Top 10 Must-Visit Movie Locations in Maine: Explore Hollywood's Hidden Gems

Explore Hollywood's Hidden Gems: Top 10 Must-Visit Movie Locations in Maine

Maine's diverse landscapes, from its dramatic coastline to its dense forests and quaint towns, have captivated filmmakers for decades.  Beyond the iconic imagery, Maine's charm and accessibility make it a perfect destination for film fans wanting to step into their favorite movie scenes.  Let’s roll the credits on our must-visit list and discover the magic of Maine film locations.

1.  The Stanley Hotel - Actually, for Maine, let's focus on Stephen King Specific Locations in Maine itself!

Instead of a Colorado hotel, let’s highlight a true Maine connection to Stephen King and filming locations within Maine!

• Bangor, Maine (Various Stephen King Films):  Bangor, King's real-life hometown, and the surrounding areas have served as inspiration and filming locations for numerous Stephen King adaptations, most notably It and Pet Sematary. Explore the real-life "Derry" and spot locations that might feel eerily familiar to King fans.

2.  Fort Williams Park & Portland Head Light (Cape Elizabeth) - The Good Son & Many Others

This stunning park, home to the iconic Portland Head Light, has provided dramatic backdrops for various films, most notably the psychological thriller The Good Son.

• Fort Williams Park & Portland Head Light (Cape Elizabeth): The dramatic cliffs and historic lighthouse feature prominently in The Good Son, offering breathtaking coastal scenery.  The park itself is beautiful and offers walking trails and picnic spots.

3.  Monhegan Island (Lincoln County) - Jumanji (1995) & its Unique Beauty

While most Jumanji scenes weren't on Monhegan, establishing shots and the island's overall feel contributed to the film's aesthetic.  And Monhegan's inherent beauty makes it a location worth visiting in its own right.

• Monhegan Island (Lincoln County): While not heavily featured for specific scenes in Jumanji, the island's rugged beauty and remote feel influenced the film’s visual style and some establishing shots were filmed in the region.  Monhegan is a unique and beautiful island to explore.

4.  Camden, Maine - Peyton Place (1957) & Classic Small-Town Charm

Camden provided the quintessential New England setting for the classic soap opera film Peyton Place, showcasing Maine's charming small-town atmosphere.

• Camden, Maine: Explore the picturesque harbor town that served as "Peyton Place" in the 1957 film adaptation. Wander through its charming streets, browse shops, and imagine the drama unfolding in this idyllic setting.

5.  Rockland, Maine - In the Bedroom & Coastal Drama

Rockland, with its working harbor and rugged coastline, provided the dramatic backdrop for the critically acclaimed In the Bedroom.

• Rockland, Maine: Explore the town of Rockland and the surrounding coastal areas that featured in In the Bedroom.  Visit the Farnsworth Art Museum, walk along the harbor, and experience the atmosphere captured in the film.

6.  Kennebunkport, Maine - Mr. Brooks & Suburban Serenity (with a twist)

Kennebunkport, known for its beautiful beaches and upscale atmosphere, surprisingly served as the backdrop for the dark thriller Mr. Brooks.

• Kennebunkport, Maine:  While Mr. Brooks depicts a darker side, Kennebunkport's beautiful coastal scenery and upscale homes are recognizable in the film. Enjoy the beaches, Dock Square, and charming town center.

7.  Deer Isle & Stonington (Hancock County) - Ethan Frome & Rural New England

These picturesque coastal towns on Deer Isle provided the authentic New England atmosphere for the adaptation of Edith Wharton’s Ethan Frome.

• Deer Isle & Stonington (Hancock County): Explore the towns and coastal landscapes of Deer Isle and Stonington, which authentically portrayed the rural New England setting of Ethan Frome.

8.  Acadia National Park (Hancock County) - Indian Summer & Natural Beauty

While not the primary location for Indian Summer, Acadia National Park’s stunning natural beauty often stands in for quintessential New England landscapes in various films and is worth mentioning for its general cinematic appeal and scenic vistas.

• Acadia National Park (Hancock County): Though not the main location for Indian Summer, Acadia’s iconic landscapes – rugged coastline, forests, granite mountains – embody the New England scenery often sought after by filmmakers. Explore hiking trails, scenic drives, and breathtaking vistas.

9.  Old Fort Western (Augusta) - Benedict Arnold: A Question of Honor & Historical Drama

Old Fort Western, a National Historic Landmark, provided an authentic 18th-century backdrop for the historical drama Benedict Arnold: A Question of Honor.

• Old Fort Western (Augusta): Visit this remarkably preserved 1754 fort, which served as a key location for the historical film Benedict Arnold: A Question of Honor, transporting viewers back in time.

10.  Scarborough, Maine - Storm of the Century (Mini-Series) & Coastal Towns Revisited

Scarborough, another charming coastal town, was used for filming locations in Stephen King's Storm of the Century mini-series, bringing King’s chilling tales back to Maine's shores.

• Scarborough, Maine: Explore the town of Scarborough and its coastline, which provided locations for Storm of the Century.  Imagine the eerie atmosphere of King's tale as you walk along the beaches and explore the town.

Embark on Your Maine Cinematic Adventure

From horror to romance, drama to thrillers, movie locations in Maine offer something for every film fan.  So, ditch the Hollywood studio backlots and embark on a real-life cinematic journey through Maine. Visit Maine and explore Hollywood's hidden gems – you might just discover your own starring role in the Pine Tree State’s beautiful landscape!