Fun Facts About Maine, The Pine Tree State

Maine didn’t earn the nickname “Vacationland” by accident. With its fresh air, abundant nature, and relaxed pace, it attracts nearly 25 million visitors each year. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or planning your tenth trip, there are countless reasons people fall in love with the Pine Tree State.

What Food Is Maine Known For?

Maine is most famous for lobster. The state produces about 40 million pounds of lobster annually, accounting for nearly 90% of the national supply. With around 4,500 active lobstermen, lobster fishing remains a vital part of the local economy.

Maine restaurants serve lobster in every form imaginable, from steamed whole lobster to lobster mac and cheese and lobster Benedict. For the freshest and most flavorful experience, eating lobster in Maine is a must.

In addition to lobster, Maine is also known for its wild blueberries. The state produces 99% of the wild blueberries grown in the United States, more than anywhere else on Earth. Maine blueberries are enjoyed in pancakes, pies, and other local specialties. Blueberry pie is the official state dessert.

What Is the Geography of Maine Like?

Maine has 3,478 miles of coastline, making it the fourth longest in the U.S. when including inlets and islands. The general, uninterrupted coastline measures 228 miles.

Maine is also home to more than 4,600 offshore islands, although only 15 have year-round populations. Vinalhaven, located about 12 miles off the coast of Rockland, is the most populous with 1,269 residents.

The state contains over 6,000 lakes and ponds, with Moosehead Lake being the largest at over 75,000 acres. Staples Pond is one of the smallest at just 56 acres.

Maine also has more than 32,000 miles of rivers and streams, including the St. John River, which flows for 418 miles and forms part of the border with Canada. The Kennebec River is a favorite for whitewater rafting, while the Saco River is ideal for tubing.

Maine’s highest mountain is Mount Katahdin, located in Baxter State Park. It rises to an elevation of 5,268 feet and marks the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Katahdin hikes typically take 8 to 12 hours round trip and require advance parking reservations.

How Big Is Maine?

Maine covers more than 33,200 square miles, making it the largest state in New England and almost as big as the other five New England states combined. Aroostook County alone spans 6,453 square miles, larger than Connecticut and Rhode Island combined.

Maine shares a border with only one other U.S. state – New Hampshire – but also borders the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec.

What Kind of Climate Does Maine Have?

Maine has cold winters and mild summers. Average winter temperatures range from 15 degrees Fahrenheit in the north to 25 degrees along the coast.

Summer temperatures average around 70 degrees, making it an ideal destination for those who dislike hot, humid conditions. The state’s winter weather is perfect for snowmobiling, ice fishing, and skiing, while its cool summers are ideal for hiking, boating, and other outdoor activities.

What Are Maine’s Most Popular Natural Attractions?

Acadia National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country, drawing more than 2 million visitors annually. Located along the coast, it was the first national park established east of the Mississippi River. Acadia features carriage roads and stone bridges funded by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., who donated 51 miles of trails and helped preserve the land.

In addition to Acadia, Maine contains more than 500,000 acres of state and national parks. White Mountain National Forest also extends into the state and welcomes over 6 million visitors each year.

What Are Some Unique Maine Landmarks?

Maine is home to 65 lighthouses, many of which are open for tours. West Quoddy Head Light, with its red-and-white candy-striped tower, is the easternmost point in the United States and the first place to see the sunrise.

Mount Desert Island contains a naturally formed desert that has become a family-friendly attraction. Though often confused with a true desert, the area features unique sandy terrain shaped by glacial activity.

The first naval battle of the American Revolution took place off the coast of Machias, Maine, in 1775. Locals attacked and captured the British ship HMS Margaretta using homemade weapons and small boats.

What Is the History of Maine?

Maine became the 23rd state in the Union on March 15, 1820, as part of the Missouri Compromise. Before that, it was part of Massachusetts. Portland served as the state’s first capital before it was moved to Augusta in 1832 for a more central location.

York, Maine, was the first chartered city in America in 1641. Originally named Agamenticus, it became known as York after joining the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Some historians believe that Vikings may have discovered parts of Maine around 1,000 years ago. A coin from the reign of Olaf the Peaceful (1065–1093) was found in the state, raising questions about how it got there.

What Wildlife and Nature Can You See in Maine?

Maine is home to more than 76,000 moose, second only to Alaska. Moose sightings are common in northern regions, especially along Route 161 from Caribou to Fort Kent.

The Maine coon cat, the official state cat, is known for its large size and friendly demeanor. Males can weigh up to 18 pounds and are often described as dog-like in behavior.

The state bird is the black-capped chickadee, which is also the state bird of Massachusetts. Maine’s state insect is the honeybee, although locals might argue that mosquitoes and black flies deserve honorary mention due to their abundance.

What Are the Cultural Highlights of Maine?

Maine has a strong French Canadian heritage, with the highest percentage of French Canadian descendants in the United States. Immigrants arrived in two waves: first from Acadia in the 18th century, and later to work in the state’s post–Civil War mills.

Portland is the birthplace of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Bangor was the longtime home of author Stephen King, who now spends summers at his lake house in Center Lovell. Nelson Rockefeller, former U.S. Vice President, was born in Bar Harbor. Former President George H. W. Bush and his family spent their summers in Kennebunkport, where they still own the Walker’s Point compound.

What Are Some Fun and Unusual Facts About Maine?

Maine is the only state in the U.S. with a one-syllable name. It’s also the only state that borders just one other state. The state population is 1.3 million, with a density of 43.1 people per square mile, making it the least densely populated state east of the Mississippi.

Freeport is the home of the L.L. Bean company, founded in 1912. Its flagship store operated 24 hours a day for decades and was one of the first to manufacture outdoor gear like the signature hunting boot.

Strong, Maine, was once the Toothpick Capital of the World, producing 7 billion toothpicks annually until operations ceased in 2003. Maine is also rich in gems such as tourmaline, amethyst, and quartz. The state once had significant zinc and copper mines, though none are currently active.

Monhegan Brewing Company and more than 100 other breweries, along with over two dozen wineries, contribute to Maine’s growing craft beverage scene. Visitors can follow the Maine Beer Trail or Maine Wine Trail to sample local offerings and even earn rewards for participating.

What Is the Government Structure of Maine?

Maine is divided into 16 counties, 22 cities, 435 towns, 33 plantations, and 424 townships.

The state is also home to four federally recognized tribes: the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Maliseet, and Mi’kmaq. These Indigenous nations are collectively known as the Wabanaki, or “People of the Dawnland.”

There are three federally designated tribal territories: the Passamaquoddy Indian Township Reservation, the Passamaquoddy Pleasant Point Reservation, and the Penobscot Indian Island Reservation.

What are Some Iconic Vacation Destinations in Maine?

Old Orchard Beach has been home to Palace Playland since 1902, a five-acre amusement park with 28 rides and the state’s largest arcade.

Funtown Splashtown in Saco is home to Excalibur, Maine’s only wooden roller coaster, which opened in 1998 and remains the tallest and largest coaster in Northern New England.

Eastport is the easternmost city in the United States and the first place in the country to see the sunrise. Located on Moose Island, Eastport is also one of the smallest cities in Maine by population, with just 1,288 residents as of the 2020 census.

Ready to Explore Maine?

Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, spectacular natural beauty, or peaceful small towns, Maine offers something for every kind of traveler. From Acadia National Park to hidden lakeside trails and iconic lighthouses, the Pine Tree State invites you to slow down and discover life the way it should be.