McCurdy Smokehouse.
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McCurdy Smokehouse Museum

4.5
·18 reviews·Lubec, United States

Explore the last operating smokehouse in the USA, preserving Lubec's rich herring and sardine canning history. A unique, aromatic journey into maritim...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime during operating hours

Experience authentic history

CrowdLow
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McCurdy Smokehouse.

McCurdy Smokehouse Museum

Best Time

Anytime during operating hours

Experience authentic history

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the last operating smokehouse in the USA, preserving Lubec's rich herring and sardine canning history. A unique, aromatic journey into maritime heritage.

4.5
(18 reviews)

"A cute little piece of history that's well worth the time and supports preservation efforts!"

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TIP

Support Preservation Efforts

Your admission fee helps fund crucial repairs to protect the historic buildings from flooding. ❤️

Embrace the Fishy Aroma

The distinct smell is part of the authentic experience! It's a reminder of the industry's past. 🐟

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 18 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Smoking Process

The Smoking Process

Main Exhibit Area

Learn how herring were caught, strung, and smoked for two months in this one-of-a-kind historical facility.

Lubec's Maritime Past

Lubec's Maritime Past

Throughout the Museum

Discover Lubec's significant role in the herring and sardine canning industry through informative posters and exhibits.

First-Hand Accounts

First-Hand Accounts

Guided Tours

Hear captivating stories from guides who worked in the smokehouse, offering unique insights into its operations.

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Planning Your Visit

Preserving a Fragile History

This historic smokehouse is actively fundraising to protect its buildings from high tides and storms. Your visit directly supports preservation efforts for this unique piece of Maine's maritime heritage. Consider checking their current operational status before you go.

Embrace the Authentic Aroma

Be prepared for a distinct, lingering fish smell – a testament to the smokehouse's past. This authentic scent is part of the immersive historical experience, reminding visitors of the bustling industry that once thrived here.

Best Times

When
Anytime during operating hours
Why
Experience authentic history
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Support Preservation Efforts

Your admission fee helps fund crucial repairs to protect the historic buildings from flooding. ❤️

Embrace the Fishy Aroma

The distinct smell is part of the authentic experience! It's a reminder of the industry's past. 🐟

Ask Lots of Questions!

Guides are friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share their firsthand experiences. :speech_balloon:

Affordable Admission

Entry is very reasonably priced, with discounts available for AAA members. 💵

Tips

from all over the internet

Support Preservation Efforts

Your admission fee helps fund crucial repairs to protect the historic buildings from flooding. ❤️

Embrace the Fishy Aroma

The distinct smell is part of the authentic experience! It's a reminder of the industry's past. 🐟

Ask Lots of Questions!

Guides are friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share their firsthand experiences. :speech_balloon:

Affordable Admission

Entry is very reasonably priced, with discounts available for AAA members. 💵

What Travellers Say

4.5
(18 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the McCurdy Smokehouse Museum for its authentic historical experience and the passionate, knowledgeable guides who share firsthand accounts. The low admission price is a significant draw, offering great value. However, the pervasive fish smell, while authentic, can be a strong deterrent for some. The museum's critical need for preservation funding due to coastal flooding is also a recurring theme.

"Highly recommend checking out this museum if you're in the area. The gentleman who is giving the tours currently worked here for six years, so he has first hand experience in how the smoking of the herring and sardines was done.

Apparently this was the last operating smokehouse in the United States and it closed in the early 90s due to the FDA requiring them to remove the enterals of fish in the beginning of the process, rather than the end, which this was not set up to do. There was also a building that used to be across the river and it floated away during a high tide. Another building that was attached to the current museum was also lost a few years ago during a bad winter storm. They are currently trying to raise money to lift up the buildings several feet higher, as two of them flood as much as a foot of water during extreme high tides, so they are also at risk of collapse or floating away.

Inside you'll find posters with information on how the mackerel were caught, strung onto rods for smoking, smoked (for two months!), then taken down for processing and packaging. There used to be smokers and canneries all over Maine, but this is a one of a kind now, despite being a booming industry for so long. Still smells like fish now, and it was 10x stronger back in the day. Imagine how it was in the 30s when there were multiple smokers and canneries running! Highly recommend checking out this cute little piece of history if you're in the area to learn a lot more about Maine's history, as well as support their effort in saving these buildings."

Nipako Sāmaṇera

"The tour was a great introduction to a very important slice of Lubec history. Highly recommended!"

Jack Duluoz

"I’m always up for a historical tour and the museum definitely did that. You’ll watch a short film about its history then you’re free to roam the building. The man who was there the day I went was very friendly and let me ask a gazillion questions. After that we chatted for quite a while about all kinds of stuff. I’d go back for sure if we were in Lubec again."

Stephanie Wolz

What People Like

Authentic historical experience
Knowledgeable and friendly guides
Affordable admission price

What People Dislike

Strong fish smell

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The McCurdy Smokehouse Museum is located in Lubec, Maine. Visitors typically drive to Lubec, as it's a scenic coastal town. The museum is centrally located within the town, making it easy to find once you arrive. Parking is generally available nearby.

Public transport options to Lubec are limited. Most visitors arrive by car. It's advisable to check local transit schedules if you are relying on public transportation, though it may not be a direct route.

From major cities like Boston, the drive to Lubec is several hours. Consider breaking up the journey or ensuring you have ample time for travel. GPS navigation is recommended.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.

Admission is very affordable, typically around $4 for adults, with a discount for AAA members. This low cost makes it an excellent value for experiencing local history. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for McCurdy Smokehouse Museum. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival. However, for groups or specific inquiries, contacting them ahead of time is always a good idea.

Yes, a discount is often available for AAA members. It's always worth asking about any other potential discounts when you arrive. Reddit

Specific refund or exchange policies are best confirmed directly with the museum. Given the small, community-run nature of the museum, flexibility might be limited, but direct communication is key.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore exhibits detailing the herring smoking and sardine canning industry, view historical posters, and learn about Lubec's maritime heritage. The museum offers a glimpse into a bygone era of Maine's fishing industry. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are highly recommended. The guides often have firsthand experience working in the smokehouse, providing unique and engaging insights into the history and processes. Reddit

A visit typically lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing ample time to explore the exhibits and engage with the knowledgeable guides. You can spend longer if you wish to ask many questions. Reddit

While children can visit, the primary appeal is historical and industrial. The distinct fish smell might be strong for some younger visitors. It's best for families interested in local history and industry. Reddit

The museum retains a distinct, strong fish smell, a natural consequence of its history as a working smokehouse. This is part of the authentic experience for many visitors. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The McCurdy Smokehouse Museum itself does not typically offer food services. It's a historical site focused on exhibits and tours. You'll need to find dining options in the town of Lubec.

Lubec offers several local eateries, from casual seafood shacks to charming cafes. Ask locals or museum staff for recommendations on the best spots for fresh seafood or other local fare.

It's generally best to consume outside food and drinks before entering the museum to maintain the historical integrity of the exhibits. Check with the museum staff for their specific policy on this.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted for personal use inside the McCurdy Smokehouse Museum. However, it's always a good practice to confirm with staff upon arrival, especially if using flash or tripods.

Capture the unique historical artifacts, the detailed exhibits on the smoking process, and the rustic architecture of the building. The authentic atmosphere provides many interesting shots.

Commercial photography or videography usually requires prior permission from the museum management. Contact them in advance to discuss your needs and any associated fees.

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