Lawn with white modern open-air structures, displaying flags on tall poles, surrounded by green trees and houses in the background, under cloudy sky.

See why Bath, Maine is known as the “City of Ships.”

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Founded in 1962, Maine Maritime Museum sits on a beautiful 20-acre campus on the banks of the Kennebec River in Bath, Maine.

two visitors examine an interactive exhibit element
small white building with pine trees and river sparkling in sunlight

Before You Arrive

  • ⌚ Hours

    Open 9:30 am – 5:00 pm Daily

    (Except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, and occasionally if we get some weather.)

    The shipyard begins closing at least 30 minutes before the Maritime History Building. Please plan accordingly!

  • 🎫 Admission

    MEMBERS | FREE
    ADULTS | $22
    SENIORS | $20
    CHILD (17 & UNDER) are free through 2026 thanks to the generous support of Central Maine Power

  • 🅿 Parking

    We have ample, free parking available with space available to accommodate RVs and larger vehicles in our south lot. We have 11 handicap-accessible parking spaces, as well as a drop-off area with benches located near the museum’s main entrance. There are a limited number of EV chargers, and overnight parking is prohibited.

Special Exhibits

Permanent Exhibits

Daily Cruises at Noon, 2:00 & 3:30 pm

  • Two people on a boat observing the river and forested shore; man pointing.

    1-Hour Lighthouse & Nature Cruise | Noon & 2:00 pm Daily

    Explore the Kennebec River, where shipbuilding began more than 400 years ago and continues today. Cruise downriver to enjoy a water view of the museum’s historic shipyard and two of the Kennebec’s famed lighthouses: Doubling Point Light and the Kennebec Range Lights. Then cruise past Bath Iron Works and see spectacular views of the Navy’s most advanced ships taking shape.

    Daily mid-May to late October

    Adults $44; 6–17 years, $21; under 6, $6

  • Scenic view of a small lighthouse on a pier by a calm body of water, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.

    2-Hour Lighthouse & Nature Cruise | 3:30 pm

    See some of the Kennebec’s most beautiful lighthouses!  During this cruise, you'll see up to six lighthouses: Doubling Point Light, Kennebec Range Lights, Squirrel Point Light, Perkins Island Light, Pond Island Light, and Seguin Island Light.  

    Mondays & Wednesdays mid-May to late October

    Adults, $52; 6–17 years, $27; under 6, $6

  • Tour boat "Merrymeeting" on a calm river with passengers on board, surrounded by water and trees.

    3-Hour Lighthouse & Nature Cruise | 3:30 pm

    Travel the Kennebec River for views of Doubling Point Light, the Kennebec Range Lights, Squirrel Point Light, Perkins Island Light, Pond Island Light, and Seguin Island Light on the horizon. Then travel the winding Sasanoa River with its pristine shores and abundant wildlife!

    Tuesdays & Thursdays mid-May to late October

    Adults $58; 6–17 years, $30, under 6, $6

  • Person placing oysters on a paper plate during a boat cruise.

    Oyster Tasting Cruise (2.5 Hours)

    Learn about oyster farming from some of Maine’s premier oyster growers on this tasty coastal cruise! Hear how oysters are cultivated, harvested, and taken to market, and discover why the watersheds where they are grown impact their flavor. Each guest will receive a ticket for a dozen oysters on the half-shell and a beverage of choice, including selections from our beer and wine list. With scenic views, wildlife sightings, sit back and learn about Maine’s oyster industry, then sample some of the tastiest treats the Maine coast has to offer. Additional oysters can be purchased aboard for $3 each. Tickets for ages 6 & under include ½ dozen oysters and a beverage.

    Sundays, May 24, June 7, August 16, September 20, October 4 & 18

    Adults, $90; 6–17 years, $65; under 6, $40

  • Group of people looking at a naval ship near cranes at a shipyard.

    The Bath Iron Works Story: By Land & Sea (2.5 Hours)

    Experience the full Bath Iron Works package! The tour begins in the immersive exhibit BIW: Building America’s Navy. From there, you’ll board the trolley for a narrated tour. Finally, the trolley will drop you off to board the museum’s cruise boat Merrymeeting for a one-hour cruise featuring a spectacular, close-up look at naval destroyers in the water.

    Tours (2.5 hours) begin at 12:30 pm, Select Weekdays, May 19–June 12; Monday–Friday, June 15–October 16.

    Adults: $65; Children 17 & under: $37

    The City of Bath Trolley is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate up to two wheelchairs. Golf cart rides are also available between tour locations.

  • Child looking out onto the water from a boat

    Mini Mariners (30 Mins)

    These morning cruises will follow our monthly free Story Time with Splash, the friendly sea monster. Board our cruise boat Merrymeeting to see Bath Iron Works and downtown Bath from the water, pass under the Sagadahoc and Carlton bridges, and keep your eyes peeled for ospreys, eagles, and maybe even a seal!

    Select Tuesdays May 19, June 16, July 14, August 11, September 1, October 6, 11:00 am

    Adults, $12; Under 17, $6

  • Bald eagle in flight against a blurred forest background.

    Six Rivers of Merrymeeting Bay (3 Hours)

    The namesake of our cruise boat, Merrymeeting Bay, is a unique confluence of six Maine rivers, all converging to form a truly rare ecosystem. Pass through the swirling eddies of Chops Point into the serenity of the bay, one of the best places in the state to view bald eagles and waterfowl.

    Sundays, May 17, 31, June 14, 28, July 5, September 6, 13, 27 & October 11, 3:30 pm

    Adults, $58; 6–17 years, $30; under 6, $6

  • Person on a boat deck with sun shining, wearing a cap and looking at the water.

    Autumn Golden Hour (2 Hours)

    See some of the Kennebec’s most beautiful lighthouses in the splendor of fall! During this autumn cruise, you’ll see up to six lighthouses: Doubling Point Light, Kennebec Range Lights, Squirrel Point Light, Perkins Island Light, Pond Island Light, and Seguin Island Light.

    Select days beginning mid-September

    Adults, $52; 6–17 years, $27; under 6, $6

  • A lighthouse with a white base and a red top, set against a bright blue sky, with greenery and a person standing nearby.

    Burnt Island Lighthouse Adventure (4 Hours)

    Cruise the winding Sasanoa River through both Upper and Lower Hell Gates and Townsend Gut to Burnt Island at the head of Boothbay Harbor. Spend at least 30 minutes ashore exploring this historic five-acre island’s nature trails, the 1857 keeper’s house, and the still-active 1821 rubble stone light tower (open for the duration of the visit), or simply bring along a late-day lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables and marvel in the beauty of the island. The return trip will pass two additional lighthouses, Cuckolds Island Light and Hendricks Head Light, weather permitting.

    Sundays, June 21, July 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9, 23, 30

    Adults, $80; 6–17 years, $40; under 6, $10

  • A boat cruising on a wide river with a tree-lined shoreline in the background during the daytime.

    Lighthouse Lovers (4 Hours)

    On one of our most beloved cruises, see up to 10 of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses: Doubling Point Light, Kennebec Range Lights, Squirrel Point Light, Perkins Island & Light, Pond Island & Light, Seguin Island & Light, Cuckolds Light, Ram Island Light, Burnt Island Light, and Hendricks Head Light.

    Saturdays, 3:30 pm, May 23–August 29, except July 4 & 18

    Adults, $66; 6–17 years, $35; under 6, $6

  • Nighttime scene with fireworks exploding above a boat on the water.

    Fireworks Cruise

    Cruise along the Kennebec River’s Long Reach and see Doubling Point Lighthouse, the historic Percy & Small Shipyard, and Bath’s colorful waterfront. Enjoy your favorite beverage and spectacular on-the-river views of the annual Heritage Days fireworks!

    July 4, 8:00–10:00 pm

    Adults, $95; 6–17 years, $48; under 6, $10

  • Child in a red raincoat on a boat looking through binoculars, with a circular mirror reflecting their image.

    Membership Discount

    Museum members receive a 20% discount. Register or log in today to conveniently receive your discount online. For assistance with your purchase, please call any day between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm.

historic image of passengers aboard a docked ship

Other Ways to Gain Admission

We are proud participants of:

Blue Star Museums, giving a free admission program for active military and their families

Museums for All, providing those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) free admission for up to 4 adults.

You can also show your membership to one of the Council of American Maritime Museums or show your membership card for one of the 1,000 institutions across the country that participate in the North American Reciprocal Museum Association.

Members of New Hampshire Public Radio also receive 2-for-1 admission once a year.

Maine residents: borrow a pass for the day from your local library. Give them a call today to request one!

✺ Frequently Asked Questions ✺

We’re Proud Members