National Maine Day

History of National Maine Day

Before Maine was colonized by French and English settlers, it was populated by Wabanaki tribes. Until two centuries ago, Maine was part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, before it voted to leave Massachusetts. As part of the Missouri Compromise, it became a separate state. It was then admitted to the Union as the 23rd state.

Nobody can say for sure why it is called Maine. Some say it was named by French colonizers after the province of Maine in France. Others say it was named by English colonizers as a reference to the mainland. Either way, it is Maine today, and it is the only state named with a single syllable, and also the only state to border only one other state.

Maine’s rocky coastline, rough mountains, green expanses, and wiggly waterways have inspired numerous artists. From writers and poets to painters, they have all flourished here for centuries. Maine’s mountains and shores offer enough hidden treasures for tourists and locals alike. The options are endless! If you need to celebrate digitally, use the hashtags #NationalMaineDay and #MaineDay.

National Maine Day timeline

1524

Exploration

Giovanni da Verrazzano explores the coast of Maine, the first European known to do so.

1623

Sawmill

The first sawmill in the U.S. is set up in Maine.

1785

Newspaper

The first newspaper in Maine, “Falmouth Gazette,” is established to promote the state’s separation from Massachusetts.

1820

State

As a result of the Missouri Compromise, Maine becomes its own state.

1936

Floods

The worst floods in the state’s history cause losses of nearly $25 million.

National Maine Day FAQs

When is National Maine Day?

National Maine Day 2026 falls on Monday, December 21, celebrating the Pine Tree State’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

What is the population of Maine?

As of recent estimates, Maine’s population is approximately 1.36 million people, making it the 42nd most populous state in the U.S. This relatively small population contributes to its reputation for unspoiled wilderness.

How long is Maine's coastline?

Maine boasts an incredibly intricate coastline, measuring approximately 3,478 miles when accounting for all its islands and inlets. This extensive shoreline is longer than California’s and offers countless coves and harbors.

Why is Maine called the Pine Tree State?

Maine earned its nickname, ‘The Pine Tree State,’ due to its vast forests dominated by white pine trees. These majestic trees have historically been vital to Maine’s economy, particularly for shipbuilding and logging, and remain a prominent feature of its landscape.

How to Celebrate National Maine Day

Explore nature

Climb Mount Katahdin, the tallest peak in the state, or go skiing at Sugarloaf. Explore the spectacular outdoors by camping at Cobscook Bay State Park or Baxter State Park. Maine also has its own desert across 40 acres, right outside the town of Freeport.

Get drenched

Take a dip in the ocean at Higgins Beach or go white-water rafting. Take a ferry to the Casco Bay Islands or set sail on the Maine Windjammer Cruise. Don’t forget to feast on some delicious lobster after — it’s a state specialty.

Visit museums

Not just any museums — bizarre ones like the International Cryptozoology Museum and Umbrella Cover Museum in Portland, as well as the Maine Coast Sardine History Museum in Jonesport, and the Telephone Museum in Ellsworth.

5 Facts About Maine

Limitless lobster

About 40 million pounds of lobster a year is sourced from the coast of Maine, which is close to 90% of the country’s lobster supply.

Boundless blueberries

The state of Maine is the largest producer of blueberries in the U.S. — 99% of the country’s supply.

Longest coastline

Surprisingly enough, Maine has a 3,478-mile coastline by the Atlantic Ocean; it’s more than 5,500 miles if you count the state’s islands.

Indefinite islands

Maine has 3,166 coastal islands, many of which are accessible throughout the year.

Maine moose

With close to 76,000 moose — the official animal of Maine — the state is home to one of the largest populations in the country, making moose-watching a popular tourist activity.

Why we love National Maine Day

Donuts

While donuts may have been introduced by the Dutch, they didn’t have holes and ended up being unevenly cooked, especially through the center. As a teenager, Captain Hanson Gregory of Maine came up with the ingenious idea of punching a hole in the center to solve the donut problem.

Sunrise

As the northeasternmost state, it sees the sunrise first in the entire country. The best views can be enjoyed from Cadillac Mountain, which is more than 1,500 feet tall. It is named after French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, as was the Cadillac auto company.

Horror

Stephen King fans, this one's for you! Remember how we mentioned numerous writers have been inspired here? From Maine himself, he has set many of his novels here, while even writing his first one in this very state.

National Maine Day dates