Area Attractions & Activities
Four Seasons of Adventure Await in the Bethel/Newry/Sunday River Area
Whether you crave snowy thrills, splashy summer fun, or cozy fireside escapes, there’s no off-season here—just endless ways to play.
In winter, carve through world-class ski trails, ride snowmobiles deep into the woods, or mush your way through the mountains on a dog sled. When the snow melts, it’s time for world class golf, whitewater rafting, hiking to waterfalls, and paddling peaceful rivers. Fall brings a blaze of color, epic foliage drives, and Maine’s most charming harvest festivals. And all year long? Think spas, breweries, bowling, stargazing, moose tours, museums, and more. Every season is packed with unforgettable experiences.
Perfect for families, retreats, adventurers—and anyone who loves discovering something new.
And that’s if you can tear yourself away from everything waiting for you right at The Glen House.
👇 Explore activities by season below!
Activity |
Description |
More Info |
Maine Mineral & Gem Museum |
World’s largest lunar meteorite collection and interactive exhibits. |
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Personal Chef |
Perhaps a make your own pizza night for the kids then a 5 course gourmet meal for the adults? Or a pool side traditional Maine Lobster Bake? Treat your group to a Glen House private chef! |
See the Confirmed Guest Recommended Vendor List |
Bethel Adventure Tours |
Guided adventures year-round: hiking, mountain biking, paddling, snowshoeing, ski touring, winter fat biking, birdwatching, and nature trips |
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River Lanes Bowling |
Bethel's bowling alley, arcade, billiard hall, and sports bar. |
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The Gem Theater |
Independent cinema w/ pizza & craft beer; first-run + classic films; occasional live events. |
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Local Craft Breweries |
Sunday River Brewing & Steam Mill Brewing. |
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Local Events |
Check the local & resort events calendar. There is always something going on! |
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Oxford Casino |
24/7 slots & tables; dining; ~50 min from Bethel (easy evening trip). |
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Outdoor Guides |
Hire an outside Guide for any outdoor activity you can imagine! From Fly fishing to Ice Fishing, Hiking waterfalls to Ice Climbing. They know the area and do it all. |
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Spas & Wellness |
Yoga, massage, facials, mani/pedis, concierge spa services at Glen House and local Spas. |
See Confirmed Guest Vendor List for lots more |
Fitness Gym |
FREE 24/7 gym membership included with your Glen House rental |
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Shopping & Galleries |
Boutique stores, art galleries, gifts. |
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Valentine Farm Conservation Center |
150-acre oasis. 1.2 mile accessible trail that is perfect for all ages and abilities, and the Habitat For All Garden |
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Skeet & Trap Shooting |
Skeet, trap, sporting clays at clubs in Fryeburg, Harrison, and Sidney. |
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Bethel Historical Society |
Historical Museums and walking tours |
Activity |
Description |
More Info |
Skiing/Snowboarding at Sunday River |
Ski 135 trails across 8 peaks with top snowmaking, terrain for all levels, and après-ski options. |
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Skiing/Snowboarding at Mt. Abram |
Smaller ski area with 44 trails, affordable tickets, and a friendly vibe. |
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Cross-Country Skiing |
Groomed trails at Bethel Village Trails and Carter’s XC. |
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Snowshoeing |
Trek Mt. Will, Valentine Farm, or go guided. |
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Snowmobiling |
Access to over 1,000 miles of trails. |
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Dog Sledding |
Mushing trips; learn to drive a team; scenic forest & lake routes. |
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Skijoring |
XC skiing with dog power at Carter’s or Bethel Village Trails. |
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Snow Tubing & Sledding |
Tubing park at Mt. Abram; sledding hills at the Glen House |
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Ice Skating |
Outdoor rink in Bethel (free). |
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Ice Fishing |
Heated shacks, gear & instruction; chase trout, salmon, bass on local lakes. |
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Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides |
Group or private sleigh rides; also offered free from Bethel Inn on select evenings |
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Snow Fat Biking |
Fat Biking on Snow |
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Apres and Night Life |
Music and Fun |
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Bethel WinterFest |
Snow sculptures, sledding hill, music, and games. |
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Fireworks |
All Season Long |
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Ice Climbing |
Guided |
Activity |
Description |
More Info |
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Hiking in Grafton Notch |
Trails to waterfalls and summits like Table Rock and Old Speck. |
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Golfing |
Courses at Sunday River Golf Club (on which the Glen House is located) and Bethel Inn. |
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Waterfalls & Swimming Holes |
Cool off at Frenchman’s Hole waterfall, cliff jumping, cascading falls & pools, gorges, scenic roadside geologic features |
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Golf (Mini & Disc) |
Championship golf, mini-golf & disc golf courses. |
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Mountain Biking & Rentals |
Lift-served downhill and scenic cross-country trails. |
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Whitewater Rafting |
Family Class II–III (Androscoggin) to higher-octane Class IV (Rapid/Kennebec day trips). |
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Canoeing & Kayaking |
Canoe/kayak river trips, wildlife viewing; shuttle service on the Androscoggin. |
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River Tubing |
Chill summer float in tubes; rentals & shuttle available. |
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Mountain Biking |
Chairlift accessed trails; bike rentals; mountaintop picnics or trail biking around Bethel Community Forest.. |
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Boating on Sebago Lake |
Rent pontoon, ski, fishing boats, PWC, kayaks, canoes, paddle & inflatable fun on Maine’s second-largest lake. |
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ATV & UTV Riding |
Rentals and guided rides into the backwoods. |
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Horseback Riding |
Trail rides with Deepwood Farm. |
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Moose & Wildlife Safaris |
Evening tours to spot moose and wildlife or self guided |
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Gem Sluicing & Rock Hounding |
Choose a to sort, screen and wash. Gems in every bucket |
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Ziplining & Aerial Parks |
Canopy Tour at Bretton Woods. |
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Paddleboarding & SUP |
Flatwater paddling and lake tours. |
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Axe Throwing & Archery |
Target fun at Sunday River Outfitters. |
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Scenic Chairlift Rides |
Chondola rides to North Peak; views, light hiking, summit snacks (dogs welcome). |
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Stargazing |
Clear dark skies ideal for Milky Way and occasional arura borealis viewing. |
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Farm Tours & Markets |
Local farms and Bethel Farmers’ Market. |
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Archery |
Archery 60 min sessions |
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Rock Climbing |
Guided |
Activity |
Description |
More Info |
Foliage Drives |
Scenic color drives on Route 26 and Grafton Notch. |
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Fall Festival at Sunday River |
Columbus Day Wknd: live music, craft fair, beer tent & Wife Carrying Championship |
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Apple Picking |
Sparrowhawk Orchard and others nearby. |
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Scenic Fall Chairlift Rides |
Chondola weekends during foliage; sweeping valley color views. |
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Harvest Festivals |
Mid-Sept town fest; artisan market; chowder tasting competition; live music & kids’ fun. |
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Fryeburg Fair |
Maine’s largest agricultural fair. |
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Fall Hiking & Biking |
Brilliant trails for leaf-peeping adventures. |
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Covered Bridge Tours |
Artists’ (Sunday River) Covered Bridge framed in peak color; easy access drive/photo stop |
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Antiquing |
Visit area Antique shops |
Activity |
Description |
More Info |
Oxford Casino |
24/7 gaming with slots, poker, and dining. |
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North Conway, NH |
Outlet shopping, scenic railway, Cathedral Ledge, Echo Lake. |
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Amusement Parks – NH |
Story Land, Santa’s Village, Canobie Lake Park, Kahuna Laguna. |
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Mount Washington |
Auto Road, Cog Railway, summit trails & museum. |
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Whitewater Rafting (The Forks, ME) |
Raft the Kennebec or Dead Rivers. |
Northern Outdoors – Kennebec Rafting Crab Apple Whitewater Rafting |
Sebago Lake Boating |
Pontoon, ski boat, and jet ski rentals. |
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Route 26 Scenic Byway |
Drive through Grafton Notch with scenic stops and waterfalls. |
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Top Hikes Near Bethel |
Mount Will, Table Rock, Rumford White Cap, Step Falls. |
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Covered Bridge Tour |
Explore Artists' Bridge and scenic bridges. |
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Franconia Notch State Park |
Tram ride, Flume Gorge, The Basin, Lonesome Lake Trail. |
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Portland & Cape Elizabeth |
Visit Portland Head Lighthouse, wander the Old Port, enjoy seafood & cultural events. |
Portland Observatory (landmark) |
Bar Harbor / Acadia NP |
Tour Cadillac Mountain, stroll Shore Path, take a lobster boat or whale-watching cruise in Bar Harbor. |
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Mount Desert & Lighthouse Cruises |
Explore Bar Harbor or head offshore to Mount Desert Light Station aboard chartered boat. |
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Casco Bay Island Ferry to Peaks Island |
Summer ferry rides to islands near Portland with beaches, trails, rentals. |
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Cranmore Mountain |
Summer alpine coaster, zipline, giant swing, scenic lift. |
Cranmore Mountain Adventure Park
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