Visit

Frances Perkins National Monument

2026 Summer Season

The Welcome Center with self-guided exhibit in the 1837 restored barn

Open: June 17th to October 11th
Days and hours: Wednesdays through Sundays 9:00 – 3:00
Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays

Trails and grounds are open daily year-round, from dawn to dusk

The Frances Perkins National Monument is located in the picturesque Damariscotta-Newcastle region of coastal Maine. This National Park Service site consists of the historic 1837 Perkins Homestead on 57-acres of farmland and forest with a 1.3 mile loop trail to the Damariscotta River. Only 1.5 miles off coastal Rt. 1, it is an easy day trip from Bangor and Portland, or is an easy stop along the way to Acadia National Park.

Learn about the life and legacy of Frances Perkins in the Welcome Center (open seasonally) inside the beautifully restored ell and barn of the Perkins Homestead. There is a self-guided exhibit, and a small selection of books and merchandise for sale. Allow 1.5-2 hours total if you plan to view exhibit and walk the trail.

Nearby attractions include: the spectacular Coastal Maine Botanic Gardens, the largest botanical gardens in New England; the vibrant Boothbay Harbor Region, with the best of Maine shopping, dining, sightseeing and outdoor recreation; and the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust with 30 preserves containing over 50 miles of trails in the Damariscotta-Pemaquid region.

Know Before You Go - Important Information

View Trail Map

The trail is open year-round, dawn to dusk. It is approximately a 1.5 mile loop (allow 30-45 minutes) and gently slopes through fields and woods. The short path to the shore is slightly steeper uneven terrain. Please be mindful of any large roots or branches, especially after storms.

Leave the area undisturbed including remnants of the brick making on the shoreline.

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Parking Info

Free parking is available at the national monument. Space is limited with about 24 spots (two are reserved as accessible) but is not often full. Vehicles longer than 24' or with trailers may have difficulty parking depending on spaces available.

This is the only public parking available - no parking on River Road or on nearby private residential roads. Violators may be towed. Overnight parking is not permitted.

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Pets

Leashed pets are welcome on the trail, which are owned and maintained by the Frances Perkins Center; however, according to federal regulations, pets are prohibited from the lawns surrounding the homestead, inside the buildings, and on guided programs.

If you want to enjoy the trails with your leashed pet, please walk directly from the parking lot to the trailhead at the side of the barn. Collect and dispose of pet waste off site (carry in/carry out). Pets may not be left in vehicles or tied out unattended.

More Info

Consider your fitness level before hiking.

Swimming is not recommended in the river.

Take precautions against ticks with repellent and light clothing. Do a tick check after exploring the grounds and trails!

Pack water. There is no public drinking water available at the monument (water is available to purchase in the Welcome Center).

No picnicking, campfires, or collection of plants, wood, or artifacts.