Aquariums

Maine State Aquarium

Name: Maine State Aquarium
Address: McKown Point Rd, West Boothbay Harbor, ME 04575, West Boothbay Harbor, ME, US
Telephone: (207) 633-9674
Rating: 4.1

★★★★☆ 4.1 (631 reviews)

📍 McKown Point Rd, West Boothbay Harbor, ME 04575

📞 (207) 633-9674

🌐 www.maine.gov/dmr/programs/education-division/aquarium

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

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About Maine State Aquarium

Aquarium with lobsters & a touch tank. This aquarium is open seasonally & features a lobster display, touch tank & various sport fish. Features a 26-foot minke whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling as a signature display piece. Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars by 631 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Aquarium
Location: 194 McKown Point Road, West Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Focus: Gulf of Maine ecosystem with over 3,000 species
Highlights: 26-foot minke whale skeleton, life-size harbor porpoise displays
Admission: $10 adults, $7.50 children 3-12, free under 3

💡 Did You Know?

⭐Features a 26-foot minke whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling as a signature display piece
⭐Operates as a single-room facility spanning approximately 1,800 square feet, making it unusually compact for an accredited aquarium
⭐Offers an 'Aquariums for All' program providing free admission to visitors eligible for SNAP/EBT, WIC, Medicaid, or MaineCare benefits
⭐Interactive exhibits feature DMR (Department of Marine Resources) scientists discussing Gulf of Maine ecosystem research and local marine industries
⭐Touch tank features small sharks and starfish, with staff-led educational programs including a dedicated lobster presentation speaker (Ruby)

💬 What Visitors Say

🕐Arrive right at opening time to explore with minimal crowds and maximize your experience at this compact 1800 sq ft single-room aquarium
💡Don't miss the interactive touch tank and hands-on craft activities (like the decoupage oyster shell ornaments) - these are highlighted as the most memorable parts of the visit and create lasting educational memories
💬Plan for a shorter visit (1-2 hours is typical) and be aware parking is very limited - arrive early or during off-peak times, especially important given the small venue size
💡Prioritize seeing the lobster talks given by staff like Ruby, and look for the 26-foot minke whale skeleton and life-size Harbor Porpoise displays - staff are passionate and knowledgeable about Maine's local species
💡This attraction is particularly well-suited for young children (ages 0-3) and families interested in hands-on marine learning; groups of 15+ should reserve in advance to secure discounts