The town of Yarmouth is over two centuries old, but it was only the mid-17th century that it was incorporated. The very first inhabitants were Native Indians, but they were later on joined by others, following the construction of the first mill on the Royal River. Though shipbuilding was the main driver for economic growth and subsequent development in the region, Yarmouth is currently a bustling town, and one of the leading tourist destinations in Maine. It not only has its rich history and culture to share with the world, but also it is a perfect gateway to the Atlantic and other offshore islands in the region. From a tourist’s perspective, therefore, there are lots of nice attractions and interesting things to do in Yarmouth, Maine.
1. Wrap in the beauty of nature at Pratt’s Brook Park
Pratt’s Brook Park occupies over 220 acres (89hectares) of land, making it the largest park in Yarmouth. Open meadows, multiple loops through the woods, bridges, and crossings over many river tributes easily transform this park into a nice nature lover’s paradise, both in summer and winter. It is a place you can go to simply relax, and soak in the beauty of nature. However, you are still free to hike, camp or bird watch, as you appreciate the beauty of the woods and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature.
Pratt’s Brook Park
Address: 481 North Rd, Yarmouth, ME 04096, United States
Website: Pratt’s Brook Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
2. Delve into the past at Yarmouth Historic Center
Posted by Yarmouth History Center on Thursday, 6 August 2015
Yarmouth Historic Center is as historic as the history it preserves within its wall. This is where you get one of the finest local history collection of Yarmouth and the larger Maine region. You will find thousands of objects, archives, and photographs that tell the story of the region’s heritage from the early years to the present times. The center also offers educational lectures, interpretative exhibitions, local history resources, a museum shop, school and community programs and event space available for those who wish to rent it. This is an exciting place that you should not miss if you are a history buff.
Yarmouth Historic Center
Address: 118 E Elm St, Yarmouth, ME 04096, United States
Website: Yarmouth Historic Center
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed Sun & Mon)
3. Admire the great views of Grist Mill Park
Grist Mill Park- Yarmouth
Posted by Donna Musser on Wednesday, 5 October 2016
Grist Meal Park is a relatively small place, but with so much in it. It is a historic location that looks downstream to a shipyard and an old mill. The park is where a large saw and grist mill was constructed way back in 1674. Currently, the park is an oasis of beauty, with raging waters rushing from a very calm area. This is where you want to spend your Sunday evenings savoring the beauty of the fall while you enjoy a sandwich, listening to the sounds of the park. And, if you want the best sunsets in Yarmouth, no place will you get better views than in this park.
Grist Mill Park
Address: Grist Mill Park, Yarmouth, Maine
Website: Grist Mill Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
4. Appreciate the serenity at Sandy Point Beach
If you are looking for a quiet, secluded little beach where you don’t have to pay a dime to visit, then you should check out Sandy Point Beach. The beach is quiet and a little bit secluded, making it ideal for family picnics and camping. For most of the time, the beach is rarely crowded, though you may have to fight for a spot during the hot summer afternoons. And if you are the kind of a guy who loves quiet places full of sounds of nature, or if you love reading and reflecting outdoors, then this is a beach you need to visit.
Sandy Point Beach
Address: Cousins Street, Yarmouth, ME 04096
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
5. Check out world’s largest globe Eartha
With an approximate weight of 2500 kilograms (5600 pounds) and a diameter of 12.5 meters (41 feet), Eartha is a revolving and rotating globe; the world’s largest. It is a free attraction that you should never miss when you visit Yarmouth. Seeing the globe will be like seeing the entire earth right in front of your eyes, and you will be able to locate countries, rivers, lakes, oceans and other interesting world features that you have probably heard about in books. You will also take a spin of the globe to understand both rotation and revolution of the earth and learn how days, nights and years come to be. This visit is highly recommended for kids in grade school, as well as those with interests in astronomy and geography.
6. Watch unique wildlife at Spear Farm Estuary Preserve
The preserve is a scenic 55 acre (22 hectares) of pure nature that is also the home to diverse flora and fauna. Pine forests, stately oaks, a fringing mash, a freshwater pond, and gentle well-maintained trails are some of the natural features you will enjoy in this park. With the woods and the coastal terrain, the preserve has excellent spots for birdwatching, and those looking for hiking or walking opportunities will love the experience they will get on the trails. The estuary also has several picnic spots, and come winter, the pond turns into a nice skating area, though safety must never be ignored.
Spear Farm Estuary Preserve
Address: Bayview St, Yarmouth, ME 04096, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Organize a picnic at Little John Island Preserve
Little John Preserve is a quiet, peaceful coastal property with the best views of Casco Bay and several picnic sites. The preserve is characterized by rocky beaches and large stately oaks which form homes to great horned owls and the bald American eagles. It has a 1.3 miles (2 kilometers) loop trail that follows the road, with some parts close to the coast. The trail has several scenic viewpoints, picnic areas, and tide pools and ledges, making the preserve popular among runners, joggers, and families looking for decent picnic sites.
Little John Island Preserve
Address: 414 Pemasong Ln, Yarmouth, ME 04096, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Take pleasant evening strolls at Royal River Park
Royal River Park is one of the best places worth checking out if you are the kind of person who cherishes evening walks in places surrounded by nature. The park has a fully paved trail that follows the riverbank and meanders its way through several sites of historical importance. Other than going for river walks on the park, the park is also the home to several picnic areas, and picturesque fields and woods where you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. You will also be pleased to know that the river has a waterfall and a historic meal site – both sites are also worthy of a visit.
Royal River Park
Address: 111 E Elm St, Yarmouth, ME 04096, United States
Website: Royal River Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Go fishing at Cousin’s Islands
Cousin’s Island is located in Casco Bay, though close to Yarmouth, and a top attraction if you are a kayaking enthusiast. The island covers an approximate area of 260 hectares (642 acres), with a small permanent local population. The main attraction to this island is usually the exciting kayaking and fishing opportunities it has. It has a beach that is not so big, and the beach rarely gets too crowded. It is also a great place for bike exploration.
Cousin’s Islands
Address: Casco Bay, Maine
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Rejuvenate your mind at Maine Roasters Coffee
Living "Away?" Missing your Rocky Coast Roast? Call us and we'll mail you what you'd like.
Posted by Maine Roasters Coffee on Monday, 5 November 2012
Enjoy the best and most fresh coffee in Southern Maine at Maine Roasters Coffee. This is without a doubt of the top places worth checking out for a great coffee experience. The joint was established in 1996, and they have managed to maintain very good standards, making them enjoy a very good reputation with both locals and visitors. In addition to the great coffee, the restaurant also serves a variety of pastries to be paired with your coffee.
Maine Roasters Coffee
Address: 305 US-1, Yarmouth, ME 04096, United States
Website: Maine Roasters Coffee
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 5pm; Sun: 8am - 3pm
11. Unwind in the fragrant Beth Condon Memorial Butterfly Garden
Monarch The Art Of Brianne © | www.monarchtheartofbrianne.net 2014
Posted by Brianne Kennedy Photography on Sunday, 3 August 2014
The Beth Condon Memorial Butterfly Garden is located behind the town hall. The garden was created in memory of a little girl of just 15 years – Elizabeth Condon, who was killed by a drunk driver in 1993 on US Route 1. The garden is full of nectar-rich plants and shrubs which makes it a darling for thousands of butterflies that come to feed on the nectar. In summer, the garden is always full of color, and though the color can’t make you forget Beth, relaxing on the benches and watching the butterflies will be a great way to relax.
Beth Condon Memorial Butterfly Garden
Address: Beth Condon Pathway, Yarmouth, ME 04096, United States
12. Indulge in tasty bagels and coffee at Mister Bagel
Mister Bagel in Yarmouth is open seven days a week, and is always ready to serve you with the best bagel and coffee, just as they have been doing since 1977. The joint has more than 20 different specialty bagels with different flavors. The savories are baked fresh every day. Their coffee is Maine-made and features flavors such as Wicked Joe Coffee as well as a variety of other gluten-free products.
Mister Bagel
Address: 431 US-1, Yarmouth, ME 04096, United States
Website: Mister Bagel
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 2pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 1pm
13. Walk down the memory lane at Camp Hammond
Posted by THE BLACK TIE COMPANY on Wednesday, 22 August 2018
Camp Hammond is an old house constructed way back in 1869. It is one of the oldest and most distinctive buildings in town, owing to its method of construction which models after the construction of industrial mills and not residential houses. The historic house was used for holding weddings, and banquets for the town’s elites back in the days. Visiting the house will give you a glimpse of just how life used to be back in time.
14. Stroll through the sweet trails of Frank Knight Forest
Yesterday RRCT Stewardship Director Kyle Warren worked with the town and students from Yarmouth High School to build new bridges in the Frank Knight Community Forest.
Posted by Royal River Conservation Trust on Wednesday, 29 May 2013
At Frank Knight Forest, expect no ordinary walk in the woods. The two trails emanate from the community garden, then goes through the young and mature woods, around wetlands, and through two lovely meadows before terminating at the Garden Central and Center’s Garden. Along the trails, you will encounter a beautiful apple orchard, several tributary streams, ancient hemlocks and past glacial erratic. Strolling through these trails puts you right at the heart of nature, where all you can listen to are the soothing sounds of the wind blowing past the woods and the gentle sounds of the streams making their way towards the valley.
Frank Knight Forest
Address: Yarmouth, ME 04096, United States
Website: Frank Knight Forest
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
15. Tour the First Parish Congressional Church
The First Parish Congressional Church was established in 1730, making it one of the early churches to be set in Maine. The church that currently stands in Maine Street today is not the original church, but the third one that was built inland when the town was moved away from the coast. The current one was constructed in 1868 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Though the exterior of the church has undergone several renovations, the interior is still as it was in 1868.
First Parish Congressional Church
Address: 116 Main St, Yarmouth, ME 04096, United States
Website: First Parish Congressional Church
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 3pm; Sun: 9am - 12pm (closed on Sat)
16. Relish delectable seafood at Muddy Rudder
Pleasure to meet you! #MuddyRudder
Posted by Muddy Rudder Restaurant on Thursday, 28 July 2016
A visit to Yarmouth will be incomplete if you don’t sample the seafood in this town, especially the lobsters. The best place to sample the diversity of the town’s seafood is at Muddy Restaurant located on Route 1. The restaurant has a varied menu of several seafood dishes, and it also caters for vegans as well. Also available is a full range of alcoholic drinks and typical American dishes for those who don’t feel like indulging in the seafood.
Muddy Rudder
Address: 1335 US-1, Yarmouth, ME 04096, United States
Website: Muddy Rudder
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 9:30pm
17. Have a good time cycling along West Side Trail Trailhead
Posted by Yarmouth West Side Trail on Thursday, 19 October 2017
West Side Trail Trailhead is a relatively new 10-mile (16 kilometers) trail designed for the town’s residents for running, hiking and biking. It is a circular trail with most parts under a forest canopy. Along the trail, you will encounter beautiful scenes of a rocky bluff, ravines, and a glimpse of Royal River Estuary and the Casco Bay. Though not far from the town, enjoying a bike ride along this trail will make you feel as if you are far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
West Side Trail Trailhead
Address: 1 Tyler Dr, Yarmouth, ME 04096, United States
Website: West Side Trail Trailhead
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
18. Take in the views at Royal River Grill House
Say farewell to Summer with a Brunch Toast! ?Come and get your favorite sweet or savory dish paired with our favorite...
Posted by Royal River Grill House on Saturday, 21 September 2019
It is not just the food you will enjoy at Royal River Grill House, but also, you will fall in love with the views. The restaurant specializes in serving a variety of seafood, authentic American cuisines, and soups. They serve indescribably delicious foods presented by professional wait staff who will leave no stone unturned in ensuring you have a good time. The décor of the restaurant, as well as the great views of the river all, accentuate the dining experience in this restaurant, making it easy for guests to relax and enjoy their meals. And for vegans, don’t worry, your needs are also well taken care of by the menu.
Royal River Grill House
Address: 106 Lafayette St, Yarmouth, ME 04096, United States
Website: Royal River Grill House
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 9pm
19. Grab a beer at Owl and Elm
Maine Island Trail Ale in the house! #risingtidebrewery #mainebeer #localbeer #happymonday #villagepub #mainelife #neighborhoodjoint #yarmouthmainstreet
Posted by Owl & Elm on Monday, 20 May 2019
At Owl & Elm, you get to experience the services of a food-forward village pub that serves a variety of classic comfort foods in a very friendly atmosphere. It is not just great beer you get to enjoy here, but also you will find some of the best burgers in Maine in this place. Their chicken pot pie and meatloaves are insanely good and addictive. This is not to mention the pulled pork and the fried haddock sandwiches. Evidently, there is more you can enjoy at this joint than just a drink of cold beer.
Owl and Elm
Address: 365 Main St, Yarmouth, ME 04096, United States
Website: Owl and Elm
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 10pm (closed on Sun)
Have a fantastic trip in Yarmouth
From the list of things to do in Yarmouth, Maine, above, it is clear that it has more to offer than just the rich history. With all the parks and nature trails, it will remain an enticing destination for outdoor lovers. Its range of restaurants also come with incredible seafood options which represent the seafood diversity in the region.
History
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