7 Best Sights in Penobscot Bay, Maine

The impressive Center for Maine Contemporary Art sprang from a 50-year legacy that originated in makeshift exhibitions in barns and a potato-barrel storage loft before settling into a small, antique fire house in Rockport. Since 2016, this striking, light-filled building designed by Toshiko Mori has allowed the museum to showcase modern works by accomplished artists with a Maine connection in a space that befits the quality of the art. Expect envelope-pushing, changing exhibitions and public programs. Visitors are invited to drop into the museum's ArtLab to gain greater insight into current exhibitions by trying their own hand at making art inspired by the works on display. ArtLab is open weekends in summer; daily the rest of the year.

One of the most highly regarded small museums in the country, the Farnsworth's collection is largely devoted to works by three generations of the famous Wyeth family, who have spent summers on the Maine Coast for a century. N.C. Wyeth was an accomplished illustrator whose works were featured in many turn-of-the-20th-century adventure books; his son Andrew was one of the country's best-known and -loved painters; and Andrew's son Jamie is an accomplished painter in his own right. Galleries in the main building always display some of Andrew Wyeth's works, such as The Patriot, Witchcraft, and Turkey Pond. Across the street, the Wyeth Center, in a former church, exhibits art by Andrew's father and son. The museum's collection also includes works by such lauded, Maine-connected artists as Fitz Henry Lane, George Bellows, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, Louise Nevelson, and Rockwell Kent. Changing exhibits are shown in the Jamien Morehouse Wing.

Just across the garden from the museum, the Farnsworth Homestead, the handsome, circa-1850 Greek Revival home of the museum's original benefactor, retains its original lavish Victorian furnishings and is open late June–mid-October.

In Cushing, a village on the St. George River about 10 miles south of Thomaston (a half-hour drive from Rockland), the museum operates the Olson House. The large, weathered-shingle structure was the home of Christina Olson and her brother, Alvarez, who were good friends of Andrew Wyeth. He depicted them and their home in numerous works, including his famous painting Christina's World. It is open spring through fall.

First came the Rockland Breakwater, built in 1900 to protect ships in the harbor and structures on the shore from storm surge. But the breakwater itself was a navigational hazard, so the 25-foot-tall lighthouse was added to its far end in 1902. The mile-long breakwater offers an irresistible hike that's sometimes described as a walk into the sea without wet feet. Wear sensible shoes, though, and watch your step: there are gaps between the uneven granite blocks just waiting to trip you up. Stand beside the lighthouse for terrific views of passing windjammers and other marine traffic. (The lighthouse is not open to the public.)

To get to the landward end of the breakwater, go north on U.S. 1, turn right on Waldo Avenue, and right again on Samoset Road; go to the end of this short road.

Located near the mouth of West Penobscot Bay, this crescent-shape beach is well-sheltered from the wind and tends to have a mild surf well-suited to swimming and tidepooling. Amenities: parking (fee). Best for: swimming; walking.

The lighthouse museum has more than 25 Fresnel lighthouse lenses, as well as what's said to be the nation's largest collection of lighthouse and life-saving artifacts, and Coast Guard memorabilia. Permanent exhibits spotlight topics like lighthouse heroines—women who manned the lights when the keepers couldn't—and lightships.

Perched on an 80-foot promontory at the southern entrance to Rockland harbor, this white-brick tower built in 1852 provides broad views of Penobscot Bay. When volunteers are available, visitors may climb the tower to the small, glass-enclosed space at the top that houses the Fresnel lens, installed in 1856. In the 1930s, a light keeper's springer spaniel learned to pull the rope to ring the fog bell, and is said to have thereby saved vessels entering the harbor in poor visibility. A stone near the bell marks the dog's grave. In the small museum and gift shop, you can pick up a copy of a children's book that tells the story. The American Lighthouse Foundation is headquartered in the keeper's house. 

If you're fascinated by machines that move on wheels or wings, don't miss this impressive museum. You'll find more than 150 restored vintage automobiles, bicycles, motorcycles, and planes, as well as many related artifacts. The best part about this collection is that most of the vehicles are in operating condition, which means you may see them rolling along or flying overhead.