Reviews of Fort Popham State Historic Site (Tourist Attraction)

othniel caldeira

When it comes to creation who can judge? And the historic fort was awesome. Glad it remains untouched by modern technology.

Alice Bean Andrenyak

Fort Popham is at the very end of Rt 209. There is a small beach next to the fort. Parking is limited during the summer but you can pay for parking at Spinney's and get takeaway food as well. Fort Baldwin is very close.

Scott Shinkle

I love to take my family here where they can run around and get a historical lesson. The beach around the fort is nice and relatively private. the fort is located on a point at the end of the peninsula and provides a fantastic view of the surrounding Waters.

Antone Demello

Great old place.

Luis M Ceballos

Plus is very interesting. Especially the hot brown someone left at the top of stairs.

Linda M

I love the fort that's down by the beach and walking up the hill to the other one.

Andrew Westrick

They are working on preserving the structure, and everything is clean and appeared safe. It was interesting to explore. There were a few signs and informational displays.

Karen Bennett

Quite the beach old historic place a true hidden jem, beautiful place to go and fish or just hang out and soak up the fresh sea air and sunshine. State park beach just up the Beach

Amanda Harriman

I used to bring my kids here when they were little.... Now I am bring my grandson! Great for hours of exploration and fun.

Kimberly Fowler

Fun and Historic, loved visiting.

Shane Rowell

Awsome historical site. Also beach access.

Jessica Carter

Fun exploring! Check out the side rooms with a flashlight - spooky!

Mike Poulin

Fun place to explore!

Bill Murwin

Great place to visit

albert webb

I like to explore old forts from the past. This place is great to explore as a family and doesn't cost anything. The parking sucks because theres a beach next to it.

Jonathan Read

Popham is a small but cool fort. Check out Baldwin up the hill and get to Popham Beach!

Laureen whitney

One of my favorite places to watch seals and birds while enjoying the sea air

Jackie Vandewark

I loved it ..so informative...just an awesome site,I hope they continue to preserve it for future generations..history is GREAT !!!! THANK YOU!!!!

Scott Zeafla

Hope they are able to restore it. Go Maine!

Wrong Question

Tons of fun for kids, a great learning environment, super for military or architecture buffs

Tiffany Leeman

Wonderful view and just a great atmosphere!!!!!

Chris Kurtz

If you like old military buildings,historical sites and the ocean and seals it is worth it. I loved it

Robbie Littlefield

Can you go here after hours?

jess paiva

Beautiful architecture. Surrounded by the ocean and beautiful dog friendly beaches. Heads up, dogs are not allowed in the fort. I went in April so it wasnt crowded which gave me the time to take it all in. Also a huge plus..they have an outdoor bathroom! Nothing fancy but I'll take it :)

Dusty Taylor

In state on emergency storm response with power restoration and decided to setup my bucket truck and take some videos. Amazing people, super friendly staff and officers!

Michael Bean

Great place to go to learn a little about Maine and its involvement in the earlier wars. It's free to go and explorer, with no hours. There is a newer battery as you drive in, on the right before the parking area. It's a good place to take pictures aswell. Once done there, you can walk over to the beach and enjoy time there. The beaches are a gentle slope with gentle waves. Closer to the fort there is many different species of wildlife. We have seen seals, sea faring water foul, as well as Crane, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, many sea creatures and if your lucky you may see a whale in the distance shooting its spray as it rises for another breath. The sad part is it is in need of repair before it falls into disarray.

Sue Flannery

Beautiful place to take photos.

Justin Miller

Really cool place but it could use some love. The bathrooms are a bit rough, though functional, and the interpretive signage is sparse and really old. Harbor seals are commonly seen in the river here, which is cool!

april wilson

Always a good place to go and learn about the Civil War and its impact on Maine

Joe Martin

Wonderful historical civil war site

Ivan Many

Really cool civil war fort we visited

Rick Lavasser

We had a great time love it

Tim Casey

Sweet days of Summer

Mario_Zombie Videos

Really cool part of history, in need of more restoration. Saw some seals in the water and enjoyed the surroundings.

Lee Murray

Great slice of history but sadly it is slowly falling apart.

Lostin Boston

FANTASTIC beach area. Beautiful views everywhere the eye can see. On nice days it is usually crowded, and it's a paid parking area. But the beach is beautiful. If you're in the area there are two great little places to go and get food from too. Great lobster!

Tanya Oloughlin

Great photos and easy access to beach!

brewandbbq

Very cool fort to explore. Bring a flashlight and keep you eyes peeled out the windows for seals. Kids love it.

George Barber

Site of earliest of European settlements in US Historic Fort at entrance to Kennebec River from Ocean. Route of mighty military ships going for sea trials or delivery after being built at historic Bath Iron Works. Once in a lifetime experience. Great beach and dog walking. Worth a trip to Maine by itself

Dianne Farrington

This is one of the best visitor areas in the Southern Maine area. There are long beaches for the dogs to run at certain times of the year. The fort is in wonderful shape and most of it is accessible to explore. Nearby is Fort Baldwin. I really encourage you to check your maps for that one when you are in the area. It's a wonderful place to wander and imagine life back in the Civil War era. It is kept very clean and even has bathrooms

Arlene Rousseau

Peaceful, the people who were there were the friendly.

James Collins

We have made a point during vacations to visit nearby historic forts, and Fort Popham didn't disappoint. Some were brick and some were wood, but this fort is built from large blocks of local stone. Apparently it served in several wars but was somewhat away from the center of the conflict. Interesting stop. No admission charge.

denise copeland

Worth a stop if you're in the area, but not a destination on its own. We went after spending the morning wandering Popham Beach. Lovely location by the water. Free (or donation) to enter. A few explanatory signs on the ground floor, and interesting views from the gun emplacements upstairs. Several picnic tables and benches on the grounds outside near the boat launch, with a pathway along the right to another higher picnic area overlooking the village.

Toxic Doll

Always a nice stop, epic piece of history right across from a sweet little wharf full of life and a lovely beach to roam and best spot to swim. Even seals visit when I take a dip in the sea. Such a nice drive in to a little piece at the end of the world.

wghats

Pneumatic tube system broke. I had to walk the whole way

April Burgess

Hate the parking and long wait just to get there

Davina Poulin

This place is always well maintained and the reading is informative and fun. My kids didn't even realize that technically it was an educational trip. I happen to know a tad about Maine history and was able to answer a lot of their questions that were sparked by the plaques throughout the fort. We also enjoyed a long walk on the beach. It's a unique experience to be where the river comes into the ocean.

Tania Royer

Such a beautiful place

Dee Hamp

Loved it. Also nice little trail and flat beach.

Paula Bernard

Great place to spend a couple hours

David Briggs

Fun place with great history! Get there early for free parking and beach space. What a view.

Ryan Gilbert

Cool historic and scenic place to visit for free. Make sure you eat at the diner adjacent, best fresh fish in Maine!

Ian Maines

Great beach and fort. Parking is limited and can be hard to get in peak season. Great place to watch a sunrise or sunset.

Beatrice Kalinich

This is a fun place to visit with kids. Parking can be a challenge though. There is a small beach where you can see seals and sometimes porpoise. There are two outhouses.

jason mcelravy

Was very nice although have bug spray there is a abundance of mosquitoes.

Wes Adams

Very cool spot.

Bridgitte Clough

This is a wonderful place to bring your whole family .it's so much fun to go through the forts and read all the stuff hung up and the ocean is beautiful you can either enter thru state park side or go straight and go to the fort side and not pay to get into the state park either side is wonderful

Amy Stapleton

Nice little spot! Free and with free (though very limited) parking. Not much happened there - the fort was never finished, but learning about the process and building was interesting. Great views for photography, and terrific access to the beach. Perfect for a short excursion (30 minutes max), addition to your beach day, or picnic location. And there's a nice place to cool off out of the sun in the thick stone walls!

Anthony Winebarger

Old Civil War Fort!

Tracie Schoolmaster

Breathtaking!!

Tristan Fortin

Cool fort to play in

Evgeniya Berezina

Beautiful spot for photo shoot. Don't expect a lot and you will love it.

Dennis St Onge

The kids were bummed the fort was closed, but we did have some fun. Always enjoy the clean beach no matter the weather.

Judy Kutt

Fun place to visit. Take a flash light and explore all the corners. When done walk the beach and look for seals and seaglass.

michelle cramer

This is a great place to walk through and read the different boards that give you history.

Chris Duvall

Clean area, friendly staff, and lots of wildlife all around. Everyone had a great time.

Jacksie Witham

Ive been to the fort plenty of times, but didnt realize there was a parking lot on a side street with beach access! The fort is fun for a short visit, especially if you're into history. The fort parking lot is often full, and the road is pretty narrow. A very pretty place though, especially the beach when the tide is out!

Deb Stevens

Historic and amazing to go through.

Chad Bishop

A really great place to visit and learn some Maine history. Fun for the whole family.

Melvin Oyola

Love this place and area great experience

Ken H

Just a cool place to visit, very historical since the 1860's

Karen Brennan

Lovely spot to visit and have a picnic .

Karen Willhoite

Fun historical place! Good place for a picnic! Nice beach!

Dustin Ouellette

Great free place to take the kids in the summer. The fort is fun to explore with your kids, lots of space to run around. The free beach is on the smaller side but is sufficient. Very long drive if you are coming from central maine however.

Nancy L Stetson

One of my favorite beaches to walk, especially off season...

Ruth Clarke

History is wonderful. Busy mosquitoes.

Tania Carla Poirier

Interesting place.

John L

Great old fort. There's a lobster shack about 20 yards away, so you can really make a day of it. Parents: lots of spooky but safe nooks and crannies for the kids to run around in.

Mary Ann Hile

Very beautiful place

Richard Baker

Unique example of coastal fortifications. The unfinished nature of the fort gives insight into the construction methods. Very beautiful quite beach area. A worthy visit.

David McCrea

Way too cool to miss. You do not have to be a history buff to appreciate this place

Rob Ripley

Cool fort to visit if in the area. Not a huge place, and very limited parking.

Chelsey Woodard

Great place to explore, find shells & spend the day with the family and friends!

David Chapman

Super beautiful views looking forward to going back to spend some more time reading some more of the plaques. There were a bunch of seals enjoying fish in the water while we were there they were really fun to watch!!

Charlie Ewell

Cool little fort and beach!

Eric Edicm

Interesting place

Aree Pearlman

Cool to run around. No dogs in fort. Beach w sand on property. Watch out for mosquitoes.

Patricia Fortier

Cool historic Fort on the Kennebec

Branham House

Great place to visit, wish more money was spent into the preservation of this Historical Fort.

James LeGoullon

It is interesting. Great place to get to the beach without going through the state park ($)

Michael G

Looks like the ruins of a fort... It was never used because it was never completed.. but it's a nice area for views...

Scott Pactor

A group of junkies chased us out of an empty parking spot he was "saving" for a junkie buddy who ALREADY HAD A PARKING SPOT. If I could give it zero stars I surely would. Avoid during busy times unless you are ready to fight a junkie for your empty parking spot.

jessica coldwell

❤️fun in the

Madeline Bennetti

Very cool place. There don't seem to ever be many people there at once, and it's spacious enough for people to run around and kids to play. There isn't much lighting or things roped off, so just play at your own risk. The views from the towers are beautiful. It's right near the beach. There isnt a lot of parking, and the parking is shared with the beach so maybe don't drive there.

Paul Andrews

Great place to explore with or without children! With the the world today it's nice to explore an area like this while wondering what it was like when this area was functional.

Tiffany Lego

Fun family spot

Bettina Richard

Great place to go, relax, walk on the beach, we were able to watch the seals play. Best part...it was free and our daughter loved the experience.

Lyn Rowden

Beautiful old fort, much old Maine history from Natives on. Lovely area. Small mountain across the way for a nice view too. Lovely even in winter.

Shaughnessey McArthur

Great spot to spend a afternoon! Very limited parking.

Cheri Wakelin

An excellent stop during our ME visit!

Sierra Frith

I've been going here since I was a child, this place will always hold precious memories for me. Always seals in the water, and osprey flying overhead. Such a great place in general! Dont forget your sunscreen!

Matthew Dixon

Cool place to explore

Tovah Driggs

had a great time here

Ivy Corliss

This is an awesome place to go whether your looking for quiet time alone or time with family. The history and the area are beautiful. My kids and I love coming to this area all the time.

Kevin Velle

Opening hours are false, I drove 50 min to find it closed, though it was mentioned open, on Google and on their own website. Such a shame.

Laura Gleason

Beautiful place. Great for all ages.

Health Enthusiast

It's a cool historical fort. A bit sad they decided to close access to the roof and I wish they had more vignettes on the historical use and importance of this fort. I liked that it was free and parking was easy, and it wasn't much of a detour from other tourist attractions.

Kathleen Rice

Loved it, and the seals were great too

George Fontana111

Cool place to go and look at history standing still in time

Guy Marsden

A great piece of Maine history.

Orin Knowles

Nice. Fun watching the seals.

Laura Gauthier

Never even knew this was here. Good for a quick trip and some awesome views.

William Cote

Excellent beach!

Mainah Girl

Nice little place kids can explore after a day at the beach...

Devyn Potter

Whenever anyone visits me I take them here! It is really cool and has a lot of good information! It's also close to food and icecream! Although the large fort is very cool, my favorite thing to do is go to the forts and fire tower that are on the hill behind the fort! It's a beautiful small hike up to three forts and a fire tower. There is a path that extends past the tower that us beautiful too!

Gilbert Andrews

Great time still didn't catch my striper

Juan Diaz

Nice historical spot.

Troy Ancona

Fort Popham offers a great spot for family adventures. Whether you explore the historic fort, no entrance fee, or try some fishing when they are running, or watch the seals in the late spring as the float and fish in along the beach. These are just some of the opportunities offered here. There are a few picnic tables near the fort, an outhouse that is to be avoided if possible! If you walk far enough down the beach you have great views of two light houses as well as a sand bar at low tide! This is not to be confused by Popham Beach State Park, which does have an entrance fee and offers great swimming and a sand bar as well! Swimming on the Fort end is not recommended as the beach drops off quickly, in places, and current can be bad, especially near the fort.

Dave Robison

Stunning site, views and historical significance

Debra Timberlake

Peaceful beautiful

dima ru

Nice place to finish day trip.

Sonia Bermonty

This is a really cool spot the fort sits on a beach so on one side theres a dock you can cast a line or throw your boat in the water and on the other side of the fort sand a rocks seems there's always seals here too we've been here a few times now and saw seals each time the other thing I like about this spot if you love a good sunrise like I do you can watch it right on the beach before the fort opens fyi Fort Baldwin is down the road from here

Ang P

Great place to bring your kids and spend the day at the beach. Viewing is free.

scott stafford

Very cool fort. It's definitely showing its age. But a beautiful location and a night little park. A small beach is on one side with beautiful views.

David Metzger

It's a neat of fort. Cool to see how it was set up. However... if it's not too far out of your way.... Fort Knox is larger and more fun to explore. It is worth it to see both, but if you can only make it to one, go to fort Knox.

Dale Smith

Fun to watch the seals feed.

sierra frith

My daughter loves going here to watch the seals play! I enjoy the osprey and other birds as they dive into the water after the fish!

Whoop T

Really neat piece of history!

Cougar Prey

Cool place to spend an hour or two between the fort and the beach.

Callie Sandoval

Beautiful state park, very clean beaches. Definitely a place to visit in summer!

Zachary Tresp

Such a beautiful spot, parking can be hard during peak tourist season.

Amy Eldridge

This fort is very interesting! It is free but they take donations. There is not a hole lot of parking but if you have some time, it is well worth visiting. No dogs allowed.

T K

Neat place to visit

K. K

Cool historical place. My mother in law grew up just down the road back in the 40s and 50s and used to play here. Lots of memories...

Sandra Kase

Very cool fort you can explore with 3 other old batteries and a tower near by. Also a beach in the state park.

BRIAN TIEDT

Beautiful. Had some great fish tacos and lobster grilled cheese at food truck in parking lot. Went to beach at low tide, able to walk to small island before tide came up. Many rocky outcroppings but fine and sandy beach.

Julie Moudy

Water was very cold but I really enjoyed walking along the ocean side. Beautiful scenery

Gene R

Great place to walk along the beach.