Location: Bethel
Top Things to do in Bethel
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The 6 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Bethel, Maine (ME)
The history of Bethel is a long one. The town was founded by settlers granted the land as a reward for fighting to conquer Canada way back in 1690. Now a quiet resort town, full of quaint shops and tranquil streets, Bethel is a popular destination all year round. Just five miles from the Sunday River Ski Resort, the most popular winter sports area in all of Maine, the charming B&Bs of Bethel are the perfect place to rest up after taking on 131 trails on 8 different mountain peaks.
Restaurants in Bethel
1. Grafton Notch State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 198 reviews
Affords breathtaking views of waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails without the parking lots, tourists, gift shops and hot dog stands.
Reviewed By nicks60610 - Portland, United States
This was a true gem hidden away in the area with a nice hike, and some awesome waterfalls and areas to swim and relax - can’t wait to come back here again
2. Sunday River Ski Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 533 reviews
Large resort complex for downhill skiing.
Reviewed By NewEnglandGoodLife
Sunday River offers so much fun year round for groups, couples, and families. They are perhaps best known for their skiing in the winter. They have, perhaps, the best snow making capabilities in the East, making visits here consistently great for skiing and riding. They have an expansive network of trails -- the only challenge is navigating across the peaks. If you are not careful, you could end up far away from where you are staying or are parked at the end of the day. Good news, though, is that they run shuttles to help you get around. We've begun to enjoy their adventures in other seasons. They offer downhill mountain biking, disc golf, hiking, ziplines, rock climbing, pony rides, and trampoline adventures during the summer and fall. Additionally, Sunday River hosts weekend festivals all year long. In the fall, we've enjoyed the fall festival with the Wife Carrying Competition and Cornhole Tournament. They often host live music at the South Ridge Lodge. Additionally, they often have fireworks, including on New Years' Eve. Our favorite on-mountain place to stay is at the Sunrise Condos, though we also highly recommend the Grand Summit. The Grand Summit offers breakfast at its Camp restaurant, which is a perfect start to your day of adventure.
3. Sunday River Covered Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
A covered bridge built in 1872 that is said to be one of the most painted and photographed covered bridges in Maine.
Reviewed By CHuntoon - Gilford, United States
This bridge is a must see while visiting the area of Bethel, Maine. Just a few miles outside of the Town of Bethel, it is quaint and in great shape!. Tucked on the side of the road and sits over a quite, slow moving clear stream below. Easy walks from the bridge to the water and a nearby walking trail that takes you further down stream. Very New England!
4. Bethel Outdoor Adventure
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
A campground for tenting, RVs, all pull through sites, big rig friendly. On the banks of the Androscoggin River. Canoe and kayak rentals. Shuttle service. Fishing. a Mineralogy sluice on site.
5. The Bethel Inn Resort Golf Course
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Renowned architect Geoffrey Cornish designed our 6,663 yard, par 72 course to take maximum advantage of the mountain vistas and natural beauty of the area. Tree lined fairways, natural hazards, well-trapped greens and five tee positions make play challenging for golfers of every ability. The golf course is very walkable and walking is encourage to taking maximum advantage of your surroundings. The golf course at The Bethel Inn Resort is open from early May through late October. Our Guaranteed Performance School of Golf boasts 8,000 satisfied graduates, on-course instruction, video analysis and our personalized 4:1 student/instructor ratio. Plan your golf, golf school or summer getaway now & save. Join us this summer and experience a complete & affordable getaway to our classic New England resort in the heart of Bethel, Maine.
6. Maine Mineral and Gem Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
The Maine Mineral and Gem Museum showcases our geological history, displays renowned mineral and rock collections, provides educational opportunities for the novice and expert alike, conducts historical and geological research and is a Maine travel destination for residents and visitors. MMGM will house the finest collection of Maine minerals and gems. It will include the famous Perham Collection, viewed by generations in a local mineral store that operated for ninety years. MMGM will display one of the world’s foremost collections of extraterrestrial rocks—meteorites from Mars, the Moon and the Asteroid Belt that teach us about the origins of our Solar System. Our goal is to amaze in a one-of-a-kind, world-class museum located a stone’s throw away from the Western Maine mines that once sheltered these mineral treasures.
Reviewed By S5529GDhenryb
The beauty that is hidden inside an ordinary looking rock is amazing. So many types of minerals that can be cut and polished in beautiful jewelry. It is truly eye opening to see what they have on display,including a large chunk of moon rock and pieces from meteorites that have struck earth. It is well worth a visit. Bethel is a very small town near Sunday River ski resort, about an hours drive from Lewiston.
