The Patten Lumbermen's Museum
Learn all about Maine logging history, including the use of bateaux on waterways to transport supplies, the stories of the fearless river drivers, what life was like inside a remote logging camp, and even the role of bean hole beans.
Established as a nonprofit educational organization to record the graphic history of the lumberjack’s world as it once existed in the forests of Northern Maine, the Museum preserves Maine’s logging history and educates the public about the logging heritage and accomplishments of Maine’s early inhabitants.
Housed in nine buildings at the Museum site, the vast collection of tools and equipment reflect every aspect of the woodsman’s life and work in the 1800s and the first three decades of the 20th century. The museum boasts some of Maine’s most notable contributions to the early mechanization of logging, including the Lombard Steam Hauler, Lombard Gas Hauler, and the Peavey Cant Dog.
The third Saturday in May brings the Fiddlers and Fiddlehead Fest. Fiddlers fiddle while fierce fiddlehead cooks compete in the Cast Iron Chef Cook Off for the rights to the title of Cast Iron Chef. Artisans, craftsmen, demonstrations, food vendors, and tours entertain adults while the giant slingshot, scavenger hunt, and games will keep the kids happy.
Always the second Saturday in August, is the Annual Bean-Hole Bean Dinner. Bean-hole baked beans are cooked and served just like the river drivers used to do it. The meal features Maine’s own “red” hot dogs, biscuits made and baked by the fire, coleslaw, gingerbread made by local ladies, and coffee boiled over the open fire (if you wait ‘til the end of the day, you can stand a spoon up in it!). Guests can also enjoy wagon rides, live music, local crafts, as well as blacksmithing and wood-turning demonstrations.
Directions Here | Download Map (PDF)
VISITOR INFORMATION
Address: 61 Shin Pond Rd, Patten, ME 04765
Phone: (207) 528-2650
MAY: 27, 28, 29 and 30 10:00AM – 4:00PM
JUNE: Friday-Sunday, 10:00AM – 4:00PM
JULY 1 – OCTOBER 10: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays with the exception of holidays
What visitors say
“The museum is very informative and gives a clear picture of what life was like for lumbermen in that part of Maine. Nicely done!”
“We really were not expecting too much in this small, country town, but WOW!! This museum really gives a comprehensive view of logging in “the old days” when logs were floated down the river. We enjoyed our tour very much.”
NEARBY ON THE BYWAY
PATTEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY – Go back in time and learn about the area’s rich local history. Learn more
ASH HILL – Just South of Patten on Route 11, don’t miss the great scenic view of Mount Katahdin from this spot. Bring your camera! Learn more
Thanks for visiting the Katahdin Woods and Water Scenic Byway!
The Katahdin Woods & Waters Recreation Area includes 100,000 acres along both sides of the East Branch of the Penobscot River, east of Baxter State Park. It is a special part of Maine with world-class fishing, mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, hunting and a new cross country ski trail. The Katahdin Woods & Waters Scenic Byway is 89 miles long and offers breathtaking views of Katahdin and the Appalachian chain, and provides a mix of pastoral farms, meadows, recreational trails, and working forests filled with wildlife and significant natural areas.
