Axe throwing competition at Logging Festival
The Maine Forestry Museum is a fascinating place that offers insights into the history of logging and culture throughout the Rangeley Lakes region and the state of Maine. Our museum is comprised of three floors of exhibit space and an outdoor campus showcasing artifacts that revive work and life during Maine’s signature logging era. Come enjoy countless rare artifacts, dioramas, vintage film and photographs, regional memorabilia, clothing, textiles, tools, furniture, and equipment…as well as legendary artwork displayed in our spectacular collection!
A brief example, our collection of original art includes:
– 19 rare oil paintings by the famous, Alden Grant, depicting logging camp life at Camp Two on the Kennebago River in the early 1900’s.
– Large vintage equipment and the tools used by rugged men in the age that transformed the United States.
– Featured Exhibit – Native American artifacts sharing the skill and craftsmanship of Maine’s First Peoples. Come experience the beautiful works of Penobscot Nation members featuring ceremonial root clubs, intricately woven ribbon baskets, artistic birch baskets and a hand carved wooden bowl!
– Featured Exhibit – Learn about the history of the Maine Forest Service which has been protecting our local forests from fires, pests, and pollution since 1908! It is Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday. Discover interesting facts about Smokey Bear!
– Come experience the Maine woods by walking on our 2.6 miles network trails. The trail system follows Gull Pond Stream Haley Pond. You will find interpretive signage to enhance your adventure and educate the whole family as to the uses and importance of Maine’s beautiful forests!
Your visit to the Region would be incomplete without experiencing the Maine Forestry Museum!
Address: 221 Stratton Rd. Route 16, Dallas Plantation, ME 04970
Hours: June 12 – September 1, 2024. Wednesday – Sunday 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
September 5 – October 8, 2024. Thursday – Sunday 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
October 12 – 13, 2024. Saturday & Sunday 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Upcoming Events
Opening Day – June 12, 2024 – Doors are open at 10:30 AM
Logging Festival Days – July 12 – 13, 2024 – Join us at our fairgrounds for our 43rd Annual Logging Festival. This popular two-day event features our Arts and Crafts Vendor Days, Working Forest Tour, Logging Parade, Food, Fun and our famous Logging Festival competition!
Note: Arts & Crafts Vendor Days begins on July 12, 2024 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) – Swing by on Friday to get an early peek at items vendors are selling in their booths. Also, attend the “Working Forest Tour” beginning at 8:00 AM. (Limited seats and advance sign up required). There will be children’s activities, “Burying of the Beans” (around 2:30 – 3:30 PM) for the Bean Hole Dinner that will be served on Saturday. A cookout and beer garden will be available too. Don’t miss the fun!
Logging Parade - July 13, 2024 (10:00 AM – 11:30 AM) Rangeley’s BIGGEST!!!! The parade turns Rangeley’s Main Street into more fun than a small town can have! Unique floats, bands, antique cars and much more! This year’s parade theme is “Forest Fire Prevention”. Winners for “Best Loaded Truck”, “Most Appropriate to Logging” (logging industry equipment), and “Best Fitting Parade Theme” for floats and other entries will be chosen. To participate in the parade, please contact our parade coordinator, Linda Sikes at 207-491-6566.
After the parade, head on over to the museum for more fun as the festival continues!
Logging Festival – July 13, 2024 (11:30 AM – 4:00 PM) The festival kicks off with our Opening Ceremonies followed by our Hall of Fame inductions, famous Bean Hole Dinner, biscuits baked on reflector ovens and our exciting Logging Skills Competition. Come see the axe throw, hot saw, and crosscut challenge! Live music by “The Pulled Together Band” celebrating our rich heritage of traditional music that is such a significant part of Maine’s Woodsman culture. There will be children’s activities all day including our popular barrel train ride, mini excavator, clowns, face painting, bouncy house and more. Our vendors, artisans and crafters will be there too! Don’t forget to check out our Beer Garden as well!
Volunteer Request
Volunteers are the lifeblood of all non-profit organizations, and the Maine Forestry Museum is no exception. We have an extraordinary group of individuals offering their valuable time and expertise to help the museum in a variety of areas. We have volunteer opportunities involving landscaping, trail maintenance, carpentry work, event planning, parade management, woodworking projects, ticket & admission fee collection, food preparation, donation campaigns, digital technology implementation, and much more. Please consider becoming a volunteer. Come Join Us in this Fun work!!!
207-864-3939 | maineforestry@gmail.com | www.maineforestrymusuem.org
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