LC Bates Museum


Eccentricity abounds inside this 1903 school building on the Good Will–Hinckley educational complex south of Hinckley. Here, the LC Bates Museum heartily embraces the concept of a 20th-century 'cabinet of curiosities,' with a huge assortment of natural, geologic and artistic artifacts. On the 1st floor, look for an amazing array of taxidermied birds. The basement holds stuffed mammals (including one of the last caribou shot in Maine), rocks, minerals and fossils.

There are treasures to be found here; fans of modern interactive museums may still enjoy the fusty, old-school cabinets and displays as an anthropological exercise. Staff members are glad to point out the more interesting finds and answer questions.

Nature trails meander through the forest out back.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Colby College Museum of Art

6.82 MILES

The Colby College Museum of Art is fresh from a marvelous expansion and the addition of a 26,000-sq-ft glass pavilion. The space displays works from a…

2. Old Fort Western

24.8 MILES

Just across the river from Augusta's main drag (Water St) stands this 1754 landmark, America's oldest wooden fort. It was built by a Boston-based outfit…

3. State House

25.54 MILES

Built in 1832 and enlarged in 1909, this stately, granite-domed edifice was designed by Charles Bulfinch (the Boston architect behind the nation’s Capitol…

4. Maine State Museum

25.64 MILES

What happens when a moose and his rival lock horns in mortal combat? Their interlocked racks end up in the Cabinet of Curiosities at the Maine State…