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Portland Maine Area Guide

Portland is the largest city in Maine and the county seat of Cumberland County. The population was approximately 62,875 in 2007. Portland is Maine's cultural, social and economic capital. It is also the principal city of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford metropolitan area, which includes Cumberland, York and Sagadahoc counties. Tourists are drawn to Portland's historic Old Port district along Portland Harbor and the Arts District, which runs along Congress Street in the center of the city.

History

Portland was originally called Machigonneby the Native Americans who first lived in the area. The City was settled by the British in 1632 as a fishing and trading settlement and renamed Casco. In 1718 the area was incorporated as “Old Falmouth” and encompassed the areas known today as Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, Cape Elizabeth and Falmouth.

Portland’s city seal, a phoenix rising from the ashes, is so because the city has survived two Indian massacres in the 1600’s and bombardment by the Royal Navy during the American Revolutionary war in 1775. Following the war, the city grew into a shipping center. In 1786 the city separated from Old Falmouth, incorporating as the town Portland. In 1820, Maine separated from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to become a State with Portland as its capitol. In 1832 the capital moved to Augusta. A massive fire during a July 4th celebration in 1866 left 10,000 homeless and destroyed the entire financial and trade center of Portland. The city was rebuilt largely with bricks and in the Victorian style. The beautiful architecture has been beautifully preserved by the cities historic preservation commitment.

Parks and Recreation

Portland is home to many beautiful parks and excellent recreational opportunities. Come take a hike down one of Portland’s many trails or simply enjoy the outdoors and the amazing scenery that the area has to offer.

Portland Trails

Lyseth/Moore/Pine Grove Trail
This trail was designed by 3rd -graders at Lyseth Elementary School and has involved hundreds of other students from Lyseth and Moore schools in its construction. The trail is positioned to connect the schools and neighborhoods to each other and to provide greater access to Pine Grove Park. The Lyseth/Moore trailhead starts at the Lyseth playground. The trail is flat as it winds through the wooded terrain of the school yard. The trail then crosses Allen Avenue towards Pine Grove Park before climbing a moderately steep slope.

Riverton Rail Trail
Known simply as "Sandy Road" by Riverton neighborhood residents, this scenic trail follows the roadbed of the historic Portland-Lewiston Interurban Rail line, a relic of the trolley era. Cutting a straight line through rock outcroppings and thick forest, the trail is mostly flat and level until a steep gully interrupts the old rail line near Riverside Industrial Parkway. A still functioning rail line runs parallel to the trail for most of its length, and the sights and sounds of freight trains moving along the tracks often break the otherwise quiet atmosphere through the woods.

Bicycle Coalition of Maine

Hiking in Maine
Come experience the wonderful blue skies, cool dark pine forests, diverse wildlife and trails that vary from easy to challenging. Maine has hundreds of hiking trails to choose from, including the Appalachian Trail whose northern terminus is Mount Katahdin.

Area Events

Portland offers many exciting events throughout the year perfect for everyone in your family. Join Portland residents and visitors for the Independence Day Weekend celebration or for the Chamber Music Festival. You surely won’t want to miss out!

Independence Day Weekend
Join us for outdoor activities, live entertainment and fireworks. Compete in a 10k race, try kayaking with L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Schools, watch a parade march down Main Street and listen to a concert in Discovery Park.

Portland Chamber Music Festival 2009 - Sixteenth Season
Imagine one musical family whose individuals have appeared as soloists with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam, and many more!

Please click here for a complete calendar of events

Area Attractions

Portland features great attractions for everyone of all ages! Come visit the Maine Narrow Gauge Museum and the Portland Museum of Art to make for a memorable time in Portland!

Maine Narrow Gauge RR Co and Museum
Enjoy a train ride along scenic Casco Bay and Portland Waterfront. Tour the historical Museum with its two-foot cabooses, cars locomotives and artifacts. Purchase interesting items in unique gift Shop. Trains run weekends Feb. 19th - Dec 30th. Train daily mid May - mid October. Steam Train Holiday Weekends and Special Occasions. Museum open daily - 10am - 4pm.

Portland Museum of Art
Explore the Museum's collection of fine and decorative arts dating from the 18th century to the present housed in three architecturally significant buildings. Experience works by Winslow Homer, Marsden Hartley, Rockwell Kent, and Andrew Wyeth. Learn about 19th-century architecture in the newly restored Federal-era McLellan House and Beaux-Arts Galleries. See European masters including Degas, Monet, Renoir, and Picasso. Discover special exhibitions and educational programs. Don't forget to visit our Museum Cafe and Shop.