Rockland, Maine

Rockland, Maine lays claim to a unique grouping of geography and economics. Not only a beautiful destination on the rugged, scenic coast, Rockland is also a practical one for maritime and other businesses with its hundreds of harbors and inlets. An almost mile-long granite breakwater protects Rockland Harbor, making it one of the finest shipping and recreational boating harbors on the east coast.

Rockland, with an estimated population of fewer than 8,000 by the Census Bureau, is also the county seat. Knox County consists of 18 municipalities including five island communities. Each has its own personality and offers visitors and residents unique experiences.

Rockland is a popular tourist destination and a departure point for the Maine State Ferry Service to the islands of Penobscot Bay, including Vinalhaven, North Haven and Matinicus. Rockland is also within a reasonable drive of such interesting Maine cities as Auburn, Bangor, Lewiston, Waterville and Biddeford. ME’s capital city of Augusta and the thriving economic powerhouse of Portland and South Portland are an easy commute.

Shipbuilding, lime processing, granite quarrying, commercial fishing and lobstering have all figured into Rockland’s industrial past. Historic Main Street forms the core of retail shopping, while large modern outlying shopping centers provide the variety required by today’s modern customers. The community’s proud past survives in many ways, including a newly restored and enlarged Carnegie Library, modern health care facilities, new and renovated schools, and an incredible mix of traditional residential styles of architecture.

Local Rockland restaurants, several of them “green-certified,” shop the local farmer’s markets, and serve the freshest vegetables and meats from Knox County. Local wineries also offer fine wines, while lobster remains the undisputed king in Rockland restaurants.

Maine Eastern Railroad offers excursions on vintage rail cars through charming seaside villages with sailboats, lobstermen working their traps on the bay, and the magnificent foliage in autumn. For those that enjoy the water, windjammer cruises are available. Departing from Rockland, they take visitors to spruce-clad islands, a scenic rocky coastline, and legendary lighthouses that dot Penobscot Bay.

All these factors combine to make Rockland, Maine the perfect headquarters for business or a temporary home base for visiting and exploring Midcoast Maine. Lodging is plentiful and dining opportunities abound. Day trips in any direction provide abundant rewards. There are museums for rainy days, Penobscot Bay to sail, islands to discover, mountains to climb in the spring and fall, and winter activities as well.

Rockland, Maine residents have worked hard to provide for themselves and their families, but have always welcomed visitors and treat them with friendliness and respect. So, whether you want to explore or to live, you will find a quality of life that will makes you want to stay.