Maine has many beautiful state parks, land preserves and even a national park — but it’s also full of town and city parks, many of which are historic in nature and boasting some of the prettiest views in the state.
Many municipalities across the state value the importance of green space and community gathering areas, whether it’s for a family picnic or a town festival. Some have been part of the town’s fabric for generations, while others are newer additions that have quickly become beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Here are 12 of the prettiest town and city parks in Maine.
Brewer Riverwalk, Brewer
Over the past 20 years, Brewer’s Riverwalk has become the crown jewel of the city’s public offerings, with its charming children’s garden, outdoor fitness equipment, small amphitheater and up close views of the Penobscot River. It’s an easy mile-long walk from start to finish, dotted with local restaurants and ideal for people-watching.
Cascade Park, Bangor
With a waterfall, fountain, tall shade trees and beautifully manicured grounds, Cascade Park has long been a favorite place for picnics and weddings, and a haven for those looking for a respite from nearby Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. The park, built in 1934 as part of the New Deal-era Works Progress Administration, has a short trail that connects to the longer system at adjacent Saxl Park.
Riverfront Park, Houlton
The centerpiece of Houlton’s Riverfront Park is the Gateway Crossing footbridge, a beautifully designed wooden footbridge crossing the Meduxnekeag River and connecting the park to Houlton’s Market Square. Aside from that, the park offers a walking trail, signposts detailing local history, flora and fauna, a picnic area and an eye-catching bear sculpture.
Riverfront Park, Old Town
A few decades ago the city of Old Town redeveloped an old downtown mill site into the expansive and attractive park we see today. In addition to amenities like a splash pad, playground, gazebo, sculptures and walking trail, the Riverfront Park offers a spectacular view of the Penobscot River. It’s the site of lots of public programming all year long.
Belfast City Park, Belfast
Steamboat Landing on Belfast’s waterfront gets all the attention, but the city park has been an integral part of Belfast life for more than a century. Its 17 acres offer much in the way of recreation activities — baseball, basketball, pickleball, tennis, a swimming pool — but its grounds are the star attraction. It boasts winding footpaths, a babbling brook with footbridge, a public beach on Penobscot Bay and an arboretum.
Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre, Camden
This public amphitheater and its grounds is a small but beautiful example of high-level landscape architecture, combining art deco and neoclassical elements alongside native Maine plants. Across the street, the experience continues in Harbor Park, which was designed by the Olmsted Brothers — sons of the legendary Frederick Law Olmsted — to provide views of Camden’s iconic waterfront.
Ellsworth Harbor Park and Marina, Ellsworth
This city park in Ellsworth combines the hum of an active marina and the serenity of a green space. You can watch both birds and boats on the Union River, enjoy food trucks at the picnic tables, and catch live music and theater during the summer.
Agamont Park, Bar Harbor
The sheer volume of photos taken by tourists at Bar Harbor’s Agamont Park attests to its beauty, situated in the heart of the town center and overlooking Frenchman Bay. Its famous fountain has been the site of many wishes, and it is also the entrance to the Shore Path, a beloved walking path along the harbor.
Library Park, Bath
Is it a park with a library, or the other way round? Regardless, this small but lovely park in downtown Bath boasts well-designed grounds that include a large and attractive fountain, a gazebo, historic cannons and lots of towering trees. It’s easy to imagine how it looked 100 or more years ago, when people attended concerts at the historic 1880s bandstand.
Winslow Park, Freeport
This park in the southern Maine town best known as the headquarters for L.L. Bean also offers a town-operated campground, which is why there’s a fee to enter between May 26 and Oct. 1. The rest of the year, the park is free, and offers trails, a playground, a public beach and boat launch, all overlooking the Harraseeket River.
Eastern Promenade, Portland
It’s hard to choose just one of Portland’s many lovely city parks, but for sheer beauty, we have to go with the Eastern Promenade, overlooking Casco Bay. Another Olmsted Brothers-designed park — as is Portland’s Deering Oaks — it offers a multi-use trail, a playground, a community garden, boat launches and an epic sledding hill. It’s also the site of the city’s Fourth of July celebration, and many other concerts and other events.
Fort Williams Park and Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth
It’s one of the most-visited sites in Maine for a reason: it’s home to the iconic Portland Head Light, as well as a historic 19th century fort, walking trails, sports facilities and the ruins of a Victorian mansion. It’s where the famous Beach to Beacon 10K ends each year, and it’s a favorite spot for kite-flying and picnics. The park itself spans 90 acres, and has a beach and arboretum.
