Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Bridgton, Maine and Portland, Maine
The road trip from Bridgton to Portland, Maine is a perfect weekend getaway that will give you a taste of the state's natural beauty, rich history, and old-fashioned charm. It is roughly a two-hour drive passing through Raymond, ME, the halfway point. The trip offers plenty of exciting activities for all ages, ranging from exploring historic sites, indulging in seafood delicacies and water adventures. Here are the top five things to do along the route.
1. Drive to the top of Mount Washington, New Hampshire
At 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeast United States. The drive up is an adventure in itself, with many twists and turns, and offers breathtaking views all around. The peak and its surroundings are suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing, especially in the fall when the leaves turn to vivid shades of red and gold.
Interesting Fact
The highest land wind speed ever recorded in history, 231 miles per hour, was observed on the peak of Mount Washington on April 12, 1934.
2. Tour the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, Portland, Maine
Visitors to this museum will experience a journey through time as they learn about the history of Maine's narrow-gauge railroads, which were built in the 1800s to support the state's growing industries. The museum offers train rides, exhibits featuring historic rail cars, and a collection of artifacts related to Maine's railroad heritage.
Interesting Fact
One of the most popular exhibits in the museum is the 1941 Baldwin steam locomotive, which was built for the Monson Railroad and later used on the Edaville Railroad in Massachusetts.
3. Explore the Old Port, Portland, Maine
A stroll through the Old Port takes visitors back in time to the 1800s when the area was a bustling center of commerce. Today, the neighborhood is a vibrant mix of art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, with cobblestone streets and brick buildings that have been well preserved over the years.
Interesting Fact
The Old Port was an important port for the shipping of ice and timber in the 1800s, and the buildings in the area reflect this heritage.
4. Go kayaking on Sebago Lake, Maine
Sebago Lake is one of Maine's largest lakes, with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for kayaking. The lake's shoreline is mostly undeveloped and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Visitors can rent kayaks or bring their own and explore the lake at their leisure.
Interesting Fact
Sebago Lake is the deepest and second-largest lake in the state and provides drinking water to the city of Portland.
5. Visit the Songo Lock, Naples, Maine
The Songo Lock is a marvel of engineering that was built in 1830 to enable boats to navigate the 13-foot drop between Sebago Lake and Brandy Pond. The lock is still in operation today and is a popular attraction for tourists. Visitors can take a boat tour through the lock and learn about its rich history and operation.
Interesting Fact
The Songo Lock is one of the few remaining manually operated locks in the United States and is operated by a lock master who manually turns the cranks to open and close the gates.
The driving route from Bridgton to Portland, Maine, offers an eclectic mix of activities for all ages and interests. From a scenic drive up Mount Washington to exploring the historic Old Port, touring the railroad museum, kayaking on Sebago Lake, and visiting the Songo Lock, there's plenty to see and do along the trip. Depending on how much time you want to spend at each location, the trip will usually take a full day. With plenty of stops and side trips along the way, a weekend getaway would be ideal for those wanting a more relaxed and immersive experience.