Looking for a day trip that won’t break the bank and offers history, shopping, and wildlife? You’ll find the Maine Wildlife Park, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Community, and Poland Spring Museums along Route 26 between Gray and South Paris. Along the way, you’ll find farm stands offering fresh ice cream, low-key family restaurants, a few shops and an outlet, and a casino. Finally, detour down the crossroads to find a state park and town beaches for lake swimming.
This drive is lovely anytime, but it’s spectacular during peak foliage. While most businesses along the way remain open year-round, the attractions welcome visitors between late May and mid-October.
Meet the natives at the Maine Wildlife Park
Want to know where the wild things are? Deer, moose, black bear, bald eagle, and even a mountain lion are among the 30 or so native species usually on view at this mega-kid-friendly, state-operated refuge, and education facility.
This isn’t a zoo: All the residents are being rehabilitated or are unable to return to the wild. Interactive displays and exhibits, a fish hatchery, special programs, gardens, and nature trails round out the offerings. Special events occur almost every weekend (usually on Saturday). Credit cards aren’t accepted for admission.
Glimpse an endangered lifestyle at the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Community
One of the happy byproducts of Route 26’s rebuilding was that it no longer passes directly through the middle of the world’s last inhabited Shaker community.
The few remaining members of the United Society of Shakers, an 18th-century religious sect, keep a relatively high profile life. Visits may include the living-history museum, craft workshops, herbal gardens, and farm animals. But don’t miss the store. It’s filled with Shaker herb and wool products, publications, music, and some Maine-made crafts.
Tours are offered Monday through Saturday; on Sundays, visitors are welcome to attend the 10 a.m. service (note: men and women enter through separate doors and sit separately). Also, check the special events calendar for workshops and demonstrations. While you won’t be able to see as much if you simply visit without taking the tour ($10 adults, $2 ages 6-12, $20 family), you can absorb the peacefulness of the setting and the lifestyle.
Soak up history in Poland Spring
Tour through the history of one of the world’s most famous waters. Poland Spring Water built Hiram Ricker’s family empire, and a visit to Poland Spring should include the Poland Spring Museums. Visit the Poland Spring Museum and Spring House to learn about the water’s history. The Maine State Building shares the resort’s story. And don’t miss the All Souls Chapel.
Poland Spring Museum and Spring House
Begin at the Poland Spring Museum and Spring House, where exhibits share the history of the famed water and its legendary healing powers. The water won the Medal of Excellence at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and the Grand Prize at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. After touring the exhibits, be sure to visit the Spring House. Nature trails lace the grounds and connect to the other sites.
The water’s fame helped the Ricker family grow their small hotel into the 300-room Poland Spring House, an architectural and technological marvel. In addition, the hotel’s 5,000-acre property was home to the world’s first resort golf course and one of the first courses designed by Donald Ross.
During its heyday in the early 20th century, the country’s wealthiest and most powerful people gathered here to play golf and discuss world policy. From Ulysses S. Grant to Theodore Roosevelt, almost every American president stayed here. Other guests and visitors of note include Babe Ruth, Alexander Graham Bell, Mae West, Betty Grable, and Judy Garland. Charles Lindberg flew over the hotel on July 25, 1927, but he could not land because of the crowds.
Fire destroyed the sprawling Poland Spring House in 1975. Now, the Poland Spring Resort offers budget-friendly accommodations in more contemporary buildings.
Maine State Building
The three-story, octagonal Maine State Building was built as the state pavilion for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Afterward, Ricker bought it for $30,000 and moved it to Maine aboard a special freight train and then via horse-drawn wagon to Ricker Hill, where it was reassembled, piece by piece.
It reopened as a library and art gallery one year later as part of the Ricker family’s centennial celebration of their settlement at Poland Spring. Although it suffered years of neglect in the mid-20th century, it’s been restored. It is now operated by the Poland Spring Preservation Society as a museum and art gallery.
All Souls Chapel
The adjacent All Souls Chapel was built in 1912 by the Ricker Family with donations from guests and staff of the Poland Spring House. The 1926 Skinner pipe organ and Westminster chimes are still in working order. The chapel is home to a summer concert series on Monday nights.
Downtown oasis: McLaughlin Garden
When McLaughlin, dubbed the Dead of Maine Gardeners, died at age 98 in 1995, his will stipulated that the property be sold. Of course, eager developers eyed it. But loyal flower fans dug in their heels, captured media attention, and created a nonprofit foundation. The McLaughlin Foundation bought the property in 1997, preserving the century-old farmstead with its handsome barn and stone walls.
When McLaughlin Garden’s more than 200 lilac trees begin perfuming the air in late May, it’s a sensual treat. Although admission usually is free, it’s $5 during the annual Lilac Festival on Memorial Day weekend, when guided tours and other activities are offered.
Also here are a pleasant tea room and a shop selling gardening items and gifts.
