Part of our Maine guide.
Getting around Maine means driving between its coastal routes, inland waterways, and museum towns, with no single transit system covering the whole state. The three stops below—a historic river site, a scenic coastal road, and a transportation museum—each require a car to reach.
Related travel guides: Museums and Historic Sites In Maine, Hidden Gems Of Maine's Kennebec River Towns, Secrets Hidden In Maine, and Secrets Pools In Maine.
Unveiling the Sawmills: Hidden River Log Drives of Maine
Maine's river log drives were once the lifeblood of its timber industry, transporting massive logs from remote forests to sawmills. Remnants of this era survive along the state's waterways. Some of the best-preserved sites sit along the Kennebec and Penobscot rivers, where old dams and log booms remain visible from roadside pull-offs. The area also holds camps secrets hidden in Maine that once housed the log drivers themselves.
Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive offers views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged cliffs, and forests. Along the route, you will find lighthouses and coastal towns. The drive runs roughly 10 miles along the Mount Desert Island coast, connecting Bar Harbor to the fishing villages of Southwest Harbor and Bass Harbor—perfect for spotting coastal islands and coves in Maine along the way.
Timeless Rides At Owls Head Transportation Museum
The Owls Head Transportation Museum showcases a collection of vintage cars, planes, and motorcycles, including a 1908 Stanley Steamer and a 1930s biplane. Located at 117 Museum Street in Owls Head, the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April through October, with winter hours by appointment. Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and free for children under 4. The museum also hosts a summer auto show and a fall antique aeroplane show, both included with general admission.
