28 properties in a historic district, a public swimming beach and a viewpoint with views in two directions: Limerick combines local history with a range of destinations in the landscape. When planning your trip, you can weigh up historic buildings, collections and outdoor activities.

Local History in the Upper Village

The Limerick Upper Village Historic District comprises 28 properties, three of which were built before statehood. The district includes shops and homes, three churches, a former academy, a library, a town hall, several cemeteries, a bandstand, a park and a memorial stone. This mix shows that the historic district consists not only of homes but also of community and public spaces.

Three houses in the district date from before 1820: the Rev. Edmund Eastman House, the Capt. Benjamin Gilpatrick House and the Maj. General John McDonald House. Their names provide specific points of reference in the area’s history. The Limerick Townhouse, also known locally as Brick Town Hall, has served the community since 1860.

The Limerick Historical Society also preserves connections to the area’s history: its collections are housed in the Moore Building and the Limerick Academy on Main Street. If you are planning a visit specifically to see the collections, check in advance whether they are still at these locations. The Limerick Academy also hosts an annual open house, which often features special exhibits. Check the dates before your trip if you would like to plan a visit.

Lake, Viewpoint and Natural Areas

Limerick’s public swimming beach is on Scout Island in the middle of Sokokis Lake. Access is from Island Road, beyond the dam, after you pass through the gate. Information about public recreational facilities can change seasonally, so check the latest beach information before your visit.

The public viewpoint is on Sokokis Trail North, along Route 5, about a mile north of the town center. From there, the view extends east across the coastal plain; to the north, it takes in Mount Washington. The two directions offer different landscapes without requiring you to plan visits to additional viewpoints.

The Heath has a public access easement across 188 acres of land in Limerick and Cornish, Maine, near Route 5. The area includes a wetland with at least seven rare plant species. Visitors can explore the Heath Loop Trail, which circles the wetland. The trail thus connects with a defining feature of the area: the wetland and its rare plant life.

Sawyer Mountain can also be accessed from the Limerick side: the access route follows Sawyer Mountain Road and begins 1.1 miles north of Emerys Corner. At the access point, there is a small parking area for daytime use and the Smith Trail through the woods. The Sawyer Mountain Highlands are open for public use, including hiking, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling on existing trails and cross-country skiing. Before your trip, check trail conditions and access rules at The Heath, as well as the latest access information and use regulations for Sawyer Mountain and the Sawyer Mountain Highlands.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: York, Kennebunk, Wells, South Berwick, North Berwick, Buxton, Saco, Old Orchard Beach.

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