Ellsworth is a picturesque city in the state of Maine located on the Union River. Situated around thirty minutes from Bar Harbor and forty minutes away from Bangor, the city acts as a gateway to Acadia. A trip on the Downeast Scenic Railroad takes visitors on a fun trip through the Maine countryside to see the region’s natural beauty. Another great place to visit in Ellsworth is the Stanwood Homestead Museum and Bird Sanctuary, as well as other museums like Woodlawn or The Telephone Museum. Helen's also offers a good way to end the day with a delicious meal.
1. Stanwood Homestead Museum and Bird Sanctuary, Ellsworth, Maine
The Stanwood Homestead Museum and Bird Sanctuary is a 200-acre, clean, well preserved sanctuary and natural setting in Ellsworth, Maine with quaint forest trails leading visitors through beautiful scenery. Guests can view a variety of wild birds within their natural habitats, which means visitors need to be respectful of the tranquil surrounding and keep quiet if they want to see the wildlife. Guests can also see the Stanwood Homestead, the birthplace and home of Cordelia Stanwood, photographer and pioneer ornithologist. The gift shop and Nature Center lies near the entrance to the handicap accessible boardwalk and interconnected trail system.
289 High St, Ellsworth, ME 04605, Phone: 207-667-8460
2. The Telephone Museum, Ellsworth, Maine
The Telephone Museum explores the industrial, technical, and social history of the country’s wired telephone network through a number of interactive and hands-on exhibits. A timeline of the technology of telephones is displayed throughout the museum, dating back to the earliest manual switchboard through modern electro-mechanical switching systems. All types of old telephones can be seen at The Telephone Museum, as well as switching systems and switchboards that powered the telephone network. Visitors can hear real telephones ringing, use a dial phone from the 1950’s, or experience what it was like being a switchboard operator in the year 1895.
166 Winkumpaugh Rd, Ellsworth, ME 04605, Phone: 207-667-9491
3. Downeast Scenic Railroad, Ellsworth, Maine
The Downeast Scenic Railroad provides visitors and locals alike with a chance to take a round-trip, 10-mile, scenic train ride on the region’s historic Calais Branch Line aboard a well-preserved, old-fashioned train. Departing from Ellsworth, the passenger train travels through beautiful natural scenery and many species of wildlife may be spotted along the trip, such as bears, beavers, foxes, snapping turtles, deer, moose, eagles, blue herons, and more. The slightly bumpy ride on the Downeast Scenic Railroad lasts around ninety minutes and passengers can choose to ride in an open-air car or covered car, depending on the weather.
8 Railroad Siding Rd, Hancock, ME 04640, Phone: 866-449-7245
4. Things to Do in Ellsworth, Maine: Woodlawn
The Woodlawn house museum is a histori estate situated around a quarter-mile from downtown Ellsworth and ecompasses approximately 180 acres of land. Once the home of the prominent Black family, Woodlawn is now a local gem for its public park, gardens, and historic house museum. Guests take a tour through the historic home, hike along the pristine nature trails, play a game of croquet, stroll through the gardens, and more. The beautifully preserved Woodlawn home houses numerous exhibits and original furnishings. In addition to tours, Woodlawn also hosts a robust lecture and workshop program and special events throughout the year.
19 Black House Dr, Ellsworth, ME 04605, Phone: 207-667-8671
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5. Things to Do in Ellsworth, Maine: Helen's
A family-friendly restaurant in the city of Ellsworth that has been a part of the local community since 1950, Helen’s features a cozy atmosphere and serves an array of comfort food. Along with the homestyle fare, the restaurant is also well known for its homemade, award-winning pies that are made fresh every day. The friendly staff of Helen’s welcome guests “almost home” and strive to always provide diners with a pleasant dining experience. The dinner menu includes dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, turkey and dressing, fried chicken, and chicken parmesan, with specialty options like the Haddock Burger.
55 Downeast Hwy, Ellsworth, ME 04605, Phone: 207-667-2433
6. Fogtown Brewing Company
Located in Ellsworth, close to the Arcadia National Park, Fogtown Brewery was established in 2017. The brewery is dedicated to producing a fine range of hand-crafted artisan beers which you can enjoy alongside delicious pizzas produced in the beer-garden’s wood-fired oven. Sustainability and community is really important to Fogtown Brewery and much of their electricity is solar generated and all their spent grain is used in composting and other green practices. So, you can sip your favorite brew with a completely clean conscience. The brewery produces a wide range of beer styles from lagers, ales and IPA’s to stouts and porters.
25 Pine Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605, 207 370 0845
7. D'Amanda’s
Providing hours of fun for the whole family, D’Amanda’s is an entertainment complex centered on a bowling alley which boasts both automatic and vintage manual bowling lanes. All the bowling lanes need to be booked in advance, but walk-in visitors are very welcome to access the arcade room and bar section at any time. If bowling is not your thing (or you have forgotten to book your lane) you can enjoy a game of pool, darts or corn hole instead. Snacks and beverages are available on site or you may bring in your own food to enjoy while you play.
25 Eastward Lane, Suite 6, Ellsworth, ME 04605, 207 667 9228
8. Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show
Everyone is invited to come and join the fun as Tina and her team strut their stuff. Tina has all the right credentials – she has been competing in lumberjack competitions since her childhood and has appeared in CNC’s Survivor series. The show is a seasonal attraction which usually runs from spring through fall. The show takes around 75 minutes and is packed with action. You will get to witness axe throwing, log rolling, cross-cut sawing and obstacle pole relay – and that is just the tip of the iceberg. The show has been a popular Ellsworth attraction for more than 27 years and attracts visitors and passers-by from all over the state.
127 Bar Harbor Rd, Ellsworth, ME 04605, 207 266 5486
