15 Best Things to Do in Brewer (Maine)

Brewer is a small city of 9,000 people, located in Penobscot County in the state of Maine. The name comes from that of the first settler to arrive here, Colonel John Brewer.

It is located right across the Penobscot River from Bangor, and they are “sister cities”. They were initially part of the same community, and eventually split over time, but they are still closely related and keep their strong ties.

Initially Bangor was famous for its lumber industry, and Brewer for brick-making. Other major industries in Brewer over the years were that of shipbuilding, ice production and sawmilling.

Now let’s take a closer look at some of the best things to do in Brewer and the nearby places.

1. Have Fun at Xtreme Adventures

This park welcomes people of all ages to have some outdoor fun and try various courses and adventures. It has more than 40 obstacles, 4 zip lines, a giant swing and other attractions.

The easiest course of all can be taken by kids as young as 4 years old, and of course, there are also some advanced ones for adults and everything in between.

Overall it is a great place for the entire family to spend some time and have a nice adventure.

2. Shop at Generations Boutique & Art Studio

Whether you love art and want to admire some beautiful paintings while sipping on a good wine, or you just want to shop for some nice gifts, then this is the perfect place to go.

The shop has plenty of women’s clothing, accessories and bargains, while the art studio also holds painting classes for all levels. The teacher is friendly and will guide you along the way and answer all of your questions.

So whether you love to paint or just want to experience something new and do some shopping, make sure to stop by this boutique and art studio.

3. Have a Beer at Geaghan Brothers Brewing Company

After all of the outdoor fun and all of the shopping, you might get tired and thirsty. And what better way to quench your thirst than with a cold beer. You can find some really good ones at the Geaghan Brothers Brewing Company.

They brew their own beer and also have a tasting room where you can sample the various types. The service is fast and the staff is very friendly and knows everything about good beer.

So feel free to stop by for a cold drink and a chat.

4. Take the Kids to Playland Adventures

If the obstacles at Xtreme Adventures are too difficult for your kids or if the weather is simply not good enough to go there, then you can stop by Playland Adventures.

The place has various slides and inflatable obstacles, which are really fun for kids to tackle. The play area is clean and well maintained, and the prices are affordable.

So if your child has way too much energy, just let them spend a few hours here and they will sleep like a baby.

5. Rent a Crystal Coach Limousine

Whether you have a special event going on here in the area or just want to experience something new, why not treat yourself and rent a luxurious limousine?

Arrive at a special event in style or just take your friends or loved ones on a once-in-a-lifetime limousine ride. The professional chauffeur will be at your service and will take you anywhere you want within your allotted period of time.

Plus, the limousine has a nice bar where you can savor a drink while enjoying the luxurious experience.

6. Have a Drink and a Pizza at Timeout

This bar offers all the ingredients for a fun night with friends or family. They have plenty of drinks to choose from, as well as various types of pizza.

The place is not fancy or too elegant, so absolutely anyone can come here and just enjoy a good meal and a drink. One of the walls is full or small pieces of paper where happy clients have left their positive reviews.

They absolutely loved it and so will you.

7. Visit Cole Land Transportation Museum

This large museum displays a wide variety of transportation vehicles, from very old ones to new and modern machines.

You can easily spend a few hours here, just reading all the info about each vehicle, admiring them and taking lots of photos. Among the vehicles, you will find ships, helicopters, trains, lorries, ploughs, construction vehicles and more.

To make things even more interesting, you will also receive a scavenger hunt list at the front desk, so you can pay more attention to all the details and make sure that you won’t miss any important displays.

8. Admire the Paul Bunyan Statue

The sister city of Bangor has an important lumber industry, so it also has a huge statue of Paul Bunyan. The statue is well maintained and in good shape after many years of exposure to bad weather.

Paul Bunyan is a famous lumberjack, and the main character of many folklore stories. He is popular for his super-powers and his ability to solve any problem.

So if you are in Brewer, make sure to cross the bridge to Bangor to admire the huge and colorful statue of Paul Bunyan and take lots of photos.

9. Watch a Play at the Penobscot Theatre Company

Whether you are passionate about theatre plays or just want to do something out of your usual routine, then head on to this non-profit theatre company and watch a performance.

They have various plays and musicals all year round, with great prices for everyone. The actors are very professional and the sets and costumes always look great.

The entire family will love it here!

10. Take a Walk along the Penobscot River Walkway

As we mentioned earlier, the Penobscot River separates the two sister cities of Brewer and Bangor. There is also a nice walkway where you can go for a run, a bike ride or simply for a walk.

Along the way you will be able to admire the beautiful riverbanks, the bridges, the historic buildings of both cities, the nature and even some old cannons. There are plenty of benches to have a rest if you get tired, and also food trucks to grab a quick snack.

11. Gamble at the Hollywood Casino

If you are feeling lucky today, head over to the Hollywood Casino and try your chances. While not a huge casino like you might find in Vegas, this place still has plenty of tables for various games and slot machines.

The staff is professional and will guide you in case you don’t know the rules of the games, and there is also a restaurant here to grab some lunch before getting back to the tables.

Usually the place is not too crowded and noisy, so you can just relax with a drink and your favorite casino game.

12. Visit the Maine Discovery Museum

This is another great place to take the young ones, since it is a museum dedicated to them. There are plenty of exhibits spread across 3 floors, with some interactive ones as well.

There is also a tree fort where kids can climb and a river, and they can easily spend a few hours here just playing and having a good time. The staff is friendly and really knows how to handle the children.

13. Get some Souvenirs from The Rock & Art Shop

As the name implies, this shop sells a wide variety of rocks and art items, as well as jewelry, crystals, books and plenty of other bargains. There is something for everyone here, no matter their age and preference.

They also hold various art expos, displaying the work of talented local artists. A client named this place “a natural history museum with a touch of anthropology,” so if you are passionate about any of these fields, then you will love it here.

14. Visit the Bangor Historical Society and Thomas A. Hill House Museum

Yet another beautiful place for those passionate about art and history, this place presents the history of Bangor and the nearby areas through a large collection of antique furniture, paintings, photos, books, decorations, clothes and more.

The local guides know all the small details about each of the displayed items and will gladly answer any questions that you might have. The place and all of the antiques are well maintained, and there are also various events that take place throughout the year.

15. Hike through Indian Trail Park

Unwind after a long day at work (if you are a local) or after a long trip (if you are a tourist) by taking a quick hike through this park. Along the way you will be able to admire some beautiful views of the river and the city, and you can also stop for a picnic.

You can bring your dog for a walk here too, and if it’s winter then you can also sledge, as this is a popular place for local kids to come and have some sledging fun.

The trail is suitable for any age or fitness level so you can also bring the kids, and the pretty scenery will definitely be worth it.