This historic city on Maine’s mighty Kennebec River is well-known for shipbuilding—both past and present—but that’s only one reason why boaters should plan a visit.
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Travel north along the Kennebec River and you’ll come to a place where the past, present—and even future—mix and mingle. The city of Bath, one of the most interesting and underrated boating destinations in Maine!
Dockage, Moorings & Service: Bath City Docks (207) 443-5563: A long public float with free short-term dockage for visitors who want to go ashore for a few hours can be found just steps from downtown at Linwood Temple Waterfront Park. Contact the harbormaster to see about possible overnight stays.
Maine Maritime Museum (207) 443-1316: Limited dockage for transients and daytrippers. Call ahead before arriving. Cabs and trolley service can get you to downtown, or you can take a dinghy to the city docks.
Launch Ramp: Bath has two free launch ramps with ample parking— one just north of downtown and one just south. Both have courtesy floats and toilets. The former is off Bowery Street, next to the sewage-treatment plant, while the latter is just south of the Maine Maritime Museum.
Anchorages: A designated anchorage is indicated on charts just north of the Bath Historic District, as well as outside the entrance to the Sasanoa River. However, anchoring in the Kennebec can tricky due to the swift, changing currents and tides. A better option may be to find a protected cove outside the main river or inside the many adjoining tributaries in the area.
Provisions: Bath Farmers Market: Fresh, local produce, cheese, meat, jam, jelly, breads, flowers, baked good, and crafts at the city’s Waterfront Park. Open Saturdays, May through October.
Things To Do: Maine Maritime Museum (207) 443-1316: Maine’s maritime heritage and culture is celebrated and preserved at this sprawling museum south of downtown Bath. The museum features a collection of classic boats and artifacts relating to Maine’s maritime past, and offers educational programs, demonstrations, and a unique historic shipyard. Dockage is available, as well as boat tours of the Kennebec.
Chocolate Church Arts Center(207) 442-8455: Named for its brown exterior, this striking Gothic Revival church in downtown Bath was built in 1847. It now hosts events including art workshops, musical performances, plays, dance, and more.
River Run Tours(207) 504-2628: Customized scenic, historic, and nature-oriented cruises on the Kennebec and surrounding waters aboard a stable, 25-foot pontoon boat.
Maine’s First Ship(207) 443-4242: Visit a full-scale, wooden replica of the Virginia—a 50-foot pinnace built in 1607 and 1608 by the Popham Colony, a failed English settlement at the mouth of the Kennebec. Tours and shipwright demonstrations are available.
Cool Shops: Now You’re Cooking (207) 443-1402: A cook’s playground filled with utensils, appliances, cookbooks, dishware, hard-to-find items, and more.
Reny’s(207) 443-6251: “Real Maine” department store carrying a wide array of quality discount clothing, tools, toys, and just about anything else you can imagine.
Where to Stay: The Inn at Bath(207) 443-4294: Luxury bed-and-breakfast housed in a beautiful 1840’s Greek Revival home in the historic district of Bath.