Wiscasset, Maine

The Prettiest Village in Maine

Overview

Wiscasset calls itself 'The Prettiest Village in Maine,' and its hillside location overlooking the Sheepscot River supports that claim. The town center is filled with Federal-style mansions and high-end antique stores. It is a major bottleneck on Route 1 in the summer, largely due to the fame of Red's Eats.

Key Facts

Population 3,742

Region Midcoast

County Lincoln

Founded 1760

Nearest City Portland (50 mins)

Town Office Visit official website

What Wiscasset Is Known For

Wiscasset Local Highlights

Red's Eats

The world-famous lobster shack known for its massive rolls and long lines.

Prettiest Village in Maine

A self-proclaimed title reflecting its collection of grand historic homes.

Castle Tucker

A dramatic mansion on a hill overlooking the Sheepscot River.

Nickels-Sortwell House

A stunning Federal-style mansion on Main Street.

Things to Do

Eat a lobster roll

Wait in line at Red's or try the equally good Sprague's across the street.

Tour Castle Tucker

Step inside this unique Victorian mansion managed by Historic New England.

Visit the Old Jail

See the gloomy granite cells of the 1811 jail.

Shop for antiques

Explore the high-end antique shops in the village.

Walk the pier

Enjoy views of the river and the historic schooners Hesper and Luther Little (now gone, but the view remains).

Living in Wiscasset

Wiscasset is a small, historic community. It serves as the county seat for Lincoln County. While summer traffic can be intense, the off-season reveals a quiet, tight-knit village with immense charm.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm and humid, 70-80°F

winter

Cold, 20-35°F

spring

Cool, 45-60°F

fall

Beautiful, 50-65°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Ospreys Striped Bass Eagles Deer

How to Get There

Wiscasset is located directly on Route 1. It is the bridge between the southern Midcoast (Bath/Brunswick) and the Damariscotta/Boothbay region.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Wiscasset outline

Trip Ideas Featuring Wiscasset

5 Days

Midcoast Magic: 5 Days Through Maine's Iconic Coast

Explore the quintessential Maine coast from Brunswick to Belfast, with lobster pounds, lighthouses, islands, and working harbors.

8 Stops View Plan

5-7 Days

The Ultimate Route 1 Road Trip: NH Border to Canada

A classic Maine road trip from the New Hampshire border to the Canadian border, hitting iconic lighthouses, lobster shacks, and coastal villages along the legendary coastal highway.

8 Stops View Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the traffic so bad?

Route 1 narrows to two lanes right through the historic downtown, and pedestrian crossings for Red's Eats and shops slow traffic significantly in summer.

Is Red's Eats worth the wait?

That's the eternal debate! They are famous for using more than a whole lobster's worth of meat on a single roll. Many say yes, while locals often have their own secret alternative spots.