Town of New Gloucester, Maine

New Gloucester is a traditional New England town located in Cumberland County and minutes from downtown Portland. This picturesque small community is actually part of the Portland, South Portland, Biddeford metropolitan area. This ideal location provides for convenient access to the larger city and turnpikes while being in a rural area.

The town was founded in 1774 and named after New Gloucester, MA because many of these early settlers had traveled from there. Because of the abundance of good soil, it quickly became a farming community. And by 1858 other industries had become established here including six sawmills, two grist mills, and two tanneries.

Today this community has a population of about 6,000 residents, great local schools and neighborhoods, trails, and parks.

Exploring New Gloucester Maine

The Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village is the last of its kind in the US. It was founded in 1783 by the United Society of True Believers at Thompson’s Pond Plantation. At one time there were over two dozen Shaker Villages from Maine to Florida. Sadly, this is the last active one in the country.

The Shaker Village sits on 1,800 acres of land and contains eighteen buildings. Six of these buildings are open to the public and there are around twenty-seven exhibit rooms spread throughout them. These exhibits showcase over 200 years of Shaker heritage.

The museum on site was established in 1931 by sisters Iona Sedgley and Ethel Peacock in the hope of educating the public about the Shakers. The museum is open to the public from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.

Pineland Farms is a 5,000-acre working farm with a business campus, guest houses, trails, gardens, restaurant, and farm stand. They aim to engage visitors and participants in history, crafts, agriculture, and ecology. Check out their classes, they have many interesting ones for kids and adults.

This beautiful farm offers a peaceful country setting for weddings and other special events for groups of all sizes. Their guest houses are ideal whether there are two of you or over twenty! And each guest house has something special and unique about it. The four houses are Collyer Farm, Denekas House, Merrill Farmhouse, and the Wilson House.

There are all-season trails located here and beautiful gardens too. Hike, bike, or birdwatch during the warmer months; and ski and sled during the winter. While you’re here check out the Lilac Garden and the one-acre perennial garden as well as the many others on site.

And don’t forget to stop by the Market at Pineland Farms for fresh seasonal produce, flowers, bakery items, and other wonderful things.

The Pisgah Hill Preserve is owned and managed by the Royal River Conservation Trust. This expansive area includes old quarries, stunning ledges, and different types of forest.

Home to the New Gloucester Community Fair held each August. The fairgrounds are located at 38 Trotters Park and consist of 31 acres of wide-open space. There’s a dirt track here that was once used for horse racing and is now the perfect spot for walking or running. Also on site is a sports field and a beach volleyball court.

Local Flavor in New Gloucester

If you’re interested in shopping check out nearby Freeport where you’ll find outlets and more. But whether you’re passing through or putting down roots you’ll want to check out one or all of these popular local food places.

Intervale Pizza & Village Market is a great little country store where you can also get American cuisine, pizza, vegetarian and gluten-free choices.

Yolked Food Truck offers a yummy menu full of specialty dishes and grab a craft beer to have with your meal.

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