Any outdoorsperson who visits the Rangeley Lakes Region of western Maine should make it a point to stop by the Outdoor Heritage Museum in Oquossoc Village. As its name implies, this small but fascinating museum contains a remarkably large and varied collection of exhibits and artifacts relating to the Rangeley Region’s history, which naturally relates to its connection with nature and the outdoors. As such, the museum features a collection of Paleo-Indian stone tools from 13,000 years ago, a reconstructed fur-trapper’s cabin, a birchbark canoe, a Native American wigwam (wickiup), early skiing equipment, and, of course, plenty of mounted fish, birds, and mammals native to the area.

A large section of the museum is devoted to Rangeley’s sporting past, which began in the early to mid-1800’s as word spread of the region’s enormous brook trout and landlocked salmon. Soon, sporting camps and inns were welcoming avid anglers and hunters from all over the eastern U.S. and Europe. Local legends such as Herb Welch, Carrie Stevens, Ed Grant, and Fly Rod Crosby are well represented, and the museum even contains the world’s largest collection of streamer flies tied by Stevens. Among her many creations is the legendary Grey Ghost, a smelt imitation that remains effective to this day.

Other intriguing items include wicker fishing creels; antique rods, reels, and guns; an original wooden Rangeley guide boat; and an incredible collection of preserved eggs gathered from native and migratory species. Old photos, illustrations, paintings, and posters also decorate the walls.

The museum is open weekdays, 10am-4pm, from May to October, and by special appointment.

Admission (2024)

MEMBERS: FREE

ADULTS: $8

CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER: FREE

ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY AND UP TO FIVE FAMILY MEMBERS: FREE

(in partnership with Blue Star Museums)

GROUPS OF 15+ RECEIVE DISCOUNTED ADMISSION. CALL TO BOOK IN ADVANCE.

207-864-3091