Made famous by former US President, George Bush, Kennebunkport is a small coastal town along the banks of the Kennebunk River. Located on the southern coast of Maine, Kennebunkport offers a host of ocean recreations to the visitor, such as lobster boat tours, kayaking, deep sea fishing and whale watching.
Famous as the location of the summer home of the Bush family, Kennebunkport got its name from the Native American word ‘kennebunk’, meaning ‘long cut bank’. As with most coastal Maine towns, Kennebunkport’s growth came from the shipbuilding industry and mills. Trade was in cloth and lumber that was sold on to Boston and New York. Today, one can see how the shipbuilding industry was perfect for the shallow tidal waters and sandbars around Kennebunkport. These can now be explored on foot or by kayak.
Kennebunkport has a 400-year tradition in fishing and seafood, lobster is especially a delicacy here. Natural beauty is also one of Kennebunkport’s assets and visitors can enjoy the miles of trails in the numerous parks and nature preserves. The town center has also been tastefully re-built to maintain the Victorian feel of the past. No wonder the Bush family maintains a summer home here.
Highlights
Wells National Estuarine Reserve: at Laudholm Farm covers 1,600 acres of a saltwater research reserve; enjoy miles of spectacular marsh walkways and trails and become a keen birdwatcher.****
Scarborough Marsh Nature Center: is known as Maine’s largest salt marsh and is the perfect place to explore by canoe, a way to silently approach the many species of shore birds and indigenous plant life.
Ogunquit Museum of American Art: was founded in 1952 and aims to preserve and showcase American art from the 19th century to the present.
Children’s Theater of Maine & Children’s Museum of Maine: is the oldest continuously operating theater for children in the US and is now housed within the Children’s Museum of Maine; the museum offers interactive exhibits and countless activities for children.
Portland Headlight & Museum: is Maine’s oldest lighthouse, built in the 1790s; enjoy beautiful coastal views, picnic areas and the lighthouse museum.
The Brick Store Museum: was founded in 1936 by a brick dry goods merchant, the museum features more than 70,000 artifacts and archival materials relating to the history of Kennebunkport.
Whale Watching: is a must do in Kennebunkport, with numerous tour operators offering cruises to watch finbacks, humpbacks, minkes and even the rare blue whale feeding during the summer time.