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Wiscasset

Sights in Wiscasset

  1. Lincoln County Jail Museum

    The first prison in the district of Maine opened in 1811 and surprisingly remained in operation until 1953. The hilltop structure of granite, brick and wood holds 12 tiny cells, complete with graffiti and other mementos from its earliest days. In ad­dition, the jail functions as a museum, with changing exhibitions covering episodes from Wiscasset’s history. It’s located about a half-mile north of US 1.

    reviewed

  2. Castle Tucker

    Wiscasset’s grandest and best-situated mansion is the 1807 Castle Tucker, which commands beautiful views over the countryside. Judge Silas Lee built it to resemble a mansion in Dunbar, Scotland, but he only lived here for seven years before dying. It was later sold to a sea captain, and today it remains a marvel­ous refuge of Victoriana, with 19th-century furnishings and wallpaper.

    reviewed

  3. Maine Art Gallery

    One of a handful of galleries in town, the Maine Art Gallery is a non-profit exhibition space set in a lovely red-brick school house built in 1807. Exhibitions change monthly, with paintings, photographic works and ­occasional sculpture by local artists.

    reviewed

  4. Musical Wonder House

    On the way to Castle Tucker, don’t overlook this sweet museum. Its outstanding collection of antique music boxes, player pianos and early talking machines (gramophones) are displayed in period rooms.

    reviewed

  5. Nickels-Sortwell House

    This historical mansion is one of the town’s finest Federal houses (built in 1807), complete with period gardens. Tours begin on the hour and run from 11am to 4pm.

    reviewed