University of Southern Maine
Greater Portland’s Casco Bay is known for offering some of Maine's best coastal attractions -- access to islands, historic forts, and lighthouses.
Captain John Smith, the soldier, sailor and author of the late 1500’s and early 1600’s, was among the first to chart the hundreds of islands that dot the bay. (An original copy of his 1614 map of New England is in USM’s Osher Map Library, along thousands of other rarities such as Christopher Columbus’ report on his 1492 voyage.)
The bay leads to Portland Harbor, considered one of the deepest, best-protected harbors on the East Coast. There’s a great view of the bay and harbor from Portland Head Light, built in 1787 at the direction of George Washington. For a closer view of island life, hop on one of the ferries of the Casco Bay Lines, the oldest ferry service in the country.
Of course, you won’t be at a loss to find opportunities to swim, kayak or canoe, even close to campus.
Shaw Park in Gorham is a relatively new, 7.5-acre park on the banks of the historic Presumpscot, designed with the assistance of USM environmental science students
It’s not exactly Waikiki, but surfing in southern Maine is popular. The best surf is in the winter (honest!), when it’s not uncommon to see surfers, even though temperatures are in the teens with wind chills below zero. The surf shop Liquid Dreams is the unofficial headquarters of this winter sport.
For a less extreme winter sport, cross country skiing in Maine can be found most anywhere, at mountain resorts, picturesque converted farmlands, public golf courses, and in many state and town parks.
You also will come across trails maintained by local land trusts and other quasi-public groups. In fact there’s a 50-mile network of multi-use trails within Greater Portland alone.
Those with more of a need for speed will find snowboarding and downhill skiing within an easy drive. The state’s selection of ski areas caters to all levels of boarder or skier, from the novice to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard teams, which train at Sugarloaf USA.
There’s also plenty of time to ski and board because Maine lays claim to the longest ski and snowboard season in the East. Don’t worry, southern Maine is not a tundra. The long season has more to do with exceptionally sophisticated snowmaking capabilities than long, harsh winters.
