Spring Things to Do in Maine
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30 BEST Spring Things to Do in Maine This Year

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Do you want to enjoy everything that spring in Maine has to offer? There is a litany of spring things to do in Maine for everyone to enjoy, but you need to plan accordingly if you want to see it all.

What are some of the top activities to do in Maine in the spring? Learn more below, and start planning your next trip!

Horseback Riding-Popham Beach
Horseback Riding | photo via themaineequestrian

Go Horseback Riding on the Beach

Without a doubt, going horseback riding on the beach is one of the most popular outdoor spring things to do in Maine. There are plenty of small farms along the coast, and lots of them would be more than happy to let you rent one of their horses for a few hours.

Then, ride the horse out to the beach, enjoy the rocks and sand, and consider having a picnic lunch as well. Remember that not every beach will allow horseback riding during the spring season, so take a look at the local regulations.

For example, Parson’s Beach and Popham Beach will only allow you to ride horses from October to March, so you will have to time your horseback riding accordingly.

Owls Head Transportation Museum-Owls Head
Owls Head Transportation Museum | photo via 66porsche912

Check Out the Auto Show at the Owl’s Head Transportation Museum

Of course, Maine has a tremendous amount of history, and if you love old cars, you will definitely want to check out the annual spring festival at the Owl’s Head Transportation Museum. An exceptional auto show takes place here every spring, and it features a variety of vehicles that are more than 20 years old.

No, you probably won’t be able to drive any of these old vehicles, but it takes place during the last weekend in May. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of the beautiful weather, learn more about some classic cars, and enjoy some delicious food and beverages.

Some of the local Penobscot Bay breweries and wineries may show up to provide drinks, so consider adding the Owl’s Head Transportation Museum to your list of fun spring activities.

Maine Maple Sunday Weekend

One of the most popular activities in Maine during the spring is hosted by the Maine Maple Producers Association. Maine Maple Sunday Weekend is a great opportunity to explore some of the most popular sugarhouses in Maine and try a few samples. You will even have an opportunity to tour the sugarbush.

This iconic event is full of delicious food, live music, and fun games. It is a great festival for people of all ages, so make sure that you add it to your list of activities to do in Maine during the spring.

Enjoy the Reggae Festival at Sugarloaf

Even though a lot of people think about Sugarloaf when it comes to winter activities, such as skiing and snowboarding, a fun festival takes place during the spring. If you love reggae music, the Reggae Festival is the perfect place to go.

This festival has been happening for decades, and you can enjoy some tropical music and a party like you are in the Caribbean even though you are still relaxing at Sugarloaf mountain in Maine.

Watch the Meduxnekeag River Canoe Kayak Race

Regardless of whether or not you like to race on the river, you will definitely want to catch the Meduxnekeag River Canoe Kayak Race near Riverfront Park in Houlton Maine.

The race goes on for about 9 miles, and it is always a heated competition. Grab a drink, roll out a blanket, enjoy your lunch, and watch some of the most talented river racers in the local area compete.

Kenduskeag Canoe Race-
Kenduskeag Canoe Race | photo via eddie.oleary

Check Out the Kenduskeag Canoe Race

There are plenty of canoe races in the local area, and another one you may want to check out is the Kenduskeag Canoe Race. The water is still freezing cold, but that isn’t going to stop some brave people from trying to canoe for more than 16 miles.

The entire purpose is to get some bragging rights. So if you want to watch some brave (and slightly crazy) people race on the river in costumes, check out the Kenduskeag Canoe Race. It is hosted by the Bangor Dept. of Parks & Recreation, and it starts in Kenduskeag Maine.

Rockland Breakwater
Rockland Breakwater | photo via karl.ramsdell

Visit the Lighthouses in Maine

When the weather begins to warm up outside, this is the perfect opportunity for you to spend more time outdoors before the summer crowds arrive. What better way to do so than to explore some charming Maine lighthouses?

Plenty of options are available, including the Nubble Light and Rockland Breakwater. If you are exploring Portland, then you will definitely want to check out the Portland Head Light. The museum at the base of the lighthouse will teach you more about the history of the tower. Also, there is an old military fort in a field next to the lighthouse.

If you time your visit to these coastal towns right, there might be some delicious food trucks in the parking lots serving fresh seafood. Then, you can relax in the fields, look up at the lighthouse, and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Monhegan Island
Monhegan Island | photo via cheryllmthib

Enjoy the Quiet of Monhegan Island

It is not exactly a secret that lots of people come to visit Maine during the spring. If you are looking for a way to escape the crowds, you may want to explore Monhegan Island. There are no cars or paved roads, so it is the perfect opportunity to experience nature and the serenity of quiet.

Three separate ports provide ferry rides to Monhegan Island — Port Clyde, New Harbor, and Boothbay Harbor. The ferry ride is approximately one hour, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.

Explore Acadia National Park

You can explore Acadia National Park at just about any time of year, but there is nothing quite like visiting during the spring. You may still see some snow scattered throughout the park, but the snow will have begun to thaw as well.

You can spend more time outside, go mountain biking, or even try kayaking around Mount Desert Island. If you want one of the best views in the state, you should hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain and wait for the sun to come up.

Lupine-Lubec
Lupine | photo via sharoncatalano_photos

Bask in the Lupine Fields

If you are willing to wait until late spring, you can enjoy some amazing fields of beautiful lupine flowers. They are gorgeous shades of pink, purple, and red, and they can be found all over the state.

This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the smell of fresh flowers and take some picturesque photos that you will not be able to find anywhere else. It is also a great chance to have a picnic lunch.

Buy Something at the Cornville 10 Mile Yard Sale

Are you looking to score a great deal? If so, you will definitely want to check out the Cornville 10 Mile Yard Sale. Yes, it really does go on for more than 10 miles, so you can definitely find something that you need.

Some items that are simply not sold in stores can be found at the Cornville 10 Mile Yard Sale. Even if you don’t plan on purchasing something, this is a great opportunity to watch people negotiate for eclectic items that they have been looking for for years.

And if you have something you want to get rid of, or if you are simply looking for a way to make some extra money, you may want to participate yourself. The yard sale takes place in Cornville Maine, but you may want to show up early if you want to guarantee yourself a place to park.

Enjoy Alewife Day in Bradley Maine

Toward the end of May, you can catch alewife fish race upstream. Bradley Maine is one of the best locations to watch these amazing fish. In addition to watching the mad dash upriver, there will also be plenty of festivals going on!

For example, you may want to check out the Maine Forest and Logging Museum, which usually has some impressive exhibits, delicious food, and fun games to play in celebration of Alewife Day.

Visit Moosehead Lake

Visiting Moosehead Lake is another of the popular outdoor spring things to do in Maine. The lake is located in Piscataquis County in Northwestern Maine, and it is a great opportunity to enjoy some scenic views.

For instance, you may want to try hiking Mount Kineo, or you may want to explore some of the attractions at Lily Bay State Park. This is also a chance to lay back, relax, and take a nap in the sun.

Lobster Roll-Portland Head Light
Lobster Roll | photo via someday_is_everyday

Get a Fresh Lobster Roll

Maine is inextricably tied to lobster, so if you are looking for one of the best activities to do during the spring, you need to get a fresh lobster roll. Plenty of options are available, ranging from nice restaurants to shacks on the pier and even some food trucks.

You will not go wrong with any of these options, but one of the best times to enjoy lobster in Maine is during the spring. Because lobster should be in season, the prices might be a bit lower as well!

Visit the Fore River Sanctuary

If you are looking for an endless array of picturesque views, check out the Fore River Sanctuary, which is approximately 85 acres of untouched natural marshland in Portland Maine.

It is a great opportunity to explore local wildlife, including birds, so bring a pair of binoculars. Don’t forget to wear a sturdy pair of shoes because you will be doing a fair bit of hiking.

Get Some Fresh Produce From the Portland Farmers Market

There are plenty of farmers’ markets in Maine, but one of the best ones can be found in Portland Maine. During the winter, many local markets move inside to escape the cold, making it difficult to truly see everything that is available.

During the spring, farmers’ markets come back out into the open, and the Portland Farmers Market is no different. There will be plenty of fruit, vegetables, and flowers available, so this is the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and get some fresh food.

Walk Along the Orono Bog Boardwalk

If you check out the Bangor City Forest, you will see the Orono Bog Boardwalk. This nature trail weaves through natural wetlands and towering trees, eventually making its way to the peat bog.

Spring is one of the best times of year to explore the boardwalk because you can see some of the new flowers in bloom. You might notice some bog cranberry, sheep laurel, and orchid species.

Step Falls -Newry
Step Falls | photo via jensetgo

Hike the Step Falls Trail

When the snow begins to melt in Maine, it is the perfect opportunity to explore some waterfalls. As the snow turns to water, the waterfalls have plenty of extra fuel, so you should be able to hear them from miles away.

One of the best waterfalls in Maine is along the Step Falls Trail in Newry. The hike is only about 1 mile long, and it will lead you directly to the base of the waterfall.

Gaze up at the cascades, pull out your camera, and listen to the water roll down the rocks. The waterfall is most active during the spring, so add it to your spring outdoor adventure list.

Visit Fort McClary State Historic Site at Kittery Point

Regardless of whether you love history, Kittery Point is sure to be a beautiful location during the spring. The towering trees and rolling hills create the perfect backdrop against the blue sky.

If you love history, you will want to visit Fort McClary. Many years ago, it protected the harbor in Portsmouth. But today, the fort is owned by the State of Maine and is a great historic site where people can learn more about the history of the local area.

Paint on the Sunday River Bridge

If you’re in Newry Maine, you will find the Sunday River Bridge, which is also known as Artist’s Covered Bridge because so many people love to paint the bridge and the surrounding area.

The bridge no longer supports vehicle traffic, so you can hang out on the bridge as long as you would like. While it is certainly alluring to paint during the fall, the bridge is also gorgeous to just look at during the spring when all of the trees and flowers return.

Relax at Lower Range Pond

If you are looking for a nice sandy beach where you can relax and go swimming, visit Lower Range Pond in Poland Maine. It is located near Auburn and Lewiston and is a great location for families with children.

With more than 750 acres for hiking and exploring, this is a great spring attraction, regardless of whether you want to swim in the cool water or not. The lake will definitely be warmer during the summer, but it is still a fun place to visit during the spring.

Visit the Maine Forest Yurts

If you want to explore the backwoods of Maine, one of the best opportunities to do so is at the Maine Forest Yurts.

Located in West Durham, these yurts allow you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the tall trees and sounds of nature. It is also a great opportunity to get away from the crowds that visit Maine during the spring.

Bowdoin College-Brunswick
Bowdoin College | photo via flylitely

Go for a Walk Around Bowdoin College

If you find yourself near Brunswick Maine, you may want to spend some time walking around and exploring Bowdoin College.

There are plenty of statues and monuments to famous individuals from the local area, including Joshua Chamberlain, one of the heroes of the American Civil War. During the weekends, there is a farmer’s market nearby where you can buy local products and produce.

Visit the Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory

This is one of the top attractions throughout the year, but you will have an amazing view of the area if you visit the Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory during the spring.

The bridge connects Prospect and Verona Island Maine across the river. It is more than 2,100 feet long, but the biggest attraction is the observatory where you will have a nice panoramic shot of the entire area.

Get Some Ice Cream at Round Top Ice Cream in Damariscotta

Now that the weather is starting to warm up again, you might be in the mood for some ice cream. There is plenty of delicious ice cream in Maine, but one of the best locations is Round Top Ice Cream in Damariscotta.

One of the best parts of visiting this ice cream shop is the flavored waffle cones, and you can choose from unique flavors, such as pumpkin spice, midnight vanilla, and even lavender.

Admire Flowers at the Charlotte Rhoades Park & Butterfly Garden

Spring is an endless array of colorful flowers, and you can see a lot of them if you visit the Charlotte Rhoades Park & Butterfly Garden. Located in Southwest Harbor, it has plenty of paths where you can walk around and explore all of the flowers.

If you decide to take a break, you may spot some butterflies exploring the flowers as well. There are plenty of benches to sit down and relax, so take your time viewing the flowers.

Explore the Maine Art Museum Trail

If you are in the mood for some culture, check out the Maine Art Museum Trail. This consists of nine museums, and it includes tens of thousands of works from artists such as Marsden Hartley and Winslow Homer.

The exhibits at the museums rotate from time to time, so come back occasionally to see if they have any new exhibits.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Boothbay kristinarandall 4

Visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay

Boothbay Maine is home to the largest botanical gardens in New England — the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Here, you can stroll through endless gardens that feature flowers from all over the world.

You will definitely want to gaze into the reflecting pond, which is home to some beautiful azaleas that bloom during the spring. This is a great way to get in touch with your inner self.

Check Out the Maine Jewish Film Festival

If you love movies, one of the best attractions takes place at the end of March. The Maine Jewish Film Festival showcases the works of talented local producers and directors. It typically features documentaries and short films that focus on the Jewish experience both locally and globally.

Explore More Spring Things to Do in Maine

There are plenty of fun spring things to do in Maine, so don’t hesitate to add a few of the items above to your bucket list.

Then, consider visiting Maine during the other seasons to take advantage of seasonal activities, changes in outdoor conditions, and delicious food that might not be available during other times of the year. For instance, there are lots of fall activities and winter things to do in Maine.

One Comment

  1. Ray Stahl says:

    Chocolate Festival in Freeport Maine happens every March. Doesn’t feel like spring usually

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