L.C. Bates Museum of Natural History and Culture — Attraction in Fairfield

Unbelievably unique experience for enjoyers of art, taxidermy, the obscure, and the spirit of Maine. The place can be toured within an hour, but due to the massive collection of crystals, meteorites, fossils, taxidermy, antiques, and etc; multiple visits would be required to truly "see everything". Everything is well organized and sorted, dated, with origins and significance. The staff are great: friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the property and what it has to offer. They also understand the unique appeal of "Old Maine", an example being the building itself; preserved historically but filled with contemporary displays. It captures the nostalgic hospitality present in rural Maine communities, difficult to describe yet always felt. The taxidermy displays themselves were very unique and beautiful, most of them having original, hand-painted, plein-air backdrops that showcased their habitats. Hundreds of perfectly preserved shells, fossils, bones, and artifacts, that would surprise you, even if you've seen nearly every creature on this Earth. Many of the specimens are one of a kind, especially in the marine room. Fantastic place one hundred percent worth a visit for all Maine residents to see with their own eyes at least once, but I'll surely be...

I cannot recommend this place more. I decided to take a random trip to this museum I pass by sometimes that I’ve always said I should check out. I was not prepared for how FASCINATING the museum and all of the other history on the entire property were going to be. I’ve been to plenty of museums before, very modern ones that are cool, but the history in this particular museum bled through every inch of it. I found myself admiring both the items on display and the display cases themselves! There was just as much history to see in the Native American baskets as there was to windows or light switches. I found myself hiking all of the trails after my time at the museum and wasn’t prepared for even more deeply rich and well reserved history. Walking through the trails behind the museum was akin to going on a treasure hunt; one moment in walking through the trees and the next I’m stumbling upon the ruins of a bird sanctuary and that is not even an exaggeration. Anyways, do yourself a favor and spend the WHOPPING $4 (that was sarcastic, $4 was a STEAL for the delightful day I just had) to explore this...

This is one of my favorite spots in Maine! Growing up, I used to go here in the summers for a kids nature camp dealio. I went to visit again recently after a few decades while visiting family back in Maine, and it's the same as it ever was and that's honestly very comforting. Staff is really attentive and knowledgeable. Tons of interesting things to learn here if you ask. They have an extinct animal or two which is very interesting to see and read about. Ask them about their Passenger Pigeon- very interesting stuff.

This isn't a complaint, just a heads up: this is an unheated building, so if you go in the winter dress warmly and give them a call about their winter hours since they are somewhat reduced from summer hours. The building is very old and beautiful but I imagine it must not be air conditioned either, so be aware of that in the deep summer months as well. Love this place. It was a real trip down memory lane checking it out again...