5 Best Things to Do in Ellsworth, Maine

© Abi/stock.adobe.com

The Stanwood Homestead Museum and Bird Sanctuary is a 200-acre, clean, well preserved sanctuary and natural setting in Ellsworth, Maine with quaint forest trails leading visitors through beautiful scenery. Guests can view a variety of wild birds within their natural habitats, which means visitors need to be respectful of the tranquil surrounding and keep quiet if they want to see the wildlife. Guests can also see the Stanwood Homestead, the birthplace and home of Cordelia Stanwood, photographer and pioneer ornithologist. The gift shop and Nature Center lies near the entrance to the handicap accessible boardwalk and interconnected trail system.

289 High St, Ellsworth, ME 04605, Phone: 207-667-8460

© The Telephone Museum

The Telephone Museum explores the industrial, technical, and social history of the country’s wired telephone network through a number of interactive and hands-on exhibits. A timeline of the technology of telephones is displayed throughout the museum, dating back to the earliest manual switchboard through modern electro-mechanical switching systems. All types of old telephones can be seen at The Telephone Museum, as well as switching systems and switchboards that powered the telephone network. Visitors can hear real telephones ringing, use a dial phone from the 1950’s, or experience what it was like being a switchboard operator in the year 1895.

166 Winkumpaugh Rd, Ellsworth, ME 04605, Phone: 207-667-9491

© Downeast Scenic Railroad

The Downeast Scenic Railroad provides visitors and locals alike with a chance to take a round-trip, 10-mile, scenic train ride on the region’s historic Calais Branch Line aboard a well-preserved, old-fashioned train. Departing from Ellsworth, the passenger train travels through beautiful natural scenery and many species of wildlife may be spotted along the trip, such as bears, beavers, foxes, snapping turtles, deer, moose, eagles, blue herons, and more. The slightly bumpy ride on the Downeast Scenic Railroad lasts around ninety minutes and passengers can choose to ride in an open-air car or covered car, depending on the weather.

8 Railroad Siding Rd, Hancock, ME 04640, Phone: 866-449-7245

© Woodlawn

The Woodlawn house museum is a histori estate situated around a quarter-mile from downtown Ellsworth and ecompasses approximately 180 acres of land. Once the home of the prominent Black family, Woodlawn is now a local gem for its public park, gardens, and historic house museum. Guests take a tour through the historic home, hike along the pristine nature trails, play a game of croquet, stroll through the gardens, and more. The beautifully preserved Woodlawn home houses numerous exhibits and original furnishings. In addition to tours, Woodlawn also hosts a robust lecture and workshop program and special events throughout the year.

19 Black House Dr, Ellsworth, ME 04605, Phone: 207-667-8671

© Helen's

A family-friendly restaurant in the city of Ellsworth that has been a part of the local community since 1950, Helen’s features a cozy atmosphere and serves an array of comfort food. Along with the homestyle fare, the restaurant is also well known for its homemade, award-winning pies that are made fresh every day. The friendly staff of Helen’s welcome guests “almost home” and strive to always provide diners with a pleasant dining experience. The dinner menu includes dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, turkey and dressing, fried chicken, and chicken parmesan, with specialty options like the Haddock Burger.

55 Downeast Hwy, Ellsworth, ME 04605, Phone: 207-667-2433