Rockland Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled along the picturesque coast of Maine, the vibrant city of Rockland beckons travelers with its charming streets, seafaring heritage, and thriving arts scene. Known as the "lobster capital of the world," Rockland offers a delightful mix of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and delectable seafood that will captivate visitors of all ages.

One of Rockland's most iconic landmarks is the Maine Lighthouse Museum, a must-visit for maritime enthusiasts. Housed in a historic waterfront building, this museum showcases the rich history of lighthouses in the region through fascinating exhibits and artifacts. From the breathtaking Fresnel lenses to the stories of heroic lighthouse keepers, this museum offers an immersive experience that sheds light on the important role these beacons played in guiding ships safely to shore.

Art aficionados will find themselves in paradise at the Farnsworth Art Museum. This world-class institution boasts an extensive collection of American art, with a particular focus on the works of renowned local artists such as Andrew Wyeth. Wander through the galleries and marvel at the stunning landscapes, striking portraits, and thought-provoking contemporary pieces that showcase the diverse artistic talent that has emerged from this region.

For a taste of Rockland's seafaring heritage, a visit to the Maine Maritime Museum is a must. Explore the rich maritime history of the area through interactive exhibits, historic vessels, and engaging displays. Learn about the shipbuilding industry that once thrived in Rockland and discover the fascinating stories of the people who sailed the seas.

No trip to Rockland would be complete without indulging in its culinary offerings. From casual waterfront seafood shacks to upscale dining establishments, the city is a haven for foodies. Feast on freshly caught lobster, clams, and other seafood delicacies, prepared to perfection. Savor the flavors of Maine as you dine overlooking the sparkling harbor, immersing yourself in the quintessential coastal experience.

Aside from its cultural and culinary delights, Rockland offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Explore the rugged coastline with a scenic hike along the Rockland Breakwater. Marvel at the panoramic views of Penobscot Bay as you make your way towards the historic Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, a true gem of the region.

Alternative names: Population: 7.2 thous.Area: 15.07 mi²Elevation: 20 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 44°6'13"N, 69°6'32"W

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MaineUnited States

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Rockland Top Attractions

Rockland Attractions - What to See and Explore

Rockland offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Rockland Residential Historic District, Rockland Breakwater, Farnsworth Art Museum, Maine Lighthouse Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Park • Italianate architecture • Greek Revival architecture
Rockland Residential Historic District
The Rockland Residential Historic District encompasses a predominantly residential area west of the downtown of Rockland, Maine.
Lighthouse
Rockland Breakwater
The Rockland Breakwater is a breakwater sheltering the harbor of Rockland, Maine. More than 4,000 feet long, it was built in the 1890s by the United States Army Corps of Engineers out of locally quarried granite to improve the harbor's ability to shelter ships from coastal storms.
Museum • Historical place • Art museum
Farnsworth Art Museum
The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, Maine, United States, is an art museum that specializes in American art.

44°6'8"N • 69°6'28"W
Maine Lighthouse Museum
Museum • Specialty museum • Lighthouse
Ship
American Eagle
The American Eagle, originally Andrew and Rosalie, is a two-masted schooner serving the tourist trade out of Rockland, Maine. Launched in 1930 at Gloucester, Massachusetts, she was the last auxiliary schooner to be built in that port, and one of Gloucester's last sail-powered fishing vessels.
Cinema • Concerts and shows • Theater
Strand Theatre
The Strand Theatre is a historic performing arts venue at 345 Main Street in downtown Rockland, Maine. Built in 1923 in the wake of a fire that destroyed part of the downtown, it is a rare example of Egyptian Revival architecture, and the only one of three theaters built in Rockland in that period to survive.
Ship
Stephen Taber
Stephen Taber is a two-masted schooner, built in 1871, operating as a "windjammer" in the tourist trade out of Rockland, Maine.
Ship
Isaac H. Evans
Isaac H. Evans, originally Boyd N. Sheppard, is a two-masted schooner berthed in Rockland, Maine. She is a Maine windjammer, serving the tourist trade.
Lighthouse
Rockland Harbor Breakwater Light
Rockland Harbor Breakwater Light is a historic lighthouse complex at the end of the Rockland Breakwater in the harbor of Rockland, Maine. Replacing a light station at Jameson Point, the light was established in 1902, about two years after completion of the breakwater. Now automated, it continues to serve as an active aid to navigation.
44°6'4"N • 69°7'23"W
Rockland Turntable and Engine House
The Rockland Turntable and Engine House are a historic railroad maintenance facility in Rockland, Maine. The turntable and engine house were built in 1921, and are a significant reminder of the railroad's historic importance to the development of the city.
44°6'12"N • 69°6'28"W
Center for Maine Contemporary Art
Museum • Art museum
44°5'39"N • 69°6'17"W
The Coastal Children's Museum
Museum • Children's museum • Science museum
Lighthouse
American Lighthouse Foundation
The American Lighthouse Foundation is a 501 non-profit organization founded in 1994 with a primary mission of lighthouse preservation.
44°6'13"N • 69°6'42"W
Knox County Courthouse
The Knox County Courthouse is located at 62 Union Street in downtown Rockland, the county seat of Knox County, Maine. The oldest portion of the courthouse was designed by Gridley James Fox Bryant and was built in 1874.
Museum • History museum • Greek Revival architecture
Farnsworth Homestead
The Farnsworth Homestead is a historic house museum at 21 Elm Street in Rockland, Maine. Built in 1854 by William A. Farnsworth, it is an excellent late example of Greek Revival architecture, and was the home of Lucy Farnsworth, the major benefactor of the Farnsworth Art Museum, which owns the house and operates it as a museum property.
Ship
J. & E. Riggin
The schooner J. & E. Riggin, a National Historic Landmark, was built on the Maurice River in Dorchester, New Jersey in 1927. She is one of a small number of surviving two-masted schooners, once one of the most common sailing ships in North American waters.
Ship
Victory Chimes
The three-masted schooner Victory Chimes, also known as Edwin and Maud or Domino Effect, is a US National Historic Landmark. She is the last surviving Chesapeake Ram schooner. The boat on the Maine State Quarter is meant to resemble the Victory Chimes.
Italianate architecture
Timothy and Jane Williams House
The Timothy and Jane Williams House is a historic house at 34 Old County Road in Rockland, Maine. Built about 1859, it is one of the finest local examples of Italianate architecture, and was built for someone closely associated with the area's important 19th-century lime processing industry.
44°6'13"N • 69°6'35"W
Security Trust Building
The Security Trust Building is a historic commercial building at Museum and Main Streets in downtown Rockland, Maine, United States. Built in 1912, it is a high-quality local example of Colonial Revival architecture, designed by Boston architect R. Clipston Sturgis. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Day trips

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

In the vicinity of Rockland, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Fort Knox (Bucksport), Pemaquid Point Light (Bristol), Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory (Bucksport).

35 milesNE
Historical place, Museum, Military museum
Fort Knox, Bucksport
Fort Knox, not to be confused with the famed gold depository in Kentucky, is a historic gem nestled in the town of Prospect, Maine. This state park offers visitors a glimpse into America's past through well-preserved military architecture and scenic surroundings.
27 milesSW
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...
35 milesNE
Observation decks and towers, Bridge
Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory, Bucksport
The Penobscot Narrows Bridge is a 2,120 feet long cable-stayed bridge that carries US 1/SR 3 over the Penobscot River. It connects Verona Island to Prospect, in the U.S. state of Maine. It opened in December, 2006, replacing the Waldo–Hancock Bridge, built in 1931.
38 milesSW
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.
15 milesSW
Specialty museum, Museum, Lighthouse
Marshall Point Light, Port Clyde
Marshall Point Light Station is a lighthouse at the entrance of Port Clyde Harbor in Port Clyde, Maine. The light station was established in 1832.

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Best Time To Visit Rockland

Learn when is the best time to travel to Rockland weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July, August and September are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February, July and August. Most of it rains in November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Rockland?

The top attractions to visit in Rockland are:

What is the best time to visit Rockland?

July, August and September are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.