Adventure & Discovery
Searsport is your destination for exciting adventure, discovery and recreation. From leisure walks through
town and the museum to kayaking, sailing and fishing on Penobscot Bay, Searsport offers something for everyone.
Enjoy a wide variety of art galleries, antique and gift shops, book stores, and specialty stores, while golf enthusiasts head for
Searsport Pines Golf Course.
After a long day, enjoy a relaxing stay at one of Searsport's friendly, warm and historic B&B Inns. If you prefer,
stay at one of Searsport's motels conveniently situated along Route 1. Searsport has several fine restaurants, pubs and coffee shops to satisfy any hunger from a light snack or espresso to full course dinners, from casual to formal - check out the Business Directory for locations, hours and contact information.
On the Water or Near the Water
Visit the town wharf and try your luck at fishing or hire a local fishing and hunting guide.
Launch your boat from the public boat access. Have lunch at one of our noted restaurants or,
pick up a picnic at a downtown restaurant or at the market and head for Mosman Park,
a short walk from Main Street, on the shore of Penobscot Bay. Enjoy a picnic or cookout, watch the children
play on the state-of-the-art playground, relax on the beach, and take a swim.
For more outdoor adventures visit Sears Island, one of the largest uninhabited island on the East Coast.
Sears Island is accessible by causeway from Sears Island Road, just north of town. A two-mile paved road stretches
the length of the island offering excellent biking and walking, as well as snow shoeing in winter. There are many
natural hiking trails and, at low tide, take a walk around the island’s shore, about three miles. Swim, picnic
and watch for seals and the occasional whale. Try kayaking over to the island from Searsport Shores Campground,
which offers kayaking lessons with a registered Maine guide, as well as rentals and tours.
For fresh-water swimming and boating, try Swan Lake State Park, about 7 miles from town.
A great beach and boating destination. Then, stop for dinner at one of the many restaurants in Searsport.
|
Penobscot Marine Museum
Of course, you will need to plan for your visit to the Penobscot Marine Museum, the oldest maritime museum in Maine and located in the midst of downtown on Main St.
You can easily spend a day visiting the seven exhibit buildings and viewing the fascinating displays on the seafaring history of mid-coast Maine,
boat building, life at sea and on-shore in the nineteenth century. The collections include world-class marine art. Watch for the museum's special
exhibits and activities
each year. The museum has something for all ages.
|
Fort Knox
Not far from the park you will find Fort Knox, the most
visited state historic site in Maine. Watch for special events throughout the summer. Fort Knox, Maine's largest historic fort, features stunning military architecture and master granite craftsmanship. Constructed between 1844 and 1864 by master craftsmen and never fully completed, this is an unaltered example of a large mid-19th century granite coastal fortification. It is also New England's finest unmodified specimen of military architecture of the period.
The fort was strategically located on the narrows of the Penobscot River to protect the river valley from naval attack. Today, visitors can stroll the grounds of this great fort and learn about the rich history of the troops who served to protect American interests during the 1800s.
|
Moose Point State Park
A short drive south on Main St (Rte 1) is Moose Point State Park, a lovely stretch of woods and shoreline with picnicking,
hiking, and swimming. Take a break at Moose Point State Park to enjoy an afternoon picnic and the views of Penobscot Bay. Located right off US Route 1, Moose Point is a popular place for locals, visitors and travelers. Relax in an evergreen grove, explore tidal pools, take a walk on the park's trails, or just enjoy the views. Download a copy of the brochure here. |
Fort Point State Park
Another beautiful spot is Fort Point State Park, about six miles north of Searsport. Picnic tables with a waterfront view, pier and floats for fishing and boating, and access to a scenic bicycling trip are some of the top reasons to visit Fort Point State Park. Located about three miles off U.S. Route 1 in Stockton Springs, and named for the point of which Gov. Thomas Pownall established Fort Pownall in 1759, Fort Point State Park occupies a long peninsula with panoramic views of the Penobscot River and Penobscot Bay. On its 120 acres, the park features more than a mile of rocky shore, a tidal sandbar, and diverse habitat for a variety of plants and animals. Opened in 1974, the park also includes Fort Point State Historic Site and the Fort Point Light Station. Enjoy a spectacular view of the Penobscot River and Bay.
|
Swan Lake State Park
Swan Lake State Park is nestled on scenic Swan Lake just to the north of Searsport. Visitors can enjoy swimming area with lifeguard supervision, picnic sites with grills and walking trails. Toilets and changing facilities are also available for use. For large gatherings, a private group shelter (fee charged) equipped with volleyball, horseshoes and a handicapped accessible toilet are available.
|
The Penobscot Narrows Observatory A one-minute elevator ride will take you to one of the most unusual views in Maine, a 360 degree view from 420 feet above the Penobscot River, just a few miles up river from Penobscot Bay. Located atop the northern tower or "pylon" of the new Penobscot Narrows Bridge, the observatory gives visitors a spectacular look at mountains, lakes, and portions of Penobscot Bay. Look directly below at the river on which the young explorer Samuel de Champlain sailed in 1604, and the American navy suffered its most disastrous loss when 37 vessels burned and sank in the Penobscot Expedition of 1779. Access is from the grounds of Fort Knox.
|
More Attractions & Adventures
For more information about Sears Island, visit the Friends of Sears Island web site. A copy of the map is available here: Sears Island Map
Be sure to visit other attractions within an easy drive of Searsport, including:
Additional Information
Be sure to check the News and Events Page as well as the Belfast Area Community Calendar for updates on town and area events.
Public Internet access is available at the Carver Memorial Library on Mortland Rd a block from Main St.
Back to Top
|
