The Most Charming River Towns In Maine

When most people think of Maine, they imagine rocky coastlines, lighthouses, and pine forests. However, the “Pine Tree State” also has beautiful rivers like the Kennebec, Androscoggin, and Saco. The communities that sprang up next to these iconic rivers feature New England charm, fascinating histories, and gorgeous river views.

Famed for its thriving tourism, visit some of Maine's lesser-known towns and areas, which have earned the nickname “Vacationland.” Many of these cute towns feature river experiences instead of coastal ones, with opportunities for guided boat tours, river walks, and fishing excursions. From Bath to Rumford, check out some of the most charming river towns in Maine.

Rumford

Located on the Androscoggin River, the town of Rumford offers spectacular river views. Situated in Maine’s river valley, Rumford boasts a population of about 6,000 people, making it the largest town in Oxford County. “The Island” area holds the historic business district of the town, which is enclosed by the river on one side and canals on the other.

Rumford started out as a small agricultural town. It gained a boost in population due to a railroad line and the Oxford Paper Company. This company chose to settle in Rumford and use the force of its natural waterfalls. They built the canals that surround the business district to increase the productivity of their paper mill.

Take a stroll along the Androscoggin River Walking Trail and view Rumford Falls. The highest drop east of Niagara Falls, this impressive waterfall features a total drop of 176 feet. At the foot of the falls, check out the statues of American “Tall Tale” legends - Paul Bunyan and Babe, the Blue Ox. During the winter, enjoy a day or two of skiing at the Black Mountain of Maine ski area.

Brunswick

Closer to Maine’s coast than Rumford, the town of Brunswick also lies next to the beautiful Androscoggin River. Enjoy scenic river views in this vibrant college town. Brunswick is home to Bowdoin College, one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the US. For admirers of the arts, visit the Bowdoin College Museum of Art, a free art gallery, and the Maine State Music Theatre on the main college campus. Those who appreciate history can see the outside of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s House or look at the exhibits at the Pejepscot History Center. Both places are near the Bowdoin College campus.

As a college town, Brunswick offers many fun seasonal events like the Bowdoin International Music Festival and the Brunswick Winter Market. Make sure to check for festivals and other events when passing through this delightful river town. There are plenty of fun activities to do in Brunswick throughout the year. If you seek adventure and spectacular water views, check out the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge that goes across the river toward the town of Topsham.

Bath

Located in Sagadahoc County, Bath lies next to the Kennebec River. First settled in 1607, the initial English colony lasted only a year. The area was incorporated as Bath in 1781, making it one of Maine’s oldest cities. It gained fame in the 19th century for its shipbuilding industry and was given the nickname The City of Ships. To explore more of Bath’s shipbuilding history, explore the Maine Maritime Museum or Maine’s First Ship. For a more modern perspective, book a tour of the Bath Iron Works, a shipyard where they build US Navy ships.

For scenic views of the river, take a cruise down the Kennebec River on one of the River Boat Tours or hike the Thorne Head Preserve Trail up to Mushroom Rock. On summer Saturdays, take “Charlie the Trolley” around town. Visit Bath's main areas, like its historic downtown, without the hassle of finding parking.

Gardiner

Also on the Kennebec River, Gardiner prides itself on being an authentic New England town in the heart of Maine. As a Main Street community, the town is dedicated to restoring and supporting local businesses in their historic downtown. Locals often recommend walking down historic Water Street for the variety of shops, from fine art to fishing supplies. To learn more about the history of Gardiner, do the self-guided walking tour that starts in Waterfront Park.

After exploring the town, catch a show at Johnson Hall Opera House. A variety of acts perform at this refurbished theater, from musicians to comedians. During the summer, they hold their weekly Waterfront Concert Series. For delicious food, eat at the Table Bar, a wine bar with a rotating menu featuring local produce. If you want a more casual dining experience, grab a bite at the A1 Diner. This 1940s chrome dining car serves up classic American comfort food in a unique setting.

Augusta

Further up the Kennebec River, visit Maine’s state capital. Augusta offers visitors scenic views of the river and plenty of history. The historic downtown area lies next to the river along Water Street. When there, locals and tourists can enjoy the old Victorian architecture. Choose from a number of delicious restaurants like the State Lunch, Downtown Diner, or Riverfront Barbeque & Grille. Walk along part of the Kennebec River Rail Trail. For a challenge, hike the full 6.5 miles on the Kennebec River Rail Trail to the town of Gardiner.

Within walking distance of downtown, visit the copper-domed Capitol building and other historic government buildings, like Blaine House, where the Governor would live. While there, take a stroll through Capitol Park or see some of the museums in the area. Another must-see place for history lovers, Old Fort Western, overlooks the river's eastern bank and is the oldest surviving wooden fort in Maine. Learn more about Benedict Arnold’s ill-fated assault on Quebec during the American Revolution and enjoy historical reenactments at this living history museum.

Belfast

At the mouth of the Passagassawakeag River, Belfast offers both coastal and river views. Settled in 1770 by Scottish-Irish families, legends say that the city’s name, “Belfast,” was chosen by a flip of a coin. The residents abandoned the settlement during the American Revolution but chose to come back in the 1780s. Eventually, Belfast became prosperous from its shipbuilding and maritime industries in the 1800s. Though the maritime industries have diminished since then, Belfast has found ways of preserving its history and community. This quiet small town features a welcoming atmosphere and a vibrant culture all its own.

Make sure to visit their national Main Street designated downtown. Main Street America recognized the Belfast community’s efforts to restore, preserve, and promote their historic downtown, so they gave the downtown area a prestigious designation. Start from the top of Main Street, near the post office, then walk toward the water and back for great views of downtown Belfast. See places like the Colburn Shoe Store, the oldest shoe store in the US, and adorable bookshops like Left Bank Books.

Biddeford and Saco

Biddeford and Saco are neighboring towns divided by the Saco River. Originally one town, permanent settlers arrived in the area around 1631 and called the town Saco. The name of the town changed to Biddeford in 1718. The settlement grew due to the lumber industry around the same time, and proper roads were laid out to support their new industry. The villagers on the east bank separated from Biddeford and changed their name to Pepperrellborough in 1762. Eventually, the town on the east bank decided to switch back to the historic name, Saco. Learn more about the fascinating history of these two river towns at the Saco Museum or the Biddeford Mills Museum.

Besides history, enjoy fantastic views and tasty food in both towns. In Saco, check out the Point of Factory Island or walk along River Front Park. The Run of the Mill Public House & Brewery features a casual dining experience in an atmospheric brick building with old wood beams. In Biddeford, check out Mechanics Park for river views. Eat at the innovative Magnus on Water for unique dishes and inventive drinks.

Explore Maine’s River Towns

Maine offers a variety of lovely river towns. From those towns settled on the coast, like Belfast, to those further from the coast, like Rumford, each community grew around its rivers in unique ways. Perhaps less known than the mighty Missouri or Mississippi Rivers, the rivers of Maine still boast beautiful views of clear waters and powerful waterfalls. See the communities shaped by the Kennebec, Androscoggin, and Saco rivers, and visit some of Maine's most charming river towns.