Have you ever stumbled upon something so unusual it felt like a hidden gem?
Maine is home to some truly quirky roadside attractions that will leave you scratching your head and snapping photos.
1. World’s Largest Telephone (Bryant Pond)
In Bryant Pond, there’s a conversation piece that’s hard to miss – quite literally.
The World’s Largest Telephone stands tall, a monument to the town’s claim to fame as the last place in America to give up hand-crank telephones.
This isn’t just any oversized prop; it’s a fully functional payphone that’ll have you feeling like you’ve shrunk down to the size of a lobster roll.
Standing at about 14 feet tall, this behemoth of communication is like the Hulk of telephones.
It’s got a rotary dial big enough to use as a Frisbee and a handset that could double as a canoe.
Just imagine the phone bill if this thing made long-distance calls!
The best part?
You can actually make a call from this giant.
It’s like playing telephone with Paul Bunyan, minus the plaid shirt and ox.
So, if you’re in the area, don’t forget to bring some quarters – you might need a wheelbarrow full, but hey, that’s the price of novelty!
2. Wild Blueberry Land (Columbia Falls)
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to step into a real-life board game, Wild Blueberry Land in Columbia Falls is your answer.
This berry-themed wonderland is like Candyland met a blueberry farm and decided to throw a party.
The centerpiece of this fruity fantasy is a massive dome-shaped building painted to look like – you guessed it – a giant blueberry.
It’s as if the Smurfs decided to open a theme park, but with more antioxidants and less magic.
Inside, you’ll find all things blueberry: jams, pies, ice cream, and even blueberry pizza.
Yes, you read that right.
It’s like someone took the phrase “blue plate special” way too literally.
But don’t knock it till you’ve tried it – your taste buds might just be singing the blues in the best way possible.
3. Eartha, The World’s Largest Rotating Globe (Yarmouth)
In Yarmouth, you can see the whole world without leaving Maine, thanks to Eartha, the World’s Largest Rotating Globe.
This colossal sphere is like the Earth’s Mini-Me, if Mini-Me was actually 41 feet in diameter and weighed 5,600 pounds.
Housed in its own three-story glass building, Eartha spins on a specially designed axis, completing a full rotation every minute.
It’s like watching the world’s slowest disco ball, but infinitely more educational.
As you gaze upon this geographical giant, you might find yourself pondering life’s big questions.
Like, “If I spin it really fast, will time go backwards?” or “Can I request a house-sized pin to mark my location?”
Sadly, the answer to both is probably no, but dreaming big is what Eartha is all about!
4. The Desert of Maine (Freeport)
Just when you thought Maine couldn’t get any more surprising, it throws a desert at you.
The Desert of Maine in Freeport is 40 acres of sand dunes smack in the middle of pine forests.
It’s like Mother Nature decided to play a practical joke on geography.
This geological oddity isn’t a true desert – it’s actually glacial silt exposed by poor farming practices.
But don’t let that stop you from channeling your inner Lawrence of Arabia.
Just swap the camel for a colorfully painted one, and you’re good to go!
The Desert of Maine offers guided tours, nature trails, and even gem stone hunts.
It’s like a beach day, minus the ocean, plus a whole lot of trees.
Don’t forget your sunscreen – getting a tan in Maine’s “desert” is a bragging right few can claim!
5. Lenny the Chocolate Moose (Scarborough)
In Scarborough, there’s a moose that’ll make your mouth water faster than you can say “maple syrup.”
Meet Lenny, the 1,700-pound chocolate moose standing proudly in Len Libby’s Candies.
He’s the kind of wildlife you’d be happy to encounter on a hike – if only he weren’t behind glass.
Related: This Roaring Ocean Spectacle in Maine Will Leave You in Awe
Related: You’ll Think You’re in the Enchanted Forest at this Hidden Hiking Trail in Maine
Related: This Heartwarming Hiking Trail in Maine Will Remind You of Lassie Come Home
Lenny isn’t alone in his sweet habitat.
He’s joined by a life-sized black bear and two cubs, all made from milk chocolate.
It’s like a diorama at a natural history museum, but with the added temptation to lick the exhibits.
While you can’t take a bite out of Lenny (trust me, I asked), the shop offers plenty of other chocolate treats.
It’s the perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth while pondering the age-old question: If a chocolate moose melts in the forest, and no one is around to eat it, is it still delicious?
6. International Cryptozoology Museum (Portland)
For those who’ve always wanted to believe in Bigfoot but needed a little more convincing, the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland is your new mecca.
It’s dedicated to the study of hidden or unknown animals, which is a fancy way of saying “cool stuff that probably doesn’t exist, but wouldn’t it be awesome if it did?”
The museum houses an eclectic collection of cryptid artifacts, from Bigfoot hair samples to a life-sized model of the Feejee Mermaid.
It’s like stepping into the imagination of every kid who ever went camping and heard a strange noise in the woods.
Whether you’re a true believer or a skeptic, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of mythical creatures.
Just don’t be surprised if you leave looking over your shoulder for Chupacabras on your way back to the car.
7. Umbrella Cover Museum (Peaks Island)
On Peaks Island, there’s a museum that celebrates the unsung hero of rainy days – the umbrella cover.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Someone looked at those little sleeves that come with umbrellas and thought, “This deserves a museum.”
And you know what?
They were right.
The Umbrella Cover Museum houses over 2,000 umbrella covers from over 70 countries.
It’s like a United Nations of rain protection, minus the serious debates and plus a whole lot of whimsy.
Founded by Nancy 3. Hoffman (yes, that’s her real name, and yes, the “3” is supposed to be there), this quirky collection is accompanied by accordion music and witty commentary.
It’s the perfect reminder that there’s wonder in the everyday objects we often overlook – even if that object is literally designed to be left behind.
8. Paul Bunyan Statue (Bangor)
In Bangor, you’ll find a man who stands head and shoulders above the rest – about 31 feet above, to be exact.
The Paul Bunyan statue looms large over the city, a testament to Maine’s logging history and its apparent fondness for oversized everything.
This colossal lumberjack, with his mighty axe and questionable fashion sense (plaid never goes out of style in the woods), has been watching over Bangor since 1959.
He’s seen more Maine winters than most of us have had hot dinners, and he hasn’t even needed a scarf.
While you can’t climb Paul or borrow his axe for your own logging adventures, you can snap a selfie with this gentle giant.
Just be prepared for some serious photo-bombing from his enormous boots.
From giant telephones to chocolate moose, Maine’s roadside attractions are as diverse as they are delightful.
So grab your sense of wonder, leave your skepticism at home, and hit the road for a truly unique Pine Tree State adventure!