Things to Do in Howland Maine
There are a lot of things to do in Howland Maine. It is a fun and family-friendly town that is known for its many beautiful scenic spots.
The town is located in Penobscot County, Maine. It was settled in 1818 and was named after John Howland, one of the passengers on the Mayflower.
1. Visit the Penobscot Marine Museum
The Penobscot Marine Museum is Maine’s oldest maritime museum. Its mission is to preserve and educate about the rich and unique maritime history of the state.
At the museum, you’ll discover a wealth of paintings, artifacts, ship models, photographs, and small boats. Plus, there are some exciting changing exhibits for the whole family!
Exhibits tell stories of Searsport’s ship captains and their families, the industries that made Penobscot Bay a hub of global trade, and today’s fisheries. There’s also a fascinating research library and a hands-on kids’ area.
2. Take a Sightseeing Tour
One of the most enjoyable ways to experience Howland is by taking a scenic tour. Several companies offer a variety of tours. The most popular ones include the Grand Lake Tours and the Penobscot River Tours. The best tours offer the opportunity to see the area’s natural beauty while also getting to know local lore and legends!
The best tours typically feature a mix of seasoned professionals and eager learners. While many tour companies offer a la carte options, it’s best to plan your visit in advance.
3. Take a Boat Ride
Taking a boat ride is one of the most fun things to do in Howland Maine. Kids will love to take a trip and see how the locals live on their island. They will also enjoy watching the lighthouses, lobsterman hauling their traps and asking the crew to point out the Tree decorated with Lobster Buoys!
If you are looking for a more specific vacation spot, try searching based on a flight circle radius of 500 miles. This way you can find a place that is within driving distance.
4. Go Sea Kayaking
The Seneca River is a great place to spend some quality time on a paddle. There are plenty of spots to go paddle boarding and kayaking, but you’ll have to plan your trip around the right tides to get it done in a timely manner. But if you’re looking to try your luck at a more leisurely pace, a scenic tour around Howland Island is a good way to go about it. You’ll have plenty of photo ops in the form of man-made and natural ponds, a plethora of wildlife, and plenty of places to stop and eat along the way.
5. Visit a Lighthouse
When Amelia Earhart was scheduled to refuel her plane on July 2, 1937, she planned to stop at Howland Island. Unfortunately, she never found the island and vanished into history.
Fortunately, the 74-year-old lighthouse that sits on Howland Island still shines today as a memorial to her pluck and determination. It’s one of many things you can do in Howland Maine if you’re visiting the area.
7. Visit Colby College Museum of Art
The Colby College Museum of Art is a teaching and learning institution with a collection that specializes in American and contemporary art. It also holds a selection of Chinese antiquities and European paintings and works on paper.
Founded in 1959, the Museum now comprises five wings and more than 38,000 square feet of exhibition space. The museum is a major cultural destination for the residents of Maine and visitors to the state.
The Museum’s collection includes a diverse group of works by major American artists, including Mary Cassatt, John Singleton Copley, Marsden Hartley, Alex Katz, Maya Lin, Elizabeth Murray, Richard Serra, Kiki Smith, James McNeill Whistler, and Terry Winters.
8. Go Fishing
Go fishing is a popular pastime in the state of Maine. It’s the best way to connect with nature and bond with family and friends. Luckily, the state has plenty of options to keep you occupied all year round.
The most exciting fish of all is the Atlantic salmon, but you’ll have to travel far and wide to find a decent one. That is, unless you’re lucky enough to live in an area where the fish is native to your neighborhood.
