Skowhegan is an easy win for families: park once downtown, meet real makers, stroll the river, and close the loop with hot pies and house-brewed beer. If you’re hunting for things to do in Skowhegan, this guide maps a simple plan that works in any season—morning mill tour, market snacks, park time, and a relaxed meal at your neighborhood taproom. And when appetites hit? You’ll find pizza Skowhegan families trust at Brickyard Hollow — Skowhegan, with quick service, kid options, and Maine-brewed pints for the grown-ups.
A Great Skowhegan Day Trip
Morning Stop #1 — Maine Grains: Tours, Dry Goods, and a Mill You Can See Working
Start the day at Maine Grains (42 Court Street), where stone mills hum inside the historic Somerset gristmill. On select mornings, staff lead a one-hour tour that shows the path from field to flour—perfect for curious kids and food lovers. 2025 tour listings include multiple summer dates (for example: July 18, Aug 15, and Aug 29, 10–11 a.m.). Tours typically meet in the Dry Goods Shop, so arrive a few minutes early to check in.
Between tour times, the Dry Goods Shop is worth a browse on its own—stone-ground flours, oats, polenta, mixes, and local staples make easy souvenirs. Hours can shift seasonally; recent public listings show weekday shop hours around 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (and often on Saturdays), but always double-check the week you visit.
Pro tip: After your mill tour, step outside and admire Main Street’s mill architecture. You’re a short stroll from the river and a quick drive from parks you’ll visit later.
Morning Stop #2 — Skowhegan Farmers’ Market (Saturdays)
If you’re in town on a Saturday, swing through the Skowhegan Farmers’ Market right at Maine Grains. The summer market typically runs May–October, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., offering produce, breads, cheese, meats, flowers, and snacks—perfect supplies for a riverside picnic. The market sets up by The Miller’s Table in the lot behind Hight Chevrolet, which makes parking and walking simple for families.
Let kids pick a treat, meet a farmer, and learn how local food connects to the grains they just watched being milled. If rain rolls in, you’re steps from cover—and minutes from lunch.
Midday Reset — Coburn Park River Views & History House
Coburn Park sits on a bluff above the Kennebec and is made for low-stress wandering. Paved lanes double as walking paths and are wheelchair-friendly, with benches, a gazebo, and picnic tables tucked under big shade trees. You’ll catch glimpses of the Skowhegan Gorge, watch the lily pond, and spot memorials that hint at the town’s long history. Bring your market snacks and spread out at a table.
Ready for a quick dose of local history? The Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center (66 Elm Street) is a compact, kid-friendly stop. The 2025 season runs June 3–Sept 26, Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Reservations are encouraged but not required—perfect for a flexible day trip.
Optional Afternoon Adventure — Lake George Beach or Margaret Chase Smith Library
On hot days, aim for Lake George Regional Park (Skowhegan/Canaan). The day-use area opens 8:30 a.m. to sunset, with sandy swim spots, picnic areas, and plenty of space to stretch. It’s close enough to be an easy add after the park or museum. Check the park’s passes and day-use page for current fees and rules.
Prefer something quiet and educational? Visit the Margaret Chase Smith Library (56 Norridgewock Ave). The museum is open Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., with house tours typically at 1:00 p.m. (Mon–Thu) or by appointment—an inspiring, compact look at the Maine senator’s legacy that works well for mixed-age groups.
What’s Next Downtown — Skowhegan River Park (Run of River) Progress
Skowhegan’s Run of River project is moving from dream to dirt. With state and federal permits now secured, the team anticipates boardwalk construction beginning Fall 2025, knitting downtown to the Kennebec Gorge with new river access. The adjustable whitewater features are expected to follow (construction targeted for 2026), positioning Skowhegan as a regional hub for river surfing, kayaking, and events. Follow the project site and local coverage for milestone updates.
For families, that means even more things to do in Skowhegan in the near future: easier riverside walks, overlooks, and a front-row seat to paddling action—right downtown. Learn more from the town page and Main Street Skowhegan.
Late Lunch or Dinner — Best Pizza Skowhegan + Flights at Your Neighborhood Brewery Skowhegan
When it’s time to eat, head to Brickyard Hollow — Skowhegan for the best pizza Skowhegan families lean on. Get seated, order your favorites, and let the ovens do their thing. Four-Cheese Breadsticks keep everyone happy while pies bake. Split a 16-inch Mashed Potato & Bacon or keep it classic with Pepperoni; add a Caesar or Greek salad if you want greens on the table. Gluten-free crust and vegan mozzarella make choices easy for every eater—one reason locals recommend Brickyard Hollow when they search for a family restaurant Skowhegan or a welcoming local eatery Skowhegan visitors can trust.
If you love Maine beer, build a flight at your go-to brewery Skowhegan stop. House favorites like Trestle IPA, Pratt’s Brook Pilsner, and 1901 Kölsch pair beautifully with pizza; designated drivers can stick with house lemonade or seltzer. Preview staples and seasonals on our Beer List before you arrive, or grab four-packs to go on your way out.
Traveling with a team or two families? Call ahead for seating, or order in app to get your takeout right on time. To turn dinner into a tiny good-deed, look for Community Nights that donate a portion of sales to local causes—proof that good pizza and good neighbors go hand in hand. Learn more about our give-back work here: Community Involvement.
Community Corner — Give-Back Nights & Local Partnerships
Brickyard Hollow was built on community. Across our locations, Community Nights raise funds for local organizations; collaborations like Pink Boots Brew Day support women and non-binary pros in beer; and our membership in clean-water coalitions underscores the link between healthy watersheds and great pints. Keep an eye on our calendar and social channels for Skowhegan-specific events, or pitch an idea—our team loves saying yes to efforts that help neighbors.
A One-Day Skowhegan Day Trip Itinerary You Can Screenshot
- 9:00 a.m. — Check tour time and shop at Maine Grains; grab snacks.
- 10:30 a.m. — Skowhegan Farmers’ Market (Saturdays, May–Oct, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.).
- 12:00 p.m. — Picnic and stroll at Coburn Park; optional stop at History House.
- 2:00 p.m. — Lake George swim or Margaret Chase Smith Library. lakegeorgepark.orgMargaret Chase Smith Library
- 4:30 p.m. — Brickyard Hollow — Skowhegan for pizza, pints, and four-packs to go.
FAQ
- Where is the Skowhegan Farmers’ Market held and when?
At Maine Grains in the downtown lot by The Miller’s Table. Saturdays, May–Oct, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (Earlier start times sometimes in April.) - Is Coburn Park stroller-friendly?
Yes. The paved drives act as walking paths and are wheelchair-accessible, with gentle grades, benches, and river overlooks. - Do I need to book a Maine Grains tour?
Tours are limited and posted by date; plan ahead and meet in the Dry Goods Shop at tour time. Facebook - What’s the latest on the Skowhegan River Park?
Permits are in hand; boardwalk construction is anticipated to begin Fall 2025, with whitewater features targeted for 2026. Follow the project site and local news for updates. - Where should we eat?
For pizza Skowhegan locals trust and a relaxed family restaurant Skowhegan vibe, choose Brickyard Hollow — Skowhegan. Check out our Community Involvement page to see how your dinner can give back.
The Final Slice: Makers, River, and Pizza Skowhegan to Finish Strong
That’s your simple “mill-to-mug” loop: watch grains become flour, meet vendors, stretch by the river, and end with hot pizza and a cold pint. Brickyard Hollow — Skowhegan keeps it easy for families and friends—fast service, a flexible menu, and Maine-brewed beer that pairs with every slice. Come hungry, bring the kids, and make Skowhegan your new favorite day trip.