Poland Spring Water’s extensive history begins deep in the woods of Maine. Dating back to 1845, this company brought Maine settlers and respective dignitaries flocking to Poland Spring for its curative spring waters and picturesque setting. In the early 1900’s a state of the art bottling facility and springhouse were constructed using Spanish architecture as its theme. No cost was spared to ensure that the highest quality of Poland Spring Water be maintained.
Today these buildings together are known as Preservation Park, housing a dedication to the growth of Poland Spring natural spring water. After a three-year restoration project, the facilities, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, were faithfully transformed into an informative museum open to the public. Through scientific displays and vintage memorabilia, the museum offers a close up look at one of Maine’s oldest industries. Also located on the property is the Nettie Ricker Conference Center, originally a warehouse, which has been transformed into office and conference space.
Included in the seasonal complex is The Poland Spring Resort, www.polandspringinns.com The world renowned resort is home to a scenic Donald Ross golf course and provides a variety of overnight accommodations to vacationers. Adjacent to the resort are The Maine State Building, one of only two buildings in existence from the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair, and the 1912 All Soul's Chapel. Open Tues.-Sat. 9am-4pm, May-Oct. The Maine State Building houses the museum for the Poland Spring Preservation Society and a gift shop featuring special Maine products and select handiworks from Maine crafters as well as an art gallery. Today, the All Soul's Chapel is utilized for weddings, which can be booked through the Poland Spring Preservation Society www.polandspringps.org
Due to the historic impact that this story has made on American history, it's no wonder its beautiful scenery is noted on the National Register of Historic Places. The Historic Park certainly pays homage to Poland Spring's rich and noble history. Enjoy a scenic hike on one of several scenic hiking trails, which also serve as groomed XC-skiing and snow shoeing trails during the winter season. Open dawn to dusk all free of charge!
Thanks for taking the time to get to know us. It may further interest you to know that most of what you've read has been taken from various newspaper articles, books and documents that are housed in the Poland Spring Museum. Although the majority of the history has been captured in writing, certain aspects of it have survived through local folklore in town. For generations, the Poland Spring community has kept alive that which the pen has missed.
The Poland Spring Museum and Spring House are open FREE to the public May-October. Please call (207) 998-7143 for a listing of hours. Guided tours are available for groups of ten or more, please call in advance. As always tours are available during the off-season upon request. Come take a step back in time at the Poland Spring Museum located at: 115 Preservation Way, Poland Spring, Maine.
From South Take exit 63 (formerly exit 11) on the Maine Turnpike and make a right turn at the top of the exit ramp. Take the first two left turns. Proceed on Route 26 through Gray and New Gloucester, and past the Shaker Village. Drive straight through the intersection with Route 122 and proceed one half mile.
Directions From North Take Exit 75(formerly exit 12) on the Maine Turnpike and turn right at the traffic light onto Route 202. At the traffic light just after the Irving station, turn right onto Kittyhawk Avenue. At the stop sign, turn left onto Hotel Road. Hotel Road becomes Route 122. Continue west on Route 122. At the intersection with Route 26, turn right and proceed one half mile.