Portland Sights and Landmarks Guide, Maine

Portland (Maine) has everything that makes it hugely popular with tourists of all age-groups and interest-groups. People interested in art and culture can visit the area’s art galleries and theaters, while sports-lovers can attend a match at the local stadium. Kids will love a tour of the Children's Museum of Maine and adults will find the historic districts enchanting.

Guided tours of various Portland sights are available but you can also explore the area on your own. Here is an attempt to introduce you to popular Portland sights and we start with the historic sites.

Portland Sights – Historic Sites

The Old Port area with its neatly arranged restaurants, cafes and pubs is the biggest attraction of Portland tourism. There are many museums and art galleries in the Old Port area.

Portland Observatory, the lone existing naval signal station, is a huge attraction with the crowds. The 86-foot tower that once added to the efficiency of Portland Port has now been named among the National Historic Landmarks and provides excellent views of the sea front.

The Portland Head Light Station is another must-see sight in Portland. The construction of this colonial structure ended in 1790 and since then it has been standing as a solitary sentinel.

Tate House, built in 1755, is a grand edifice worth visiting. The Victoria Mansion and the Wadsworth-Longfellow House are among Portland’s other historically significant sites. Victoria Mansion (locally known as the Morse-Libby House) is a pre-Civil War structure and the latter has been the dwelling of the famous poet Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow.

A visit to the Western Promenade with its many historic mansions will also be interesting.

Portland Sights – Museums and Science Centers

There are quite a few museums in the Portland area most of which give you an insight into the area’s history. Take for example the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum; while the museum showcases different Narrow Gauge Railroad equipment, a short ride on a real Maine Narrow Gauge Train entertains you with nice views of several 19th century and even older structures. Maine Historical Society serves almost the same purpose and the Portland Museum of Art introduces the visitors to the artistic history of the region.

The Children's Museum of Maine is an exception. The museum houses exhibits that interest children of all age-groups.

Apart from the Children's Museum, the Southworth Planetarium is a Portland attraction worth visiting with your children. With special screenings like NASA space-probes, space shuttle launches, etc., it is an ideal venue for gaining practical knowledge. A visit will be enlightening as well as entertaining.

Portland Sights – Other Area Attractions

Portland area has many cultural venues, mostly art galleries like Abacus Gallery, Ember Grove Gallery, Portland Fiber Gallery & Weaving Studio, Space Gallery and some others. These galleries showcase alternative artworks side by side conventions artworks and artifacts of past as well as contemporary artists. The Maine College of Art itself is a great attraction with art enthusiasts.

There are many more Portland sights – sporting venues, natural attractions. Take your time and explore…

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