Things To Do

Damariscotta River – The name Damariscotta is an Abenaki Indian name meaning “river of little fish.”

The boats are docked at Schooner Landing Restaurant and Marina, just 2 min walking distance from charming restaurants, galleries in the quant village of Damariscotta, Maine, and a short drive to gorgeous light houses, walking trails and beaches.

You can paddle our kayaks or canoe along the tidal Damariscotta River to discover the magical wildlife, timeless mansions and the working waterfront of oyster farmers, lobstermen and fishermen; and visit the marvelous state park, Dodge Point, and its beach.

Do you feel like a drink and oysters while sailing down the River? Every day Damariscotta River Cruises runs tours, and we supply you with discounted tickets to enjoy a relaxing ride. Capt. Chip regales you with local history, natural lore, and tales of oyster farming on the river.

Damariscotta River Cruises

Come explore the exquisite beauty of the tranquil Damariscotta River on the 49-passenger River Tripper! This is our other venture. We offer daily scheduled boat tours, where you’ll see harbor seals in action or basking on the ledges, while oyster farmers raise very tasty oysters. 80 % of Maine oysters are farmed here on seven oyster farms.

In the evenings join us aboard for a relaxing ride with a cocktail in hand and enjoy the life of the River unfolding in the glow of evening sunlight. Savor local oysters, appetizers and drink specials during Oyster and Wine Tasting Cruises. Tel. 207-315-5544 or DamariscottaRiverCruises.com

Hiking / Walking in Damariscotta and Newcastle

Dodge Point

Go there at low tide to enjoy the walk along the River, pack a little picnic and bring your swimsuits too…. You never know.

Dodge Point consists of over 500 acres with more than 8,000 feet of frontage along the Damariscotta River.

There are 4 four main trails on the preserve. damariscottariver.org

Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site

The upper Damariscotta River is famous for its enormous oyster shell heaps, called middens. Native Americans created the middens over a period of about a thousand years, between 2,200 and 1,000 years ago. It is one of Maine’s oldest man-made formations. The trail is a half mile loop that takes hikers past an apple orchard and runs the gamut of coastal environments from marshland, forests, coastline, pastures and even an old sheep tunnel along the east bank of the Damariscotta River. Don’t forget to treat yourself to ice cream at Round Top Ice Cream before or after this stroll, right next to the entrance of the trail.

Kayaking

Self explore with our kayaks and canoe … take a guided tour … get lessons. River, sea or lake … beginner, intermediate, family or advanced … The possibilities and stunning locations are endless. This list is some of the trips you can take. If you’d like to rent different type of kayaks than what we offer or have any paddling questions, please visit The Kayak Shop of MidCoast Kayak right here in the parking lot, facing Main St by the bridge. Tel.: (207) 563-5732

The Damariscotta River to the Ocean

Adventuresome Paddlers – 11 miles from Damariscotta to the ocean at East Boothbay.

Muscongus Bay

Starting from Round Pond paddle to Loud’s Island and the Audubon Camp on Hog Island. Intrepid paddlers can venture East to the lobster fishing village of New Harbor (where they filmed ’Message in a Bottle’) and down to Pemaquid Lighthouse.

Pemaquid Peninsula

Fort William Henry

Colonial Pemaquid is a national Historic Landmark with extensive 17^thand 18^thcentury archeological excavations, a museum of artifacts, an early graveyard and the early 20^thcentury Fort William Henry.

Pemaquid Beach

A quarter of a mile of fine, white sand left over from the last glacier and clear, pure water. Pemaquid Beach also offers large changing rooms, hot showers, a snack bar and rental shop.

Pemaquid Light House

Pemaquid Lightouse is one of Maine’s best known icons. With panoramic views of the Atlantic, the lighthouse rises above crashing surf and spectacular rock formations. It is so honored that, in 2003, Maine citizens voted to use its likeness to represent them on the state quarter.

Damariscotta Mills / Cowshit Corner / Sheepscot Village

From the marina, turn left and cross the bridge. At The Intersection with the flashing red-stop-light take a right and follow Route 215.

1st stop: Damariscotta Mills – Alewife Fish Ladder

After crossing the railroad tracks, parking is right before or after the little bridge on your left. The historic Damariscotta Mills is home of Maine’s oldest fish ladder and most productive alewife fishery. Each year in May people, ospreys, seagulls, and bald eagles turn out to greet over a million of elegant fish as they swim in from the Atlantic, pass through the Great Salt Bay, travel up the fish run that lies over the old mill dam, and into Damariscotta Lake to spawn, ensuring the birth of the next generation. damariscottamills.org

Damariscotta Mills Swimming Hole

If you want to swim in the Damariscotta Lake, walk a little further up the hill (5 min). The Mills Swimming Hole has a grassy area with a few picnic tables, and large flat rocks to jump off into deep water, or sit and dangle your legs in. The water here is shallow and the bottom is sandy.

2nd stop: Oxbow Brewing Company

Follow Route 215 through windy roads of Newcastle where you’ll pass two silos (and our house with the cupola). Oxbow Brewery is about 3 miles on your left. oxbowbeer.com

Cowshit Corner

The informal name of the corner refers to a stretch of road in North Newcastle and the famous dairy farm.

Head Tide – the farthest inland point that the tide brings salt water.

Alna – Sheepscot Village is one of Maine’s oldest colonial villages, founded in the 17th century by Dutch and English settlers.

Monhegan Island

An “Artist’s Colony,” Monhegan is a small, rocky island ten miles from the mainland and scarcely a square mile in area. It is accessible only by boat and while you will find no cars or paved roads, you will find miles of hiking trails. Known as a summer haven for artists who appreciate its isolation and unhurried pace.

Hardy Boats offer daily round trips. Boat leaves early in the morning and returns late afternoon.
(207) 677-2026, email: cruises@hardyboat.com, hardyboat.com

Camden and Rockland area

Camden

Where the Mountains Meet the Sea. A picturesque town surrounding a natural harbor and surrounded by mountains with wonderful examples of 19th century architecture, quaint shops, restaurants and hiking.

Camden State Park / Mount Battie

Camden Hills State Park signature location is the scenic vista high atop Mt. Battie, with sweeping views of Camden, Penobscot Bay, and surrounding islands. On a clear day, you can see Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park. Mt. Megunticook, the highest of the Camden Hills, is a moderate climb by foot trail.

Rockland

Farnsworth Art Museum
Celebrating Maine’s role in American Art, the Farnsworth Art Museum offers a nationally recognized work from many of America’s greatest artists. With 20,000 square feet of gallery space and over 10,000 works in the collection, there is always something new on view at the Farnsworth. The museum has one of the nation’s largest collections of works by sculptor Louise Nevelson and features works of Andrew, N. C. and Jamie Wyeth.
16 Museum Street, Rockland, ME 04841, Ph (207) 596-6457, farnsworthmuseum.org

Owls Head Lighthouse

One of the most beautiful lighthouses in Maine from land or water, Owl’s Head Light is a must-visit for the lighthouse fans. The grounds at Owl’s Head Light State Park are open daily, there is a large parking area and a moderate walk to the lighthouse. For more info

Owl’s Head Transportation Museum in Thomaston

The Owl’s Head Transportation Museum has one of the finest collections of pioneer era aircrafts and automobiles in the world. More than 100 historic aircrafts, automobiles, bicycles, carriages and engines are on permanent display. owlshead.org

Maine State Prison Showroom

This is a truly unique store operated by the Maine Department of Corrections, which sells high quality handcrafted goods made by the prisoners at the Maine State Prison.

Boothbay Harbor

A picturesque Harbor on our neighboring peninsula with a plethora of cruises on offer including whale, puffin and seal watching.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

A 250 acre wonder showcasing the botanical heritage and natural landscapes of coastal Maine. Ever changing and always spectacular. Fun for kids, too! mainegardens.org

Wiscasset

Castle Tucker

Dramatically sited on a hill overlooking the Sheepscot River, Castle Tucker tells the story of a prominent shipping family’s life on the coast of Maine over a period of one hundred and fifty years.

… and yes, Red’s Eats is here too, but if you don’t want to wait in line for hours for a lobster roll, you can find amazing ones right here in Damariscotta. Walking distance and much more reasonable priced too! Go to Joe Lane Lobsterman.

Bath

Maine Maritime Museum / Bath Iron Works

Tours of Bath Iron Works provide the only public behind-the-schenes view of naval shipbuilding in the U.S., and the Grand Banks fishing schooner Sherman Zwicker is open to visitors. River cruises allow visitors views of the area’s lighthouses and spectacular scenery. mainemaritimemuseum.org

Freeport

Home to the world-famous L. L. Bean, Freeport is a beautiful coastal village with over 200 Upscale Outlets, designer shops, eclectic boutiques, restaurants and casual cafes.

Golf

Wawenock Golf Club, Walpole, ME, wawenockgolfclub.com

Samoset Resort & Golf Club, Rockland, ME, samosetresort.com/golf/

Goose River Golf Club, Rockport, ME, gooserivergolf.com

Rockland Gold Club, Rockland, ME, rocklandgolf.com