L.C. Bates Museum

The L.C. Bates Museum is a hidden gem for families who love both nature and history. It’s a charming mix of natural history and cultural artifacts, offering a unique look at Maine’s environment and heritage. Visitors can explore fascinating exhibits and enjoy outdoor trails, making it a perfect spot for curious kids to connect with the natural world.

Parking

Parking lot available on-site.

Read about our visit

Our visit to the historic L.C. Bates Museum on a rainy weekday was a delightful surprise! From the moment we walked up the old stone steps, the building’s charm and history were immediately apparent (you can even spot a unique collection of antique stage coaches through a basement window!). Inside, the exhibits are incredible, featuring room after room of beautifully preserved taxidermy dioramas, display cases meticulously organized with hundreds of different rock specimens, and fascinating educational materials. We were lucky enough to meet the museum director and even had a drawing student offer an unexpected sketch of us! It’s a wonderful, easily navigable place for kids, with touch-friendly exhibits and extremely reasonable pricing, making it a perfect spot for an hour or two of exploration. Despite our quick trip, we still didn’t see everything, which is why we are already planning our next visit back! For an in-depth look at our experience and all the details on the exhibits, be sure to read the full post!