Maine, known for its rugged coastline and lush forests, transforms into a magical winter wonderland when snow blankets the landscape. From thrilling outdoor adventures to cozy indoor retreats, the Pine Tree State offers many activities and destinations that make winter a season to cherish.
Explore 28 must-visit places and activities showcasing Maine’s best winter charm. Many summer tourist destinations take on a quieter, more intimate atmosphere in winter, allowing visitors to experience a different side of Maine.
The state’s robust winter sports infrastructure ensures there’s always somewhere to enjoy the snow, whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a first-time skier. Extensive networks of groomed trails cater to cross-country skiers and snowmobilers, while world-class ski resorts offer challenges for downhill enthusiasts.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf reigns as one of the East Coast’s premier ski destinations. With 162 trails and glades spanning 1,240 acres, it caters to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The mountain’s unique above-treeline skiing provides an experience rarely found in the East.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park takes on a serene beauty in winter. Snow-covered trails offer excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Park Loop Road, closed to vehicles, has become a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.
Portland’s Old Port
Portland’s historic Old Port district exudes charm year-round, but winter adds a special magic. Twinkling lights reflect off snow-dusted cobblestone streets, creating a picturesque scene. Warm up in cozy cafes or browse unique shops for the perfect Maine souvenir.
Camden Snow Bowl
The Camden Snow Bowl offers a unique skiing experience with ocean views. On clear days, skiers can see the Atlantic while carving down the slopes. The town of Camden, with its quaint harbor and shops, provides a perfect aprรจs-ski atmosphere.
Dog Sledding in Millinocket
Experience the thrill of dog sledding in the Katahdin region. Several outfitters offer tours allowing you to mush your team or ride along as a passenger. It’s an exhilarating way to explore Maine’s winter wilderness.
Ice Fishing on Moosehead Lake
Moosehead Lake, Maine’s largest lake, becomes an ice fishing paradise in winter. Local guides can help you set up on the frozen lake to catch landlocked salmon, lake trout, and brook trout. The surrounding scenery of snow-covered mountains adds to the experience.
L.L.Bean Flagship Store, Freeport
The L.L. Bean Flagship Store in Freeport is open 24/7 and offers a warm haven for shoppers. Winter is the perfect time to stock up on cold-weather gear or to admire the store’s massive indoor aquariums and taxidermy displays.
Carrabassett Valley
Beyond Sugarloaf, the Carrabassett Valley offers extensive networks of cross-country ski trails. The Maine Huts and Trails system provides over 80 miles of groomed trails connecting four eco-lodges, perfect for multi-day ski adventures.
Portland Museum of Art
The Portland Museum of Art offers a delightful retreat when the weather outside is frightful. The museum’s diverse collection includes works by Winslow Homer, Andrew Wyeth, and other artists inspired by Maine’s landscapes.
Sunday River Ski Resort
Sunday River boasts eight interconnected mountain peaks, offering varied terrain for skiers and snowboarders. The resort’s extensive snowmaking system ensures excellent conditions throughout the season.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens’ Gardens Aglow
Boothbay’s Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens transforms into an illuminated wonderland from mid-November to December. Gardens Aglow features over 650,000 lights, creating a magical winter walk.
Mount Katahdin Ice Climbing
For adventurous souls, ice climbing on Mount Katahdin provides an adrenaline-pumping winter activity. Several guiding services offer trips for both beginners and experienced climbers.
The Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland
The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland showcases Maine’s role in American art. Winter is an ideal time to explore its extensive collection, including works by three generations of Wyeths.
Rangeley Lakes Region
The Rangeley Lakes Region offers a winter sports paradise. Activities include snowmobiling on hundreds of miles of groomed trails, ice skating on Haley Pond, and Nordic skiing at the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center.
Victoria Mansion, Portland
Step back in time at Portland’s Victoria Mansion. This Italianate villa, decorated in opulent Victorian-era holiday style from late November to early January, offers a glimpse into 19th-century winter celebrations.
Maine Winter Sports Center, Fort Kent
The Maine Winter Sports Center in Fort Kent is a world-class biathlon venue. Visitors can try their hand at this Olympic sport, combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.
Saddleback Mountain
Saddleback Mountain, recently reopened after a five-year hiatus, offers a more laid-back skiing experience. Its trails provide stunning views of the Rangeley Lakes region.
Acadia Winter Festival
Held annually in February, the Acadia Winter Festival celebrates winter with activities like ice carving demonstrations, winter ecology hikes, and stargazing parties.
The Bethel Inn Resort
The Bethel Inn Resort offers a quintessential New England winter experience. Enjoy sleigh rides, ice skating, and cross-country skiing on 40 kilometers of groomed trails.
Maine State Museum, Augusta
The Maine State Museum in Augusta provides an indoor escape on cold winter days. Exhibits cover Maine’s natural and cultural history from prehistoric times.
Snowmobiling in The County
Aroostook County, known locally as The County, boasts over 2,300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. It’s a paradise for snowmobile enthusiasts, offering vast open spaces and stunning winter scenery.
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park offers peaceful winter walks along Casco Bay. The park’s guided nature programs continue year-round and provide insights into winter ecology.
Camden Winterfest
In early February, Camden Winterfest brings winter cheer to this coastal town. Activities include ice carving, polar plunges, and winter-themed parades.
Maine Ski and Snowboard Museum, Kingfield
Learn about Maine’s rich winter sports history at Kingfield’s Maine Ski and Snowboard Museum. Exhibits cover everything from the evolution of ski equipment to Maine’s Olympic champions.
Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby
The Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby, typically held in February, is one of New England’s most significant ice fishing events. Even if you’re not participating, it’s a spectacle to witness.
Fort Knox State Historic Site, Prospect
While the fort is closed in winter, the grounds of Fort Knox State Historic Site offer beautiful views of the Penobscot River and opportunities for sledding and snowshoeing.
Birding in Scarborough Marsh
Winter brings unique birding opportunities to Scarborough Marsh. Look for snowy owls, rough-legged hawks, and other winter visitors in Maine’s largest salt marsh.
Longfellow’s Gulgistan Sledding Hill, Portland
Head to Longfellow’s Gulgistan sledding hill in Portland’s Deering Oaks Park for family-friendly fun. This gentle slope is perfect for young sledders and offers a taste of winter fun in the city’s heart.
Maine’s winter landscape offers diverse activities and destinations that cater to all interests and ages. The state provides countless opportunities to embrace the season, from the thrill of downhill skiing to the tranquility of a snowshoe trek through silent woods.
Winter in Maine isn’t just about outdoor adventures. The season also brings a cozy charm to the state’s towns and cities. Holiday lights twinkle in shop windows, and the aroma of hot chocolate wafts from cafes.
Maine’s museums and cultural institutions provide warm refuges filled with art, history, and science for those who prefer indoor activities. Winter is an excellent time to explore these venues, often with smaller crowds than during the busy summer months.
Maine’s winter festivals celebrate the season with ice sculptures, winter sports competitions, and unique local traditions. These events allow visitors to immerse themselves in Maine’s winter culture and community spirit.
As you plan your winter adventures in Maine, remember to dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Many outdoor activities require specific gear, which can often be rented from local outfitters. Always check conditions and follow safety guidelines, especially for ice fishing or backcountry skiing activities.
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping winter sports, peaceful nature experiences, or cultural explorations, Maine’s winter wonderland offers something. The state’s natural beauty, with its welcoming towns and diverse activities, makes it a perfect destination for embracing the magic of the winter season.