20 Things Maine Is Known For

There’s no doubt that Maine is one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. with a myriad of unique features you can’t find anywhere else. From breathtaking coastlines to some of the best seafood in the country, there are plenty of things Maine is known for.

Whether you’re interested in Maine history or want to learn some fun facts about Maine, we’ve created a list of 20 things Maine is known for. To create this list, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous news and lifestyle publications, including the U.S. News & World Report and National Geographic. Here are some of the top things Maine is famous for.

Lobster

• Fact: The largest amount of lobster in the country is found off Maine’s coast

You can’t think about fishing or Maine food without discussing lobster. Lobsters are an important part of the culture and the economy in Maine, especially considering it’s the state that produces the most lobsters. There are over 5,000 lobstermen in Maine and each year, they harvest over 100 million pounds of lobster.

Lighthouses

• Fact: There are 66 lighthouses in Maine with the tallest one being 133 feet high

The perfect picture of Maine has to include one of its many lighthouses. While we may think of a lighthouse nowadays as more of a tourist attraction, out of the 66 lighthouses in Maine, 57 of them still have a working light. On a trip to Maine, you have to visit some of these lighthouses, especially the lighthouse on Boon Island, which is the tallest one in the state at 133 feet.

Moose

• Fact: Maine has more moose than any other state, which is why they’re the official state animal

Moose are the official state animal of Maine and you can find them all across the state. If you’re lucky enough, you might spot one of these majestic creatures during a visit to Maine but don’t get too close. As beautiful as they are, moose can be pretty dangerous although they’re generally not aggressive unless you provoke them.

Portland

• Fact: Portland, Maine is one of the most famous cities in the state and it’s known for its rich history and culture

When you hear the name Portland, you might think of Portland, Oregon first. But Portland, Maine is one of the most well-known cities in the state and it’s definitely one worth visiting. This city has a beautiful, historic downtown, plenty of delicious cuisine, and some breathtaking views of the ocean. Portland was also the first capital of Maine before the capital was changed to Augusta.

Augusta

• Fact: Augusta is the capital of Maine and has a population of about 19,000 people

Even though Augusta doesn’t have a large population, it’s still one of the things Maine is known for. As the state capital of Maine, this city is an important part of the history and culture of the state. With a population of only about 19,000, Augusta is the third-smallest out of all the state capitals in the U.S.

Foliage

• Fact: Fall foliage in Maine is one of the most beautiful sights and is best viewed between September and October

For those who are unfamiliar with the changing leaves in regions like New England, it’s a memorable sight. Fall foliage is only one of the breathtaking sights in Maine, but it’s definitely one of the most beautiful. During the fall season, you can witness the leaves on the maple trees burst with beautiful colors, generally starting in September and staying through October.

Craft Beer

• Fact: Even though Maine is a small state, it’s home to over 100 craft breweries

Considering the size of Maine, it’s impressive just how many craft breweries there are. If you’re looking for a variety of craft beers, Maine is definitely one of the best states to visit. In addition to the large number of breweries, there are also craft beer festivals throughout the state of Maine, making this state one of the top places to enjoy unique craft beers.

Maple Syrup

• Fact: Out of all the states, Maine is the third-largest maple syrup-producing state

As the third largest maple syrup-producing state, maple syrup is a pretty big deal in Maine. And while it’s not the largest maple syrup-producing state, it is home to the largest maple syrup-producing county. Somerset County, Maine, produces more maple syrup than any other county in the U.S.

Stephen King

• Fact: Famous novelist Stephen King was born in Maine and many of his books are set there

If you’re a fan of horror, you may have known that Stephen King, the king of horror stories, is a Maine native. Many of his stories, including “Carrie,” “Salem’s Lot,” and “Pet Sematary,” are set in this state. Even though Maine is incredibly beautiful, it’s also a great setting for a horror story considering how many inns and lighthouses have ghost stories attached to them.

National Parks

• Fact: Maine is home to four beautiful national parks, with Acadia National Park being the most popular

No matter what part of the state you visit, Maine has many breathtaking outdoor sights. Some of the national parks make the top of the list for places to see in Maine, whether you want to go hiking, biking, or simply spend some time outdoors. Out of the four national parks in the state, Acadia National Park is one of the parks Maine is famous for.

Beautiful Coastlines

• Fact: There are over 3,000 miles of beautiful coastlines in Maine with many coastal towns worth visiting

With over 3,000 miles of beautiful coastlines, it’s no wonder Maine is known for its memorable coastlines and seaside towns. There are only three other U.S. states with a longer coastline than Maine: Alaska, Florida, and Louisiana. But the coastlines of Maine are definitely worth visiting and have plenty of places to fish or sail. You can also visit some of Maine’s islands during your trip.

Mt. Katahdin

• Fact: Mt. Katahdin is the highest mountain in Maine at 5,269 feet

Whether you’re a fan of hiking or you’re interested in high mountain peaks, Mt. Katahdin is one of the most well-known places in Maine. This mountain is the highest in the state, standing at 5,269 feet. Mt. Katahdin is a part of the Appalachian Mountain Range and when you visit this mountain, there are many places to hike and explore.

L.L. Bean

• Fact: L.L. Bean started in Maine and originally only sold one product known as the Maine Hunting Shoe

If you’re familiar with L.L. Bean, the famous outdoor gear store, you may know a little bit about its history. L.L. Bean first started when founder Leon Leonwood Bean invented his first product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. While the success of this business wasn’t immediate, by 1927, the L.L. Bean Catalog was named the best in the country. L.L. Bean now has stores in almost 20 states, but the flagship store is in Freeport, Maine.

Blueberries

• Fact: Blueberries are a big deal in Maine with the state producing 99% of the blueberries in the country

Have you ever wondered what fruit Maine is known for? Blueberries are the state berry and Maine produces 99% of the country’s blueberries. Wild Maine blueberries are certainly tasty and they’re perfect to enjoy on their own or in your favorite blueberry treat. If you’re dining out in Maine, you’ll also find many restaurants that feature blueberries on their menu and serve desserts like fresh blueberry pie.

Puffins

• Fact: Maine is the only state in the U.S. that has puffins

Another thing Maine is known for is puffins. These adorable birds are related to Maine because Maine is the only state in the U.S. that has them. The type of puffin you’ll see in the Pine Tree State is known as the Atlantic Puffin and the islands of Maine are the only place in the U.S. where these birds have nesting sites. This variety is the smallest of all the puffins and they’re the only ones that live in the Atlantic.

Toothpicks

• Fact: A city in Maine used to be the toothpick capital of the world, producing billions of toothpicks each year

As strange as it seems, toothpicks are one of the things that Maine is known for. That’s because a small town in Maine known as Strong used to be the Toothpick Capital of the World. This small town, with a population of about 1,000 people, used to produce over 7 billion toothpicks every year. The manufacturing company in Strong, Maine closed down in 2003, but this is still something people remember about the state.

John D. Rockefeller

• Fact: John D. Rockefeller Jr. came up with the idea of the carriage road system and funded most of the project

Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Maine, but the fact that you can still visit it can be credited to John D. Rockefeller. This American businessman and philanthropist wanted to prevent traffic from making it difficult to visit the park and came up with the idea for the carriage road system. To this day, this system of roads where cars are not allowed has preserved visitors’ experience of Acadia National Park.

Honeybees

• Fact: The honeybee is the official state insect of Maine and the state is home to over 200 species of bees

The honeybee is the state insect of Maine and although bees didn’t originate in the United States, they were brought to America with the colonists. This insect was named the state insect of Maine in 1975 and although there are many bees in the state, honeybees specifically are an important part of the agriculture in Maine.

Pine Trees

• Fact: Maine is known as the Pine Tree State and has over 17 million acres of forest land

Every state has its own unique nickname that represents something about the culture. Maine is known as the Pine Tree State, and if you visit this beautiful state, it’s easy to see why. There are over 17 million acres of forest land in Maine, covering nearly 90 percent of the state. While there are different varieties of pine trees, the white pine is the official tree of Maine. This specific type of pine is the largest of all the eastern conifers in the country.

Fishing

• Fact: Maine is typically known for lobster fishing, but fishermen also catch salmon year-round

The presence of beautiful coastlines in Maine makes it a great place for fishing. You may typically think of fishing in Maine when it comes to lobster, and lobster fishing is a significant part of the economy. However, Maine also has an environment where landlocked salmon flourish, leading to fishermen catching salmon year-round. (Check Out These Iconic Drinks From Every State Everyone Should Try.)