Sailing and history are two things for which the state of Maine is known. The Maine Maritime Museum in Bath combines the two for a simply unforgettable experience! Located in “The City of Ships,” this museum provides visitors from around the world with an interesting and educational encounter. We’ve compiled the most important information about the museum below.
In addition to exploring the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, there are plenty of attractions in the Boothbay Harbor area. Travelers who love sailing and history can view old lighthouses, enjoy an evening cruise, or stay at historic Linekin Bay Resort. It can be difficult to narrow down the many options available here for history buffs and boaters. Our Boothbay Harbor Vacation Guide is a great local resource that can help. It features our best local recommendations for seafaring, shopping, dining, and much more. Sign up for free today!
What You Need to Know About the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath
About the Museum
The Maine Maritime Museum was founded in 1962. Located on a scenic 20-acre property on the banks of the Kennebec River, it encourages a public understanding of and appreciation for Maine’s thriving maritime culture. The museum is home to multiple indoor exhibits, an outdoor shipyard full of intriguing vessels, educational programs, narrated sea excursions, and more. There’s something for all ages!
What to See and Do
Inside Bath’s Maine Maritime Museum, visitors meander through air-conditioned galleries featuring exhibits and fun, hands-on activities. For those craving fresh air, the grounds surrounding the museum are just as enriching!
Exhibits and Workshops
On display inside the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath are nine permanent and two temporary exhibits. The sizes and topics of Maine Maritime Museum exhibits vary, but all teach something interesting about the state’s nautical history. Some of these include “Into the Lantern: A Lighthouse Experience,” “Lobstering and the Maine Coast,” and “Snow Squall: Last of the American Clipper Ships.” For hands-on learners, the museum also features a boat building shop. There, visitors can participate in workshops that teach traditional woodworking techniques!
The Percy & Small Shipyard
Wander outside of the Maine Maritime Museum and stroll through the country’s only surviving shipyard. This is where some of the world’s greatest wooden boats were painstakingly built in days gone by. Many of the site’s facilities have been preserved, so guests get a rare glimpse into the everyday lives of the area’s original shipbuilders. Possibly the most amazing part of the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath is the 440-foot long sculpture of the schooner Wyoming, the largest wooden vessel ever built in North America. The enormous structure’s masts extend 120 feet into the air, so it is quite a sight!
Other Activities
The Maine Maritime Museum in Bath organizes a variety of off-property water and land excursions to immerse guests in the area’s nautical culture. Maine Maritime Museum cruises and tours are great ways to get to know the area! Go on a lighthouse tour or nature cruise and see some of Maine’s most treasured landmarks, or opt for a narrated trolley tour of the historic city. Visitors can even embark on a tour of the Victorian-era Donnell House, once inhabited by one of Bath’s most prominent shipbuilding families.
Lodging Near the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath
Maine’s unique history is at the heart of Linekin Bay Resort. We date back to 1909! Since then, the resort has been a summer camp, girls’ camp, and everything in between. Today, we are proud to operate the state’s best family resort. A getaway here with loved ones is a great opportunity to unplug, explore the state’s interesting traditions, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Enjoy a day learning about larger-than-life ships at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, but be sure to come back for a good night’s rest in one of our gorgeous wooded cabins!
The complete Maine experience is discovered at Linekin Bay Resort. Browse all of our accommodations, book a trip, and become part of our story!