Gems of 26

People from all over the world; come to visit Maine, to enjoy what is close by to all of us. Play a tourist this year and enjoy the Maine Wildlife Park, Shaker Village, the attractions of Poland Spring, and the grounds of McLaughlin Garden truly are “the Gems of 26.”

The Maine Wildlife Park is the first stop on a Gems road trip. The Park is located 3.5 miles off exit 63 (that’s just 25 minutes from Portland, folks), and features more than 30 unique species of native Maine wildlife. Families will see more wildlife here in a day than they’d ever see in the wild – including 4 moose! Visit the thousands of brook trout at the Dry Mills Fish Hatchery, or meander along one of the wooded nature trails. The park is open from 9:30am-4:30pm daily through November 11.

From the park, continue north on Route 26 just a few miles towards apple trees and old barns. Sabbath-day Lake Shaker Village is the oldest surviving community of Shakers anywhere in the world. At the Village, folks can find famous Shaker chairs, workshops, a library, tours, and even observe blue chapel walls painted with real Maine blueberries! A gem for adults and older children. Open Monday – Saturday 9-4:30 until Columbus day.

Just a bit further north; make a stop at famous Poland Spring, where the Ricker Family first built the original a stagecoach stop in 1794. On the grounds is a Donald Ross designed masterpiece and is the oldest 18-hole resort golf course in the United States. Views of lakes or mountains from 15 of their 18 championship holes make this a golf course you must play. There are three Inns, three restaurants, and an assortment of activities for guest.

Or perhaps you’d like to cross the street to the Maine State Building, which was featured at Chicago’s World Fair in 1983; and the All Souls Chapel built in 1912, replete with historical artifacts, art exhibits and music concerts throughout the summer. Just down the hill is Preservation Park, home to Poland Spring Water’s original source, Bottling Company’s first ever water source, hiking trails and the historic Poland Spring Bottling Museum. Open Thursday – Monday 9-4, closed Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday.


Ten more miles north brings you to South Paris and Maine’s McLaughlin Garden, which dates back to 1936 when Bernard McLaughlin began planting what would become one of Maine's most beloved gardens. A century-old Maine farmstead with massive stonewalls and huge barn provide a unique background for this sophisticated collection of trees, woody shrubs and perennials. The formal garden features mature collections of hostas, daylilies, astilbes, iris, phlox, sedum, cimicifuga, sempervivums, and over 200 lilacs beneath a canopy of mature deciduous and coniferous trees. McLaughlin Garden features an historic home; barn, Garden Gift Shop and admission to the grounds are free. Open Daily 9-4.

Route 26 is also dotted with antique shops, art galleries, outdoor hikes, waterfalls and even a do-it-yourself mining expedition. While your touring, please visit our sponsor, the Oxford Casino, an adult playground of slot machines, the Oxford Grill restaurant; and soon a new hotel with 100 rooms.

So travel the road less-traveled to visit this group of significant attractions, which aren’t just affordable and conveniently located – they’re also rich in history and world-renowned.