The Coolest Abandoned Places in Maine
Run-down hospitals, ghost towns, and a ski resort that looks like the set of a horror film are some of the coolest abandoned places in Maine.
Written by Brittni Brinn
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
From a run-down ski resort to ghost towns and derelict hospitals, there are plenty of creepy abandoned properties to learn about in Maine. Here are the eight coolest abandoned places in the Pine Tree State.
When you think of Maine, lobster rolls and coastal vistas might come to mind. But what about the mysterious places hiding in the shadows? An old manor house, for example, or an island fort never used in combat—Maine has a lot to offer the brave souls who are willing to face the eerie locations scattered throughout the state.
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Abandoned towns in Maine
Flagstaff
Location: Somerset County, near the town of Eustis
Abandoned since: 1950
Is it legal to go in? You can visit Flagstaff Lake, but the abandoned town is actually at the bottom of the lake (and therefore submerged).
Flagstaff
Lake is a summer hotspot for boating and a winter paradise for snowmobilers—but did you know that underneath the placid surface rests an entire town?Flagstaff Village was first settled in the 1800s, hosting a gristmill and sawmill in the Dead River region. In 1949, the Central Maine Power company (CMP) decided to build a hydroelectric dam at Long Falls. Some of the town’s buildings were relocated, but many of Flagstaff’s residents lost their homes when the area flooded due to the dam’s construction the following year.
The town didn’t go under without ceremony, however. In July 1949, the town hosted a two-day celebration to commemorate the 100-year history of Flagstaff Village. Although you can’t visit Flagstaff Lake and imagine the town that rests below its waters.
Perkins Township (Swan Island)
Location: Sagadahoc County
Abandoned since: 1940s
Is it legal to go in? Yes
Perkins Township (Swan Island) is an abandoned town located in the middle of the Kennebec River. You can only access the island by boat—whether that’s a ferry, kayak, or canoe. It was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples before settlers moved in—famous historical figures such as Aaron Burr and Benedict Arnold once visited its shores.
It’s unclear why the island was abandoned. Some sources suggest that pollution in the river had something to do with it, while others claim that the state itself bought the land, forcing out the businesses and residents that called Perkins home.
Whatever the reason, five homes dating back to the 1700s remain on Swan Island. The Tubbs-Reed House, the Robinson House, and the Perkins Cemetery are notable spots on the island, though some of the homes are inaccessible to visitors. You can stay the night on the island using the provided lean-to shelters or a tent of your own.
Riceville
Location: East Hancock, near Township 39
Abandoned since: 1910
Is it legal to go in? Unclear
Riceville got its start in the 1870s when the F. Shaw and Brother's Company built a tannery along the Buffalo Stream. The only business in the area, the tannery spawned a small town around it, which was later taken over by James Rice. Records of what happened to the town after that are scarce, but we know from a census in 1900 that at least 75 people lived there.
Local legend tells that in 1910 a group of traders arrived in Riceville. Instead of the bustling tannery and town they expected to find, they were greeted by eerie silence. Everyone in the town was dead.
Whether this story is true or not, something turned Riceville into a ghost town. Whether it was an outbreak of cholera, mercury poisoning, a fire at the tannery, or something else, the fate of Riceville is an ongoing mystery.
Abandoned hospitals and resorts in Maine
Central Maine Sanatorium
Location: Fairfield
Abandoned since: 1970
Is it legal to go in? No
Originally built for patients suffering from tuberculosis, Central Maine Sanatorium was active until 1970 and was Maine’s last functioning TB clinic. In the early 1900s, tuberculosis patients were separated from the general public. The patients who were considered unlikely to recover were sent to Central Maine Sanatorium.
The Sanatorium is located on private property, which means it is illegal to enter the premises without permission. However, you can view the interior online.
Evergreen Ski Resort
Location: Fairfield
Abandoned since: 1982
Is it legal to go in? No
Near the Maine/ New Hampshire border sits the Evergreen Ski Resort, an abandoned site that would serve as the perfect backdrop for a horror movie. Even though the resort was thriving in the 1970s—hosting hiking trails, a golf course, and a folk festival—it closed for good in 1982.
In the early 1990s, the chair lifts were removed, leaving only the lodge and pool to fall into disrepair. Although there have been many attempts to reopen the resort, it currently sits abandoned.
The resort is privately-owned, so visiting the abandoned site is trespassing. However, you can view the eerie interior—complete with bar stools, dining settings, 70s wallpaper, and more—online without having to break a sweat.
MORE: The best road trips in Maine
Abandoned manors and forts in Maine
The Goddard Mansion
Location: Cape Elizabeth
Abandoned since: 1962
Is it legal to go in? No
Designed by New York architect Charles A. Alexander, The Goddard Mansion stands as a testament to a distant era. The owner John Goddard had a brief stint as an army colonel in 1861—continuing its military history, the mansion was used by the army in 1900 to host the non-commissioned officers quarters.
The derelict mansion was eventually taken over by the town in 1962. In the 1980s, the interior was considered unsalvageable and was burned in a controlled fire. The walls still stand, but have been fenced off since 2009.
Unfortunately not open to visitors, you can still see the mansion’s impressive stonework exterior and arched entryway on your way by.
Fort Gorges
Location: East of Portland on Hog Island, Portland Harbor
Abandoned since: 1870s
Is it legal to go in? Yes
A granite fortress in the middle of Portland’s harbor, Fort Gorges is an abandoned property like no other. Built after the War of 1812, the fort was meant to protect the harbor from future attacks. Construction took six years, but by the time it was finished, it was already out-of-date—for one thing, the cannon holds were the wrong size!
For almost 100 years, the fort stood empty and purposeless. It was used to house submarine mines during WWII, but was abandoned soon after. In 1960, the City of Portland turned the lonely fort into a public park.
The fort is open from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm and is free to enter—but you’ll have to find your own way across the harbor! Boats are available to rent, but make sure you check the weather report and harbor restrictions before heading out. You can
book a tour
of the fort or explore it at your own risk—even though it’s a public park, much of the property is left to fend for itself.Pro Tip Whichever abandoned location you choose to visit, always plan ahead. Some locations require special permission to enter, while others may not provide amenities. Knowing what to expect can help keep your visit safe and enjoyable.
Tips for exploring Maine’s abandoned places
Urban exploration is a cool way to spend a weekend, but if you don’t prepare correctly, your visit to an abandoned site can end in disaster. Here are some tips for staying safe and getting the most out of your excursions into the unknown.
- Research the area before you go—some abandoned places may not be open to the public and some may require special permission. There’s nothing worse than showing up at a site and finding out you can’t go inside! Take some time before heading out to check on hours of operation, seasonal closures, and if the area is restricted.
- Wear comfortable clothes and close-toed shoes. Not knowing what you’ll find inside an abandoned site is part of the fun! Wearing long pants and sleeves, sturdy shoes, and even extra protective gear like safety goggles can save you a trip to the hospital if you have a run in with broken glass or rusted nails.
- Don’t take souvenirs. You might find something cool you want to take home as a memento of your visit, but it’s important to leave the site exactly as you found it for the next adventurers to experience.
- Bring a friend along or let someone know where you’re exploring. Even though most of the places listed above are relatively safe to visit (even if you can’t go inside), it’s crucial for someone to know your whereabouts in case the unforeseen happens and you get stuck on site.
It’s all about minimizing the risks and respecting the site when you go urban exploring. By keeping yourself safe and leaving the abandoned site intact, you get to enjoy an authentic experience that will hopefully be around for years to come.
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FAQ
Is it illegal to visit abandoned places?
Some abandoned places are illegal to visit. While some are privately-owned, others may be considered unsafe. Always check the ownership and entry requirements of an abandoned place before you try to visit.
