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Things to do in Rockland, Maine

Things to Do in Rockland, Maine

ByMike Andersen Posted on Updated on

The best things to do in Rockland, Maine, are the Farnsworth Art Museum, CMCA and the walk out the Rockland Breakwater. Rockland is a small city of 6,936 people on Penobscot Bay and the seat of Knox County.

It was built on lime. By 1854, Rockland had 12 lime quarries and 125 kilns and led the country in lime production. Today it calls itself the Lobster Capital of the World and hosts the Maine Lobster Festival each August.

Top things to do in Rockland

Farnsworth Art Museum

The Farnsworth is devoted to Maine’s role in American art. It holds one of the nation’s largest collections of work by N.C., Andrew and Jamie Wyeth. Winslow Homer, Rockwell Kent and Louise Nevelson, who grew up in Rockland, are here too. Its building dates to 1948, and it also owns founder Lucy Farnsworth’s Rockland homestead.

★ Good to know The museum also owns the Olson House in nearby Cushing, the setting of Andrew Wyeth’s Christina’s World.

Center for Maine Contemporary Art

CMCA shows work by contemporary artists connected to Maine in a striking building by architect Toshiko Mori. It’s a short walk from the Farnsworth, the Strand Theatre and dozens of downtown galleries. Admission is free for anyone under 18.

★ Good to know CMCA keeps longer hours June through October and a shorter week November through May, so check before you go.

Rockland Breakwater and Lighthouse

The Army Corps of Engineers built this breakwater between 1880 and 1899, and it runs more than 4,000 feet into the harbor. The lighthouse at the end was finished in 1902 and is still an active aid to navigation. The city has owned it since 1999. Before it, the harbor’s wide eastern opening left anchored ships exposed to northeast storms.

★ Good to know Pick a calm day; the walk is exposed to wind and spray, and you’ll want steady footing.

Island Ferry to Vinalhaven or North Haven

The Maine State Ferry Service runs from the Rockland Ferry Terminal to Vinalhaven, North Haven and Matinicus. The Vinalhaven run covers 15 miles of Penobscot Bay and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

★ Good to know Vehicle space is by reservation, so leave the car in Rockland if you only want a day on the island.

Owls Head Light

This lighthouse stands on the headland at the southern entrance to Rockland Harbor, in the neighboring town of Owls Head. The American Lighthouse Foundation runs an interpretive center and gift shop in the keeper’s house.

★ Good to know Park in Owls Head State Park and walk up.

Maine Lobster Festival

This five-day seafood festival takes over Harbor Park on Main Street every year from Wednesday through Sunday of the first weekend in August. Admission is free every day.

★ Good to know Use the free parking at South Elementary School, 30 Broadway, and take the free shuttle downtown.

Also in town

Main Street has the Strand Theatre, galleries, bookstores and coffee shops. The Owls Head Transportation Museum is just south of the city in Owls Head.

Good to know

When to goSummer is peak, with the Lobster Festival in early August. Late fall and winter are quieter and still good for the museums, including the Farnsworth.
How long to stayOne full day covers the Farnsworth, CMCA and the breakwater; add a second day for an island ferry trip or Owls Head.
Heads upDowntown fills up during the Lobster Festival, so use the festival’s free shuttle and plan lodging early.
Getting hereKnox County Regional Airport (RKD) in Owls Head has scheduled airline service, about 10 minutes south of downtown. Portland International Jetport (PWM) is the larger option, about 1 hour 30 minutes southwest.

FAQ

Where can you see Andrew Wyeth paintings in Rockland?

At the Farnsworth Art Museum, which holds one of the nation’s largest collections of work by N.C., Andrew and Jamie Wyeth. It also owns the Olson House in Cushing, the setting of Christina’s World.

Can you walk out to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse?

Yes. The breakwater runs more than 4,000 feet into the harbor, with the 1902 lighthouse at the end. Go on a calm day, since it’s exposed to wind and spray.

When is the Maine Lobster Festival?

It runs Wednesday through Sunday of the first weekend in August at Harbor Park. Check the festival website for this year’s dates.

What other Maine towns pair well with Rockland?

Camden is just up Route 1; see things to do in Camden. For more, browse our small towns in Maine.

Where to find them

  • Farnsworth Art Museum 16 Museum St., Rockland, ME 04841 Website Directions
  • Center for Maine Contemporary Art 21 Winter St., Rockland, ME 04841 Website Directions
  • Rockland Breakwater and Lighthouse Rockland Harbor, Rockland, ME 04841 Directions
  • Island Ferry to Vinalhaven or North Haven Rockland Ferry Terminal, Rockland, ME 04841 Website Directions
  • Owls Head Light 186 Lighthouse Rd., Owls Head, ME 04854 Website Directions
  • Maine Lobster Festival Harbor Park, Main St., Rockland, ME 04841 Website Directions

Plan your trip: for events and current visitor info in Rockland, see Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce →

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Where to stay in Rockland

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