Brunswick Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

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Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Maine region, Brunswick is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions. With its rich maritime heritage and vibrant arts scene, this town is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and authentic experience.

One of the highlights of Brunswick is its stunning coastal location. Situated on the banks of the Androscoggin River and just a short drive away from the Atlantic Ocean, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the water and indulge in various water activities. Whether it's kayaking along the river, fishing in the nearby lakes, or simply strolling along the sandy beaches, Brunswick offers a plethora of options for outdoor enthusiasts.

For history buffs, Brunswick is a treasure trove of fascinating landmarks. The Bowdoin College Museum of Art is a must-see, featuring an impressive collection of American and European artwork spanning centuries. The Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum, located in the former home of the Civil War hero, offers a glimpse into the life and times of this remarkable figure. Visitors can also explore the Brunswick Naval Museum and Memorial Gardens, which pay homage to the town's naval history.

In addition to its historical sites, Brunswick is also home to a vibrant arts scene. The Maine State Music Theatre, located on the Bowdoin College campus, showcases top-notch musical productions throughout the summer season. The town is also dotted with galleries and studios, where visitors can admire and purchase unique works of art created by local artists.

Food lovers will not be disappointed in Brunswick. The town boasts a diverse culinary scene, with everything from charming cafes to upscale restaurants. Seafood lovers can indulge in fresh lobster rolls and clam chowder, while those seeking international flavors can sample dishes from a range of cuisines, including Thai, Italian, and Mediterranean.

Alternative names: Settled: 1628Population: 15.2 thous.Area: 54.34 mi²Elevation: 59 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 43°54'51"N, 69°57'55"W

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MaineUnited States

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Brunswick Top Attractions

Brunswick Attractions - What to See and Explore

Brunswick offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum, Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Pejepscot Historical Society. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum
The Peary–MacMillan Arctic Museum is a museum located in Hubbard Hall at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. Named after Arctic explorers and Bowdoin College graduates Robert E. Peary and Donald B. MacMillan, it is the only museum in the lower 48 states of the United States dedicated completely to Arctic Studies.
Museum • Historical place • History museum
Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum
The Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum was the home of American Civil War general, Bowdoin College president, and Maine Governor Joshua L. Chamberlain for over 50 years.
Museum • Art museum
Bowdoin College Museum of Art
The Bowdoin College Museum of Art is an art museum located in Brunswick, Maine. Included on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum is located in a building on the campus of Bowdoin College designed by the architectural firm McKim, Mead, and White.

Museum • History museum • Historical place
Pejepscot Historical Society
The Pejepscot Historical Society, located in Brunswick, is one of the oldest historical societies in the state of Maine. Founded in 1888, the Society's mission is to preserve and celebrate the history of the Pejepscot region, which includes the towns of Brunswick, Harpswell and Topsham.
Universities and schools
Bowdoin College
Bowdoin College is a private liberal arts college in Brunswick, Maine. At the time Bowdoin was chartered, in 1794, Maine was still a part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Museum • Historical place • History museum
Skolfield–Whittier House
The Skolfield–Whittier House is a Victorian museum of the Pejepscot Historical Society, located at 161 Park Row in Brunswick, Maine. It is often referred to as a "time capsule" because it has been virtually untouched since the Victorian era.
Bridge
Androscoggin Swinging Bridge
The Swinging Bridge is a pedestrian suspension bridge spanning the Androscoggin River between the Topsham Heights neighborhood of Topsham, Maine and neighboring Brunswick. It was built in 1892 for workers working at the Cabot Mill in Brunswick.
Sacred and religious sites • Church • Gothic Revival architecture
First Parish Church
The First Parish Church is an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ. The church meetinghouse sits at 207 Maine Street in Brunswick, Maine.
Church
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
St. Paul's Episcopal Church is a historic church at 27 Pleasant Street in Brunswick, Maine. Built in 1845, it is a distinctive early example of a modest Carpenter Gothic design by Richard Upjohn, then already well known for his larger-scale Gothic churches.
Historical place
Harriet Beecher Stowe House
The Harriet Beecher Stowe House is a historic home and National Historic Landmark at 63 Federal Street in Brunswick, Maine, notable as a short-term home of Harriet Beecher Stowe and Calvin Ellis Stowe and where Harriet wrote her 1852 novel Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Farmer's market
Crystal Spring Farm
Crystal Spring Farm is a historic farm property at 277 Pleasant Hill Road in Brunswick, Maine. The 160-acre property has an agricultural history dating to the early 19th century, although most of its buildings are now of mid-20th century origin.
Library
Harpswell Coastal Academy
Harpswell Coastal Academy is a Charter School serving grades 5–12 with campuses located in Brunswick, Maine and Harpswell, Maine. The school is funded by the State of Maine. It was one of nine school districts in the state to receive federal funding under the Rethinking Remote Education Venture.
Library
Curtis Memorial Library
The Curtis Memorial Library is the public library of Brunswick, Maine, USA.
43°54'35"N • 69°57'43"W
Massachusetts Hall
Massachusetts Hall is the oldest building on the campus of Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, Maine. It was built 1798–1802, and has seen a number of uses during the school's long history.
43°54'38"N • 69°57'36"W
Parker Cleaveland House
The Parker Cleaveland House is a historic house at 75 Federal Street in Brunswick, Maine. It was the home, from 1806 to 1858, of Parker Cleaveland, a mineralogist and a professor at nearby Bowdoin College.
Neighbourhood
Federal Street Historic District
The Federal Street Historic District of Brunswick, Maine encompasses a part of the town whose development was influenced by its 18th-century success as a shipping center, and by the presence of Bowdoin College, whose historic central campus is part of the district.
43°55'2"N • 69°58'8"W
John Dunlap House
The John Dunlap House, also known as Gilman Mansion, is an historic house located at 4 Oak Street in Brunswick, Maine, United States.
43°54'25"N • 69°57'57"W
Henry Boody House
The Henry Boody House also known as the Boody-Johnson House, is an historic house at 256 Maine Street in Brunswick, Maine, United States.
Greek Revival architecture
Richardson House
The Richardson House, also known as the Captain George McManus House, is a historic house at 11 Lincoln Street in Brunswick, Maine. Built in 1857, it is a fine local example of transitional Greek Revival-Italianate architecture in brick. McManus, for whom it was built, was a prominent local ship's captain.

Day trips

Brunswick – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Brunswick, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Lost Valley Ski Area (Lewiston), Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum (Portland), Pemaquid Point Light (Bristol).

22 milesNW
Winter sport, Outdoor activities, Park
Lost Valley Ski Area, Lewiston
Nestled between the rolling hills of Auburn, Maine, the Lost Valley Ski Area stands as a winter haven for ski enthusiasts and families looking for a snowy retreat. Established as a local hub for winter sports, this ski area offers a variety of slopes to accommodate...
22 milesSW
Museum, History museum
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, Portland
Tucked away in the picturesque city of Portland, Maine, the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum offers a unique glimpse into the bygone era of narrow gauge railroads that once traversed the rugged landscapes of Maine. This charming museum is dedicated to preserving the...
23 milesE
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Pemaquid Point Light, Bristol
Perched on the rocky coastline of Bristol, Maine, the Pemaquid Point Light stands as a testament to New England's maritime heritage. This iconic lighthouse, with its classic white-brick facade and black lantern room, has been guiding sailors since its establishment in...
18 milesNW
Museum, Art museum
Bates College Museum of Art, Lewiston
The Bates College Museum of Art is an art museum located on the campus of, and maintained by, Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. It holds various mediums of arts that showcase Maine and the greater American area. The museum's collection offers an overview of modern and contemporary art.
7.6 miE
Specialty museum, History museum, Maritime museum
Maine Maritime Museum, Bath
Maine Maritime Museum, formerly the Bath Marine Museum, offers some exhibits about Maine's maritime heritage, culture and the role Maine has played in regional and global maritime activities.