The Massive Outdoor Store in Maine That Takes Nearly All Day to Explore

Very few stores capture the essence of what makes a state great. It is even rarer that a store will shape a state's entire culture. But you will find one such place, the L.L.Bean flagship store, in Freeport, Maine, and if you have asked any residents, it's clear they are proud of this iconic landmark. The store gives Mainers more than just a place to shop all day; it also provides an experience that shapes the very way we explore the great outdoors.

L.L.Bean is known for a few things, but nothing is as iconic as the L.L.Bean boot.

You will find a huge boot permanently placed outside, towering 16 feet tall. Kids will climb it and jump off the toe, and people from all around will gather to take a picture with the boot. This alone speaks to how loved the brand really is.

Walking through the store, you can easily get lost in the culture they have created indoors and out.

Watch the fish swim around in a large tank, check out the various taxidermized animals like moose and bears, or take a step back in history with the various L.L.Bean catalogs on display from past years. There are signs to read to learn more about the outdoor heritage of Maine. Every time you go, there are so many things to experience.

The flagship store is divided into sections. So, if you are interested in hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, or buying a backpack, there are plenty of places to explore.

The displays usually offer fun and interactive ways to try out the items for sale. The camping section has various tents hanging from the walls and ceiling. If you want to take a peek, you're welcome to take one out of the bag. You can also walk into a pop-up ice shack to see how spacious it is inside.

Almost every Maine resident has some kind of L.L.Bean item. They may be walking around in the fall with a flannel, or sporting an embroidered backpack. The store has shaped the culture around Maine, and we wouldn't be the same without it.

L.L.Bean reaches into the community in several ways, too. Stretching their reach beyond Freeport, they sponsor various activities to inspire people to get outside. They also host many events throughout the year. You can join in on their outdoor summer concert series. In the fall, the whole place will be decorated with pumpkins from a local camp. Then, around Christmas time, the entire place will turn into a winter wonderland filled with lights, music, and plenty of activities for the entire family.

The central building couldn’t possibly contain all there is, so they created the L.L.Bean Home Store. There you will find rugs, decorative items, kitchen supplies, and more. All of it will have the signature L.L.Bean Maine charm to it and will fill your home with a little piece of this staple store.

L.L.Bean in Freeport, Maine, is a greatly loved piece of culture in our state. Everyone who has lived in Maine for any length of time will at least have a tote hiding somewhere in a closet. The store truly has captured the essence of Maine life, and we are thankful for its presence in our state. If you want to check out more, we encourage you to go to the L.L.Bean website for more information.

Just like L.L.Bean works hard to equip you to explore the best of Maine, we strive to do the same, so we invite you to try Maine’s finest by hiking this trail in Acadia National Park.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to Maine using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.