Maine is home to 30 colleges and universities, all of which are situated in towns that offer something unique and fun to its students. From camping in some of the most gorgeous national parks in the country, to white water rafting, and even some “galactic bowling,” college students in Maine will find entertainment in all corners of the state.
Tumbledown Mountain is a popular day hike for the University of Maine at Farmington students on an early Fall weekend. Tumbledown Mountain has three peaks, 700-foot cliffs, and a pond at the top for swimming. It’s a great healthy and fun activity for students to enjoy.
Acadia National Park is just down the street from the College of the Atlantic and less than a two-hour drive from the University of Maine making it a great weekend camping destination. From Acadia’s Thunder Hole to Sand Beach to Cadillac Mountain, camping in Maine’s old national park is heaps of fun for those students who love the Great Outdoors.
Maine’s oldest and largest fair runs the first week of October every year. Every year thousands of people, including college students, come from near and far to indulge in fair classics like apple crisp and fried dough while watching the tractor pulls and horse races.
Maine is home to several major ski mountains like Sugarloaf and Sunday River. Sugarloaf offers special college student rates and even offers a New England College Season Pass for full-time college students making skiing super affordable for broke college students.
Freeport is home to L.L. Bean and lots of outlet shops, like J. Crew, Ralph Lauren, and the North Face. With low prices and lots of sales year-round the Freeport Outlets is a great place to shop for poor college kids.
Go “galactic bowling” every Friday and Saturday night at Yankee Lanes in Keene. Located not far from the Bowdoin College campus, Yankee Lanes offers shoe rentals, unlimited bowling, lights, and a DJ for just $15. Perfect for any college student budget.
With locations on the Kennebec, Dead, and Penobscot Rivers, Three Rivers white water rafting is the ultimate adventure for college students. Round up your best friends and hit the rapids with lots of blood-pumping fun and laughter.
Maine has miles upon miles of beaches up the coast but none so famous as Old Orchard Beach. Spend the day sunbathing and flocking in the ocean waves and the night dancing on the historic pier while munching on the world-famous Pier Fries.
Maine has 3,478 miles of coastline. Why not experience parts of it by kayak? There are plenty of kayak rental and tour companies along the coast that are more than happy to take you out to sea and show you Maine’s native marine wildlife.
Either rent tubs or bring your own and float the lazy Saco River with your closest college friends. This popular pastime is fun for a warm September or May weekend just before classes start or end for the year.
You know what they say— “an apple a day keeps the doctor away!†Every fall apple orchards big and small open for apple picking. Grab your roommates and fill your bucket full of these healthy snacks.
During the warmer months, big name musicians like the Dave Mathews Band and Kenny Chesney have been coming to Bangor’s Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion for sold-out concerts. Don’t miss your favorite band!
On the first Friday of every month in Portland, art galleries and art museums across the city stay open late for the state’s largest free monthly art event. Many galleries serve up free wine and snacks. It’s a great free event for all college students.
