Located on Pensobscot Bay, Belfast is a small coastal town in mid-coast Maine, named after Belfast in Northern Ireland. As with many coastal towns in Maine, Belfast’s economy was centered around the shipbuilding and whaling industries, which have now vanished. Today, the main exports of Belfast are lobsters, scallops, sardines and mackerel. Coupled with its coastal beauty, visitors can enjoy the fantastically fresh seafood in Belfast.
Originally known as the settlement of Passagassakaeag, it was renamed in the 1770s by its Scottish-Irish settlers. No doubt, the ragged coastal scenery reminded the settlers of their home in Ireland. Located pretty much in the middle of Maine’s 1,500 mile coast, it is one of 26 small towns along the coast. Belfast boasts incredible scenic vistas along its coastal roads, an undeveloped waterfront and pristine nature. These are the characteristics that attract visitors to Belfast.
Maritime history is intricately entwined in Belfast’s own history and led to prosperity in the area. Today, one can still visualize what Belfast’s waterfront area must have been like, but these images are captured in the museums in and around the town. Most visitors now seek out the fresh seafood or the numerous parks and beaches. Although summer is the main tourist season, visitors are happy to visit Belfast throughout the year, with each season offering something different.
Highlights
Belfast Historical Society and Museum: features Belfast’s maritime history and old photographs of the town; the museum also houses the Percy Sanborn painting gallery.
Heritage Park: is located right on the waterfront in Belfast and is a popular place to picnic, watch people kayaking and for beachcombing.
Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory: the first cable spanning bridge in Maine, with an observatory at the top which boasts incredible coastal views.
Moose Point State Park: the site of the landing of the first settlers of the area, this state park has hiking trails, tidal pool and picnic areas.
Fort Point State Historic Site and Lighthouse: right on the peninsula in Penobscot Bay, this park has wooded trails and a fishing pier; the lighthouse grounds are accessible, but visits inside the lighthouse are by appointment only.
Art galleries: Belfast is a haven for artists and the town is dotted with numerous art galleries where you can find anything from antiques to modern art.
Museum in the Streets: is a unique ‘walking museum’ sponsored by the Belfast Historical Society; it consists of a self-guided walking tour of the town’s heritage – follow the 30 descriptive panels throughout town to learn about the history and culture of Belfast.