Town of Buxton, Maine
Source: Town of Buxton Facebook
Buxton Town Hall
Buxton is a small town in York County and is part of Portland’s metropolitan area. It is an area made up of many smaller villages, including Salmon Falls, Tory Hill, Chicopee, Groveville, Bar Mills, West Buxton, and Buxton Center.
Buxton was founded in 1772. Because the area was heavily forested at that time many sawmills and grist mills were built along the Saco River. The river’s water power provided the locals with a successful lumber industry for many years to come.
Buxton is a beautiful place to visit with its small-town appeal, many parks, rich history, and local color. Residents and visitors alike appreciate the quiet peacefulness of rural life while being close enough to Portland and all that city has to offer. As well as being located about a half hour’s drive to the coast and Old Orchard Beach.
Famous author and Maine native, Stephen King, mention Buxton in his work The Shawshank Redemption. However, the movie wasn’t filmed here.
Exploring Buxton Maine
Buxton has 6 parks that are open to the public from dawn to dusk year-round. The parks are conveniently located and are popular with residents and visitors alike.
Carroll Park is a 5-acre recreational area that contains a playground, basketball court, baseball court, baseball diamond, and picnic area. There is also a trail that winds around the perimeter of the park for walking. Carroll Park is located between Flaggy Meadow Road and Hurlin Smith Road in the Groveville section of Buxton.
Pleasant Point Park is a 60-acre park, and is considered to be the prettiest of all six of the parks in Buxton. This is because it overlooks the Saco River and has many walking trails. You can see the historic Woodman Home from afar on one of the trails. If you’re looking for a place to kayak or canoe this is it. The Saco River is about 50 feet deep here and perfect for handheld boats and swimming. However, you will have to carry in your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Also on site is a burial site of early settlers to the area. It is well marked with stones.
Dogs are welcome in this park making this a perfect spot for a day outing with the entire family. There are picnic tables available for use but no grills and no fire of any kind is allowed inside the park.
Bonny Eagle Park is located on Proprietors Road and Bonny Eagle Pond. This small park has a beach area with shallow water and a slow current. It’s an ideal place for families with small children to swim. There’s also a boat launching area and picnic tables here.
Weymouth Park was once known as the “Old Fair Grounds” to locals. This park is made up of 7 acres of open land and has a Little League Field and both tennis and basketball courts.
If you are a fan of exploring the outdoors, there are plenty of other parks to check out in Buxton.
Historical Buxton
Buxton is an area rich with preserved history. If you enjoy visiting historical sites, then you will find much to do here.
Buxton-Hollis Historical Society and Museum contain archives and documents that preserve the rich heritage of Southern Maine and the Saco River Valley. The Society provides lectures, special exhibits, and educational activities as well as cemetery and house tours. Also on site is an early 20th-century one-room schoolhouse, the NC Watson School Museum.
Salmon Falls East Historic District is home to many historic homes that are open to the public to view. Many of the houses here are in the 19th century Greek Revival style. Most notable of these historic homes are The Elders Home, circa the 1790s, and The Came-Marshall House, which is considered the most impressive because of its 2½ floors.
The Royal Brewster House dates from 1805 and is built in the Federal style. It was originally built for Dr. Royal Brewster, who was a local physician for more than 40 years. His brother John also lived here and was a highly regarded portrait painter of the time.
Buxton Powder House is a small, 10-foot, square structure with thick walls was built in 1813 to house weapons and ammunition for the military. It is one of only three that remains standing in Maine today. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Tory Hill Meeting House is a historic church that dates back to 1822 and features Federal period architecture. It is now home to the First Congregational Church of Buxton and is open to visitors.
Source: Saco River Theatre Website
Saco River Theatre
Arts and Entertainment
The town of Buxton has a lot of rich history and culture. Residents are proud of this rich heritage and are happy to share their love with visitors to the area.
The Buxton Common is a restored 18th-century house located on Long Plains Road that is now a popular restaurant serving their own onsite smoked meat and fish. They also have a full menu with something for every taste and a special Brunch menu on Sundays from 10 to 2.
The Barns at Flanagan Farm, also known as The Wedding Barns of Maine, is a 19th-century historical setting that features two renovated barns now used for large year-round gatherings.
The Saco River Theater is known locally as the Saco River Grand Hall. This beautiful historic building was built in 1897. Once a Universalist chapel, it is now home to cultural diversity and local talent and is the heart of the community.
Snell Family Farm is the place to visit if you’re searching for fresh local fruit, vegetables, plants, herbs, and flowers in season. And don’t forget to try their homemade cider!
Skips Lounge is a popular nightlife venue that also has a full menu. Stop in for a burger and stay for the live music and dancing!
If you’re looking to bring some historic Buxton home with you, Buxton Antiques and Collectibles is the ideal spot for you. Spanning 4,000 square feet and hosting at least 60 small vendors, you’re sure to find a treasure here!
