Exploring the Maine Maritime Museum
Dive deep into Maine's rich seafaring history. From wooden schooners to lobstering exhibits, discover the state's connection to the sea in Bath.
The Maine Maritime Museum in Bath is one of the premier maritime museums in the country. Situated on a beautiful 20-acre campus overlooking the Kennebec River, it celebrates Maine’s profound connection to the sea—its shipbuilding heritage, fishing traditions, and the lives of those who worked the waters.
Campus Highlights
1. Historic Shipyard
The museum is built on the site of the Percy & Small Shipyard, once America’s only remaining wooden shipbuilding yard.
- Wyoming: Walk the actual ways where the Wyoming, the largest wooden sailing vessel ever built in America, was launched in 1909. A full-scale outline of the massive schooner is marked on the ground.
- Donnell House: Tour the historic 1892 home of the shipyard superintendent.
2. Donnell Garden
A beautiful, tranquil garden overlooking the Kennebec River, offering a peaceful spot to sit and watch the boats go by.
3. Exhibits & Galleries
The indoor galleries cover every aspect of Maine’s maritime past.
- Lobstering & the Maine Coast: Explore the complete story of Maine’s iconic crustacean, from traps to tables. Learn about lobstermen, boat building, and the challenges of the trade.
- Shipbuilding: Models, tools, and interactive displays tell the story of Bath’s industrial might and its role in building America’s merchant fleet.
- Maritime Art: A collection of paintings, photography, and decorative arts inspired by Maine’s coast.
4. US Navy Destroyer Tours
Adjacent to the museum is Bath Iron Works (BIW), a major shipyard that builds destroyers for the U.S. Navy. While BIW is not open to the public, the museum occasionally offers boat tours that provide views of the active shipyard (check their schedule).
5. River Cruises
In warmer months, the museum offers a variety of scenic river cruises. These trips provide unique perspectives on the Kennebec River, local wildlife, and views of active osprey nests.
Visiting Tips
- Time: Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the extensive indoor and outdoor exhibits. A full day is easy to fill, especially with a boat tour.
- Walking: The campus is large, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Accessibility: Many areas are accessible, but some historic buildings and boats may have stairs.
- Location: 243 Washington St, Bath. It’s a short drive from downtown Bath.
Hours: Open daily year-round (closed major holidays). Check their website for seasonal variations.