4 Best Sights in Western Lakes and Mountains, Maine

The more than 2 million acres overseen by the bureau encompass 33 state parks, 15 historic sites, three scenic waterways, and more than 20,000 miles of ATV, snowmobile, and multiuse trails. Its public lands—nearly 600,000 acres—are wilderness areas managed for recreation, wildlife preservation, and timbering. Most areas are free to visit, but camping is primitive. Many lands are in remote areas accessible only by logging roads; others are relatively close to town centers and have trailheads, outhouses, and other facilities.

Established in the late 18th century, this is the last active Shaker community in the world. Several buildings with Shaker furniture, folk art, tools, farm implements, and crafts from the 18th to the early 20th century are open for guided hour-long tours. The structures include the 1794 Meetinghouse, the 1839 Ministry's Shop, where the elders and eldresses lived until the early 1900s, and the 1821 Sister's Shop, where household goods and candies were made. The 1850 Boys' Shop has a free exhibit about Shaker childhood. An exhibit in the 1816 Granary is included with the tour, but tickets are also sold separately. The Shaker Store sells community-produced foods and goods as well as handicrafts by area artisans. If you're visiting the village in late August, don't miss the popular and free Maine Native American Summer Market and Demonstration.

Established in the late 18th century, this is the last active Shaker community in the world. The farmstead’s many structures include the 1794 Meetinghouse; the 1839 Ministry’s Shop, where the elders and eldresses lived until the early 1900s; and the 1821 Sister’s Shop, where household goods and candies were made. Visitors can take self-guided exterior building tours; check out free exhibits in the 1850 Boys’ Shop, about Shaker childhood, and the 1816 Granary, on the community’s history and evolution; and walk the gardens and grounds. The Shaker Store sells community-produced foods and goods as well as handicrafts by area artisans and has an antique shop whose offerings may include “fancy goods” made here years ago for sale to tourists. Check the website for events, including workshops.

This 1,400-acre expanse on the north shore of Sebago Lake is a great spot for swimming, boating, and fishing for both salmon and togue (lake trout). Its 250-site campground is the largest at any Maine state park. Bicycling along the park's roads is a popular pastime in warm weather, as is hiking. Come winter, the park offers 5½ miles of groomed cross-country trails and 6 miles of ungroomed trails, also used for snowshoeing. On the park's edge, Songo Lock State Historic Site, an operational lock along the twisting, narrow Songo River and a remnant of a 19th-century canal system, is a pleasant—and free—picnic area. You can also fish off the handicapped-accessible pier and launch a kayak or canoe.