Maine is best known for its rugged coastline, charming small towns, and, of course, fresh lobster. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a delightfully weird side to the Pine Tree State.
LessIf you’ve ever been fascinated by Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, or other mysterious creatures, this is your spot. The International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland is dedicated to the study of hidden or undiscovered animals. Inside, you’ll find exhibits featuring a FeeJee Mermaid, footprint casts of supposed cryptids, and even preserved “droppings” from a Yeti. The museum is quirky, fun, and totally kid-friendly—plus, photography is allowed, so don’t forget to grab a selfie with Bigfoot!
A place dedicated entirely to blueberries? Yep, and it’s shaped like a giant one, too! Wild Blueberry Land is part museum, part bakery, and entirely devoted to Maine’s official state berry. Learn about the history of wild blueberries, explore conservation efforts, and then stock up on all things blueberry—syrup, coffee, vinegar, and fresh-baked treats from the on-site bakery.
A desert… in Maine? It sounds impossible, but The Desert of Maine is exactly that—20 acres of rolling sand dunes, surrounded by lush pine forests. This natural oddity formed due to over-farming in the 1800s, and today, it’s a fun, family-friendly attraction with a mini golf course, a playground, and an electric train that tours the dunes. If you want to extend your stay, there’s even a campground with cabins nearby.
Standing 31 feet tall, the Paul Bunyan Statue in Bangor is a tribute to the region’s logging history. The legendary lumberjack is said to have been born in Maine (although Minnesota might disagree). Bangor also happens to be the hometown of Stephen King, so while you’re in town, you might want to check out some eerie locations that inspired his books.
If you’re a fan of quirky roadside attractions, you’ll love The World’s Largest Telephone in Bryant Pond. This oversized replica of an old-fashioned, hand-cranked phone is a nod to the town’s history—it was the last place in the U.S. to give up manual telephone service in 1983. A fun (and slightly nostalgic) stop, especially if you want to teach your kids how people made calls before smartphones.
Maine’s quirkiest roadside attraction? Perry’s Nut House might take the crown. This classic stop in Belfast is packed with oddities—think funny mirrors, a giant stuffed gorilla, and walls lined with vintage curiosities. It’s also a great place to grab some homemade fudge, candy, or a quirky souvenir.
Ever wondered what happens to those little sleeves that come with umbrellas? Turns out, they get collected and displayed at the Umbrella Cover Museum on Peaks Island. This offbeat museum started in 1996 when founder Nancy 3. Hoffman realized she had a handful of umbrella sleeves with no real purpose—so she turned them into an exhibit. It’s a bizarre but oddly charming place to visit, and the ferry ride from Portland is a bonus.