Paris MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Paris, Maine.
1. McLaughlin Garden & Homestead
HISTORIC GARDENS AND EDUCATION
McLaughlin Garden & Homestead offers two acres of beautiful gardens and educational lectures in South Paris. Visitors can explore the diverse plant collections and historic buildings that make up this horticultural treasure. The garden serves as both a peaceful retreat and a center for learning about native and ornamental plants.
2. Paris Hill Historic District
PRESERVED NEW ENGLAND CHARM
Paris Hill Historic District showcases beautifully preserved historic architecture dating back more than 200 years. The district features numerous well-maintained buildings that reflect the town's rich heritage and development. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours through this National Main Street Affiliate Community to appreciate the quintessential New England character.
3. Hamlin Memorial Library & Museum
HISTORY IN FORMER JAIL
Hamlin Memorial Library & Museum occupies what was originally the Oxford County Jail, creating one of the most unique libraries in Maine. Named for the nephew of former Vice President Hannibal Hamlin, the building maintains its distinctive architecture while housing important local collections. Visitors can explore both the unusual building and its historical exhibits that celebrate the region's past.
4. Roberts Farm Preserve
FOUR-SEASON OUTDOOR RECREATION
Roberts Farm Preserve offers year-round outdoor activities including hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The preserve, part of the Western Foothills Land Trust, provides stunning views overlooking Lake Pennesseewassee (Norway Lake). Visitors appreciate the well-maintained trails that wind through diverse landscapes of forests and fields.
5. Celebration Barn Theater
PHYSICAL THEATER PERFORMANCES
Celebration Barn Theater is an internationally recognized school for physical theater that attracts diverse performing artists. The venue hosts performances by actors, dancers, mimes, jugglers, and storytellers from around the world. Visitors can enjoy unique, high-quality shows in an intimate setting that fosters creativity and artistic expression.
6. Cornwall Nature Preserve
HISTORIC TRAILS AND FORESTS
Cornwall Nature Preserve features a 3-mile trail network winding through forests and abandoned fields. Hikers can explore the remnants of farmstead foundations that offer glimpses into the area's agricultural past. The preserve provides a peaceful setting for nature observation, photography, and connecting with local history.
7. Elisha F Stone House
GOTHIC REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE
The Elisha F Stone House stands as one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in Western Maine. This well-maintained historic residence showcases distinctive design elements that make it an architectural landmark in the region. Visitors interested in historical buildings find this house particularly worth stopping to see while exploring Paris.
8. Moore Park
FAMILY RECREATION AREA
Moore Park offers families a welcoming space for picnics and outdoor gatherings in the heart of Paris. The park provides recreational facilities and open green spaces for various activities throughout the year. Visitors appreciate the park's accessibility and its role as a community gathering place for both locals and tourists.
9. Little Androscoggin River
SCENIC WATERWAY TRAILS
The Little Androscoggin River flows through Paris, offering scenic walking paths and water recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the riverbanks while taking in the natural beauty of Western Maine. The river provides habitats for local wildlife and serves as a peaceful backdrop for outdoor activities.
10. Snow Falls
NATURAL WATERFALL WONDER
Snow Falls is a popular natural attraction featuring a picturesque waterfall in West Paris. Visitors can observe the cascading waters from viewing platforms and enjoy the surrounding scenic area. The falls offer excellent photography opportunities and a refreshing stop for travelers exploring the region.
11. Leighton's Of West Paris
LOCAL CRAFTS AND GOODS
Leighton's Of West Paris is a distinctive shopping destination offering locally crafted items and regional products. Visitors can browse through a selection of Maine-made goods that showcase the area's craftsmanship and culture. The shop provides a genuine local shopping experience that connects tourists with authentic Maine products.
12. Cooper Farms Stand
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
Cooper Farms Stand offers visitors fresh, locally grown produce direct from Western Maine farms. The stand showcases seasonal fruits and vegetables harvested at peak ripeness, along with other local food products. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to taste authentic Maine flavors and support local agriculture while exploring the region.
13. Dig Maine Gems
MINING ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
Dig Maine Gems provides a hands-on experience for visitors to search for their own gemstones in West Paris. The attraction allows amateur prospectors to learn about Maine's rich mineral heritage while hunting for tourmaline, quartz, and other semi-precious stones. Visitors can take home their discoveries as unique souvenirs of their Maine adventure.
14. Ordway Grove
ANCIENT FOREST HIKING
Ordway Grove preserves a stand of ancient oaks and pines that visitors can explore via hiking trails. The grove offers a glimpse into Maine's old-growth forests and their ecological significance. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the serene environment and opportunity to witness trees that have stood for generations.
15. Witt's End Trail
DIVERSE WILDERNESS LOOP
Witt's End Trail offers hikers a 4.4-mile loop through wetlands and woods near Norway. The trail showcases diverse ecosystems and provides opportunities for wildlife viewing throughout the seasons. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the well-maintained path that presents moderate challenges while revealing the natural beauty of Western Maine.