College Museum of Art – Waterville

With five wings and nearly 10,000 works, this museum is known for its expansive collection of American and contemporary art. It’s also home to significant rotating exhibitions and installations.

Phone: (207) 859-5600


5. Farnsworth Art Museum – Rockland

Celebrating Maine’s contributions to American art, the Farnsworth houses over 15,000 works, including a prominent collection by the Wyeth family. Explore Maine’s coastal influence through the eyes of celebrated painters.

Phone: (207) 596-6457


6. Monhegan Museum of Art & History – Monhegan Island

Accessible by boat, this seasonal museum chronicles the 150+ year legacy of artists who have painted on Monhegan Island. With more than 1,300 works, it's a pilgrimage site for fans of Maine's artistic heritage.

Phone: (207) 596-7003


7. Ogunquit Museum of American Art – Ogunquit

Surrounded by sculpture gardens and ocean views, this museum focuses on early 20th-century American art and the Ogunquit art colony. It offers rotating exhibits and a stunning backdrop for art lovers.

Phone: (207) 646-4909


8. Portland Museum of Art – Portland

A vibrant institution in the heart of Maine’s largest city, the Portland Museum of Art houses iconic works from Winslow Homer, contemporary giants, and traveling exhibitions of national acclaim.

Phone: (207) 775-6148


9. Zillman Art Museum – Bangor

Part of the University of Maine system, Zillman Art Museum specializes in modern and contemporary art. Its dynamic exhibits and innovative programming make it a hub of creativity in northern Maine.

Phone: (207) 581-3300


Plan Your Artistic Road Trip

Each stop on the Maine Art Museum Trail is surrounded by cozy inns, boutique shopping, coastal eateries, and natural wonders. Whether you choose to visit one or all nine, you’re in for a scenic and cultural experience. Many travelers make a multi-day road trip out of the trail, with art, history, and local flavor along the way.


Extend your journey by visiting the Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockland (www.cmcanow.org) or exploring local art galleries in quaint seaside towns.


Why Choose the Maine Art Museum Trail?

  • Diverse Art Collections – From Native American heritage to bold contemporary art

  • Scenic Travel – Drive through historic villages, coastal highways, and vibrant cities

  • Year-Round Access – Many museums are open year-round with seasonal highlights

  • Educational Value – Great for families, students, and lifelong learners

  • 80,000 Works of Art – Across 350 scenic miles of Maine


Whether you're snapping a photo of Wyeth’s brushwork or admiring a modern sculpture with the ocean as your backdrop, the Maine Art Museum Trail is a journey through creativity and Maine’s soul.


For a full map and additional resources, visit the official website: www.maineartmuseumtrail.org


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, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!


Looking at a moose at the top of Mt Kineo from Moose River










If you're an art lover looking for your next cultural adventure, the Maine Art Museum Trail is the perfect experience.

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