Maritime museum & coastal charm

About

The Maine Maritime Museum sits on 20 acres along the Kennebec River in Bath, a shipbuilding city that's been launching vessels since the 1700s. This is where Maine's deep connection to the sea comes alive through historic artifacts, hands-on exhibits, and real ships you can climb aboard.

The museum's centerpiece is the Percy & Small Shipyard, the only surviving wooden shipbuilding yard in the country. You'll find yourself surrounded by the stories of the people who built, sailed, and fished these waters for centuries. Indoor galleries cover everything from lobstering traditions to the Age of Sail, with interactive displays that make maritime history feel immediate and personal.

One of the highlights is the chance to take a river cruise. The museum operates boat trips on the Kennebec River, offering views of lighthouses, wildlife, and working waterfront scenery. The Merrymeeting, their primary cruise vessel, features both a covered lower deck and an open upper deck, so you can enjoy the water in comfort rain or shine.

Kids and families will find plenty to do here. There's a hands-on area where children can try their hand at knot-tying and other seafaring skills. Seasonal programs and special exhibitions keep things fresh throughout the year.

Bath itself is worth exploring before or after your museum visit. The downtown district has a walkable main street lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries. It's a classic Maine coastal town without the heavy tourist crowds you'll find farther south.

The museum is open year-round, though hours vary by season. Summer is the busiest time, and that's when the full schedule of cruises runs. Spring and fall offer a quieter experience with fewer crowds. Plan for at least two to three hours to see the indoor exhibits and grounds. If you're adding a cruise, budget an extra hour or two.

Admission covers access to all exhibits, the shipyard, and the grounds. Cruises are an additional fee and should be reserved in advance during peak season.

Accessibility

The Maine Maritime Museum offers strong accessibility features for visitors with mobility needs. The property has 11 designated accessible parking spaces, along with a drop-off area with benches near the main entrance for convenient access. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the Guest Services Desk at no charge.

Indoor exhibit spaces feature elevators, ramps, and thoughtfully designed layouts that allow wheelchair users and visitors with mobility aids to move through galleries comfortably. Changing tables are available in all of the museum's restrooms.

For river cruises, the Merrymeeting vessel is wheelchair-accessible on its main deck. However, it's important to note that the onboard restrooms are not wheelchair-accessible, so plan accordingly before boarding.

The outdoor shipyard grounds cover a large area along the riverfront. Visitors with mobility considerations should be aware that some outdoor paths may be uneven or gravel-surfaced, particularly around the historic shipyard areas.

For visitors with sensory needs or other accessibility requirements, contact the museum's Guest Services team directly before your visit. They can provide current details on any sensory-friendly programming, assistive listening devices, or other accommodations that may be available. The staff at Guest Services can also help coordinate any specific needs to make your visit as smooth as possible.

Contact the venue at (207) 443-1316 or visit their website for the most up-to-date accessibility information, as features and accommodations may change seasonally.

More accessible places in Maine

• Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Boothbay)
• Acadia NP & coastal hikes & food scene (Acadia National Park / Bar Harbor)
• Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor)
• Maine Maritime Museum (Bath)
• Portland Museum of Art (Portland)
• Southern Maine Beach Towns (Ogunquit)