In addition to beautiful landscapes and lovely people, Maine is home to some of the strangest attractions in New England. From deserts in the middle of nowhere to more than one larger-than-life monument, the state will give you a dose of strangeness you didn’t know you needed. Once you’ve checked off the ones on this list, you can return to your regularly scheduled appreciation of our state’s coastal and inland beauty. Here are some of the most unique places to visit in Maine.

1. Battery Steele, Peaks Island

Battery Steele is a military fort located on the oceanside area of Peaks Island in Casco Bay. The Fort was built in 1942 as part of efforts to support World War II. The military site is a mix of two worlds. From the outside, the area appears to be completely left to nature. Overgrown trees and branches crowd what appears to be a crumbling facade. However, the real magic of Battery Steele lies underground. The bulk of the fort is made up of an underground area. These tunnels have been overtaken by artists and the mark of local Maine residents and friends covers the walls. Visiting this historic fort is one of the most unique things to do in Maine.

2. Wild Blueberry Land, Columbia Falls

Built in 2001, this giant blueberry is actually a gift and coffee shop, as well as an outlet for the owners' homemade blueberry jams, sauces, and baked goods. Sounds delicious enough to warrant a stop! Their hours are mainly focused on the summer, so check the Wild Blueberry Land website before you go. In the meantime, you can read more about one of the strangest Maine attractions in our previous article.

3. Old Sow Whirlpool, Eastport Area

Tidal currents meet between Eastport and Deer Island forming the "Old Sow" whirlpool, which is one of the largest and most dangerous on the planet. The whirling power of this natural phenomenon will remind you that nature is always the one in charge. It's one of the most phenomenal must-see things in Maine. Visit the Old Sow Whirlpool website for more information.

4. The Summit Sundae Challenge at The Appalachian Trail Cafe, Millinocket

Okay, so maybe this doesn't seem like an actual "attraction," but if you're there to watch someone polish this thing off it will be. If you can finish the Summit Sundae Challenge, you'll get to add your name to the list of champs and go home with a t-shirt, bumper sticker, and the bowl! Visit the Appalachian Trail Cafe at 210 Penobscot Ave, Millinocket / 207-723-6720

5. The World Traveler Signpost, Bethel

A must-see if you love to travel! While all these places are actually just towns in Maine, a photo in front of the sign will confuse your friends and make you seem very worldly! It's one of the most unique places to visit in Maine. Head to the Visit Maine website to learn more.

6. The Fairy Village, Mackworth Island

This one is great for families and kids! Nestled within the wooded area of Mackworth Island, about ten minutes from the parking lot is a fairy village. Fairies are given access to tiny homes built by the local communities out of natural elements. Bring kids and spend an afternoon constructing a home out of leaves, sticks, and rocks. A fairy will thank you. Visit the fairy houses of Mackworth Island is one of the most unique things to do in Maine. Continue the day with a walk around the island which will afford views of Falmouth, Portland, and other islands surrounding the bay.

7. Bubble Rock, Acadia National Park

Perched precipitously on the edge of South Bubble Mountain, one of the most famous rocks in all of Maine looks like it could tumble at any moment. But it's actually, ahem, a rock solid example of a glacial erratic - a boulder deposited by the powerful action of ancient glaciers. Bubble Rock is certainly one of those must-see things in Maine.

8. The Umbrella Cover Museum, Peaks Island

Nancy Hoffman's museum began when she realized that so many umbrella covers get tossed aside, but kept for no real reason. The museum is "dedicated to the appreciation of the mundane in everyday life. It is about finding wonder and beauty in the simplest of things, and about knowing that there is always a story behind the cover." Take the ferry from Portland to Peaks Island to check out one of the most unique places to visit in Maine.

9. The Downed B-52C, Elephant Mountain

On January 24, 1963, a United States Air Force Boeing B-52C Stratofortress went down over Maine while flying a training mission. Of the nine crew members, only the pilot and navigator survived. Elephant Mountain, near Moosehead Lake about six miles from Greenville, is the final resting place of its shredded fuselage. A half-mile hike will get you to the wreckage, where a stone memorial commemorates the seven fallen soldiers. It's one of the most extraordinary Maine attractions.

10. The Shoe Tree, Hodgdon

This is a shoe tree in the most literal sense - as in a tree strung up with hundreds of shoes. What are they doing there? Nobody knows. Look for it along US 1, about 7 miles south of where it intersects with US 2 in Houlton. It's one of the oddest Maine attractions.

11. The Desert of Maine, Freeport

I know, I know. This guy ends up in a lot of our articles, but I don't feel bad. There are so many states that don't have an oddly placed desert so it's our duty to appreciate the one we DO have. This attraction is 40 acres of exposed glacial silt, the result of soil erosion from mismanaged farmland. Whether you think it's a tourist trap or not, it's still a fun place to know we have. As far as must-see things in Maine go, this desert is at the top of everyone's list.

12. Piazza Rock, near Sandy River

Located along the Appalachian Trail near Rangeley, this teetering rock appears to have been placed against a tree by a very strong giant. Check it out while hiking about four miles, round trip on this section of the Appalachian Trail. While the area is demanding, the hike to and from the rock is actually pretty family-friendly. It's one of the most fascinating and unique places to visit in Maine.

13. The Reversing Falls, Pembroke

The Reversing Falls (also called "Cobscook Falls") is formed as a result of a large rock ledge that makes it impossible for the water to move smoothly. During the incoming tide, this underwater activity creates a crazy waterfall, along with whirlpools and surprisingly high swells. But the real phenomenon is during the outgoing tide. When the tide heads in the opposite direction, the movement of the water goes over the treacherous area in the reverse direction, creating what appears to be a waterfall that moves opposite of the current. It's one of the most amazing must-see things in Maine.

Watch this cool YouTube video by Sky Travel highlighting some of the best places to visit in Maine.

https://youtu.be/kYr7p5BMio4

What are your favorite unique places to visit in Maine? Share it with us in the comments section below. Also, be sure to check out some of these unique things to do in Maine.