The 12 Best Hidden Gems In Maine To Visit In 2022, One For Each Month Of The Year

Tucked up north, Maine is sometimes overlooked by those who live in other parts of the country. But, of course, we all know that it's a must-visit if you love nature, history, food -- and adventure. While Maine as a whole can be considered a hidden gem, there are plenty of spots within the state that are overlooked... but worthy of attention. For the best hidden gems in Maine, check out this list of our favorites. You can visit one every month of the year to be sure you're seeing the best of the state.

January: Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville

When the weather is cold, consider escaping the weather and spending some extra time indoors. In January, plan on visiting this museum, which is part of Colby College. Overlooked sometimes, it's definitely worth a visit! Before you go to visit, please check out the Colby College Museum of Art website for any more information for planning a trip.

February: Jameson Tavern, Freeport

February is a great time to spend some time inside. Add some history into the mix with a visit to this hidden pub in Freeport. Known as the "birthplace of Maine," this is where Maine was signed into statehood! You can learn more about it with this interesting article called Step Back Into History At Maine’s Oldest Standing Tavern. Also, be sure to check out the Jameson Tavern website for any more information.

March: The Entire Solar System, Presque Isle

March might have some nice days as we inch closer to spring, but it's safe to assume we'll be dealing with some snowy days. To see the state despite the cold, plan on hopping into the car to explore the country's best (or only!) scaled model of our solar system. Created by the University of Maine, this is a fun thing to follow. You can learn more about what makes this scale model of our solar system so much fun. Then check out the Maine Solar System website to plan your trip.

April: World’s Largest Paul Bunyan Statue, Bangor

We aren't completely sure if this is the largest Paul Bunyan statue in America, but our gut tells us that honor belongs to Minnesota. Regardless, Maine's lumber history gives us some ability to claim him as an icon, and he is our largest so that counts for something. Check out the statue by visiting the park across from the Civic Center. Find out the gripping tale of how Maine got this large statue to claim as our own.

May: Wiggly Bridge, York

The sun is (finally) out, the sky is blue, and life is grand because warm weather is just about here. Celebrate it by making your way to York to hop across the unique Wiggly Bridge. Learn more about this crazy trail and the beauty that surrounds it.

June: Bar Island Trail, Bar Harbor

Warm weather has arrived and that means getting outside in some of Maine's most beautiful places. Head to Bar Harbor to take the Bar Island Trail which is only accessible during low tide. Just be sure to time things right or you might get stuck on the other end! Learn more about this wonderful hidden gem by checking out the Bar Harbor Trail article we wrote to serve you all the knowledge you need to get outside and enjoy it.

July: The Bold Coast Scenic Byway

Jump in the car and take in more of the state by enjoying one of Maine's most beautiful road trips. We love this one for July because there are plenty of spots to pull over and take in the bright greens of summer. You can learn more about the route by checking out The Bold Coast Scenic Byway piece we wrote up about it.

August: Rachel Carson Salt Pond Preserve, New Harbor

There are still some weeks left of summer here in Maine and this is the time to make the most of it. Hit the beaches, but make sure to give the state's coastal tidepools some attention, too. You can find them up and down the coast during low tide. We suggest going to the Rachel Carson Salt Pond Preserve. This one is great for kids because it's easy to make it to the pools. Fun fact: this is where Rachel Carson gathered specimens to research her book, "Edge of the Sea."

September: Cascade Falls Trail, Saco

This trail is a great one for warm weather while the leaves are changing. Head here in September to take it all in. The route leads to two different waterfalls which doubles your dose of beauty! You can learn more about this incredible waterfall trail by clicking the link and then be prepared to take on this amazing hike.

October: Carousel Horse Farm, Casco

There are plenty of farms throughout Maine, but we love this one because they offer a fall foliage horseback ride that's great for taking in the beauty of the season. Be sure to check out the Carousel Horse Farm website for more information and you can learn all about the Carousel Horse Farm by checking out our article.

November: Maine State Prison Showroom, Thomaston

The holidays are almost here and we love the idea of shopping local. To make it extra-special, head to this unique shop stocked with hand-crafted goods straight from Maine's prisons. You'll be amazed by just how intricate and beautiful these items are. You can learn more about the Maine State Prison Showroom. Then make sure to follow the Maine State Prison Showroom Facebook page.

December: Augusta West Kampground Lights, Winthrop

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday season in Maine, but this is one of our favorites. It's beautiful, but it's also one of the newest on the scene. In 2021 they had more than 200,000 lights and we can only imagine they'll match that in subsequent years. You can learn more about the Augusta West Kampground Lights event. Then make sure to visit the Augusta West Kampground website to get your tickets when the event gets posted.

Aren't these the best hidden gems in Maine? What are some of your favorite hidden gems in Maine? Let us know in the comments so we can check them out!

The overlooked spots are great but don't ignore the ones that are heavily visited. They're popular for a reason! The decadent breakfast plates at Becky's Diner in Maine will have your mouth watering in no time.