Visiting Freeport Maine In All Seasons
Freeport is a charming little town located on the southwestern coast of Maine. Founded in 1789, the harbor town was originally a center for shipbuilding, supplying several vessels that were used during the Civil War. Today the town, which is home to just under 8,000 people, has become a tourist destination known for its shopping, seafood, and outdoor activities. While summer is typically the best time to visit Freeport, the town has a lot to offer visitors year-round. To help you plan your next trip to this delightful destination, we’ve put together a list of the best activities to do by season!
Freeport Mainer in the Spring
Spring is a great time to visit Freeport, as the countryside comes to life with the new growth of blooming flowers and budding greenery. During the months of spring, you can take advantage of the warmer weather, minimal crowds, and peaceful seascape.
Hike Hedgehog Mountain Trail Head
To get some of the best views of Freeport, hike up to the highest point in town – Hedgehog Mountain. Owned by the town of Freeport, the mountain encompasses 196 acres of well-maintained land. There are several trails to explore, each leading to incredible views and lookout points. Visitors can either hike or bike the trails and are welcomed to bring their leashed dogs along. The trails are free and open to the public year-round.
Visit Pettengill Farm in Freeport, Maine
Owned by the Freeport Historical Society, the Pettengill Farm is a 19th-century saltwater farm that contains 140 acres of land. Consisting of fields, woods, salt marshes, apple orchards, and gardens, the farm is a great place to explore the flora and fauna of Freeport. Open year-round from dawn to dusk, visitors are welcome to wander the property and its trails. There is also a historical farmhouse; however, it is only accessible by appointment. Pettengill Farm is located at 31 Pettengill Road, Freeport, Maine 04062.
Maine Beer Company Freeport, Maine
Maine is the state with the most microbreweries per capita in the United States. Therefore, it only makes sense that we would include at least one brewery on our list. Located just outside of downtown Freeport, Maine Beer Company offers various craft beers, including IPAs, pale ales, lagers, and stouts. You can visit the brewery to sample their beer and dine on pizza, salad, and snacks. The brewery is open seven days a week from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm and is located at 525 US Route 1 Freeport, Maine 04032.
Summer in Freeport Maine
There’s no doubt about it, summer is the high season for travel to Maine. With the warm weather comes the chance to explore Freeport’s shores and to make the most of all that the charming town has to offer.
Go On A Boat Tour
During the summer, there are several different boat tours that you can join right off the shores of Freeport. You can sign up to visit an oyster farm, take a trip out to Eagle Island, go on a lobster tour or a wildlife cruise. For those who want to venture out to the deep ocean, there are deep-sea fishing tours that you can join. You can also always rent a private charter if you’d like to just hang out on the ocean for the day!
Winslow Park
Winslow Park is a great place to get out and enjoy the land and the sea. Offering numerous hiking trails, beaches, playgrounds, picnic spots, grills, and kayak rentals, there’s plenty to do and see in this town-run park. In the summertime, there’s even a concert series featuring local bands and artists. The park is open year round from 8:00 am to thirty minutes after sunset. Admission for daily visitors is $2 for Freeport residents, $3 for non-residents.
Desert of Maine
Open seasonally from May to October, the Desert of Maine is a glacial silt covering forty acres of land surrounded by vegetation. While it’s not a true desert, as the area receives plenty of rainfall, this natural phenomenon still looks and feels like a desert, drawing in curious visitors who are eager to experience this unique landmark. The desert is open for tours from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm during the week and from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on the weekends.
Fall In Freeport Maine
The fall is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit Freeport. For with the changing of the seasons comes the vividly bright colors of autumn foliage. Blanketed in vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange, the landscape turns into a magical escape.
Hike Bradbury Mountain
There’s no better way to experience the fall foliage in Maine than to fully immerse yourself in it. And one of the best ways to do that is by hiking up Bradbury Mountain. Located just outside of Freeport, in Bradbury Mountain State Park, the summit of this relatively short mountain provides incredible views of Casco Bay and the surrounding foliage. With over 20 miles of forest trails to explore, it’s a great destination for hikers and bikers alike. The park is open year-round from 9:00 am to sunset. Daily admission is $4 per person for Maine residents and $6 for non-residents.
Sample Local Goods At Porterfield Cider
On your way to or from Bradbury Mountain, be sure to stop by Porterfield Cider. Dating back to 1890, this 117-acre farm was recently restored and repurposed to serve as an apple tree farm and cider mill. Today they make some of the finest hard cider in Maine, all of which is crafted in small batches and produced using local ingredients straight from the farm. On Fridays and Saturdays from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm the cider mill offers tastings by reservation.
View The Tower On Casco Castle
Built in 1903, the Tower of Casco Castle was originally part of a seaside resort that was famous for its amusement park and zoo. While the resort flourished for a few years, it, unfortunately, burned down in 1914 and was never restored. Today the ominous tower is the only structure remaining of the once-grand hotel. While it’s currently located on private land, you can still view it from several locations throughout Freeport. One of the best ways to glimpse this historical landmark is from the sea. You can rent a kayak and head out from the South Freeport harbor to catch stunning views of the tower surrounded by the fall foliage.
Winter In Freeport Maine
This may come as an unexpected surprise, but winter is actually a great time to visit Freeport. Not only will there be fewer crowds and more affordable lodging options, but there are also a plethora of snowy outdoor activities to partake in!
Go For A Sleigh Ride In The Snow
In the area surrounding Freeport, there are many horse farms that offer wintertime adventures for those looking to embrace the snowy weather. For a romantic outing, you can climb into a horse-drawn sleigh and take a ride through the snow-covered woods. Cuddle up with that special someone under blankets and watch as the snow falls around you. Or, if you prefer something a bit more adventurous, sign up to go on a guided horseback ride through the snow. Hop on your own horse and explore a variety of trails blanketed in snow.
Visit Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park is 200 acres of protected land that lies on a peninsula between Harraseeket River and Casco Bay. Located just five minutes from downtown Freeport, the state park offers miles of trails to wander and explore. In the winter, the best way to experience the park is on skis or snowshoes. If you don’t have your own equipment to do this, there are several nearby shops where you can rent or purchase everything you need. The state park is free and open to the public every day from dawn to dusk.
Shop At The L.L. Bean Flagship Store
It wouldn’t be a complete trip to Freeport if you didn’t include a stop at the famous L.L. Bean Flagship Store. Located right in the heart of Freeport, this L.L. Bean store is the original store, opened in 1912 by the founder Leon Leonwood Bean. What started as a one-room store selling hunting boots has now expanded into a countrywide franchise selling everything from outdoor clothing and footwear to camping gear. With the exception of a few special occasions, the store is open 24/7.
Festivals And Events
Freeport Maine Oyster Festival
The Maine Oyster Festival is a deliciously educational event that takes place during the last weekend in June. During the event, Freeport oyster vendors offer various activities, including oyster tastings, farm tours, shucking competitions, cooking demonstrations, and educational activities hosted by marine non-profits. The event is mostly free and open to the public, although there may be some ticketed events, such as live music concerts.
Freeport Fall Festival
During the first weekend in October, Freeport holds its annual Fall Festival. Open and free to the public, this event brings together over 175 vendors from across New England who gather together in downtown Freeport to sell their products and services. There is also live music, activities for kids, and art exhibits for all to enjoy.
Sparkle Celebration
In honor of the holidays, Freeport holds an annual Sparkle Celebration during the first full week in December. The event typically kicks off that first weekend with a parade of lights. The parade travels down Main Street and ends at the center of town, where Santa brings to life the town’s famous talking Christmas Tree. Throughout the week, the celebrations continue with light shows, holiday giveaways, visits with Santa, carriage rides, and a Christmas music concert.
No matter what time of year you visit Freeport, you’re sure to have a great time. For each season brings with it new opportunities for adventure and fun!
