This Historic Park Is One Of Maine’s Best Kept Secrets

A state like Maine is full of history. We've got aviation history, weird history, and even history that involves nature. But we also have lots of history in the form of famous residents. One of the most beloved artists actually made his studio in Maine and, today, you can visit it while you're in Vacationland. It might not be the first thing on the must-see list for many people, but it's a wonderful piece of Maine history that's worth the time. Check out one of the most wonderful hidden gems in Maine.

The Winslow Homer Studio, located in Prouts Neck in Scarborough, is one of the most important places in the wonderful history of American art. It's also one of the most underrated places in Maine.

Homer was born in Boston but first visited Prouts Neck with his parents and siblings in 1875. This must have been when he fell in love with the area, making it his home and studio beginning in 1884 until his death in 1910.

His family visited the coastal area for many years, including most summers beginning in the late 1880s.

Eventually, by now an established artist living in New York City, he decided to relocate permanently to Maine.

He worked with a Portland architect to create the Shingle Style home, which was, converted from a carriage house. It became his full-time residence and studio.

His 1,500-square-foot home and studio sits on the rocky coast, with inspiring panoramic views over the Atlantic ocean.

Homer often took in the view from his studio's second-floor balcony, drawing inspiration from the crashing surf and beautiful Maine sky.

This period of his life saw the creation of impressive scenes that used the sea as his subject, including "The Fog Warning" from 1885 which is pictured here.

The home was named a National Landmark in 1966, and today visitors can take guided tours through the Portland Museum of Art. You'll love visiting this historic place and hidden park in Maine.

The Winslow Homer Studio Tours are 2.5 hours and must be booked through the Portland Museum of Art through advanced reservations. You can see the home while taking the cliff walk along Prouts Neck, but all official tours depart from and return to Portland via a van from the museum. Learn more about the studio and book reservations on the Portland Museum website. You won't want to miss discovering one of the best hidden gems in Maine!

For more Maine history, consider a visit to the state's oldest town. It's beautiful and it's recently seen a resurgence.

If you're curious to learn more about artist Homer Winslow and his life, I suggest you read the book Winslow Homer: American Passage.