One of our favorite destinations to patron in Rangeley is the ever-popular and always fun Maine Forestry Museum, and we eagerly await its re-opening every summer! Always popular with our guests during the wonderful warmer months of summer, the Maine Forestry Museum is centrally located between the headwaters of both the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers.  Rangeley has been a focal point and primary center of logging in Maine for generations, and this historic heritage combines with active logging to create a museum that only the spirit of Rangeley could provide. 

In 1979, a group of loggers, homemakers and area residents founded the Maine Forestry Museum, which was originally called the Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum. Ever since, guests and locals alike flock to the museum every summer for their very own personal look at one of the industries that has allowed Rangeley to flourish into the vibrant community it is today.  

Today, the museum’s main building stands on a picturesque eighteen-acre site, just one mile east of Rangeley on Route 16. With a robust collection of logging artifacts, from an art collection, logging documents, dioramas, manual and heavy equipment, and more, the Maine Forestry Museum is a treat for the senses. If you’ve ever wondered what a fine art gallery dedicated solely to the hard work of those who helped establish our wonderful community, then this museum is the place to visit! 

Children will also find so much to love at the Museum as well, so be sure to bring along your little ones! From colorful, hands-on exhibits, educational and fun films, and even a children’s play area, you can rest assured that the whole family will both learn and leave with memories of a fun day.  

Want to continue immersing yourself in the beautiful outdoors during your visit? The museum offers hiking trails that lead over Gull Pond Stream to Haley Pond, allowing for a wonderfully memorable adventure into the great outdoors that we call home. Don’t forget to bring your favorite lunch! With a covered pavilion picnic area located on site, you’ll be able to enjoy your own meal surrounded by the sights and sounds of Rangeley’s nature!  

If you’ll be visiting in July, you won’t want to miss the Annual Logging Festival, celebrating its 41st year in 2022. This popular two-day event features an Arts & Crafts Vendor Day, featuring wonderful vendors and traditional events, a Logging Parade with antique cars, logging equipment and more, all culminating with the Logging Festival. The Logging Festival will feature Hall of Fame inductions, their famous Bean Hole Dinner, and an exciting logging competition, all making for an amazingly fun day that celebrates our history.  

The Museum is open mid-June to Labor Day, Wednesday through Sunday, 10-4, after Labor Day thru Columbus Day, Thursday thru Sunday 11-4, Saturday & Sunday only Columbus Day Weekend and by appointment. Be sure to let us know your favorite sights at the museum during your next stay with us!