Visitor Information

Downtown Gardiner
The two-block  district of downtown Gardiner was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980    Most of these commercial buildings were built during the 1800's and reflect the prosperity of the city as a center for the lumber, paper and ice industries.  The ice industry, alone, added about $2,000,000 to the local economy.  In the mid 1800's, some 1300 sailing ships loaded and unloaded their cargos at Gardiner.  In 2001 Gardiner was selected as one of four original Main Street Maine Communities.
www.gardinermainst.org

Johnson Hall
Built in 1864, Johnson Hall has been a hall, an opera house, a movie theatre, a storage facility and in the 21st century is re-inventing itself again as a Performing Arts Center.
www.johnsonhall.org

Other Gardiner, Maine Sites

Barker's Cove Canoe and Kayak Launch - Also under construction and located at the south end of Steamboat Wharf, the launch area is scheduled to be complete in Oct. 2006.

Kennebec River Rail Trail – This is a walking trail that starts in the Hannaford parking lot in Gardiner and winds along the river to Farmingdale.  (approx 1.1 mi.)  There is a second section of the trail that starts in Hallowell and goes to Augusta. 

Steamboat Lane - This pleasant walk loops along the river and is less than 1 mile in length. There's a good possibility you will see an eagle, osprey or great blue heron.  If you're really lucky you might get a glimpse of a short-nose or Atlantic sturgeon jumping out of the Kennebec.

Steamboat Wharf - Gardiner's riverfront park, now under construction and opening in the summer of 2007