At the Maine State Aquarium, they are all about hands-on experiences. The animals in their care are ambassadors for their species, all waiting to inspire you. Come get up close and personal with their fish and invertebrates, and increase your interest, care, and understanding of the ocean and its resources.

The east side of the Damariscotta River once contained an enormous shell heap named Whaleback because of its shape. Much of this midden was removed in the late 1880s to supply a factory built here to process the oyster shells into chicken feed. As a result, only a small portion of Whaleback remains today. Managed in cooperation with the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, the area around the midden is now a State Historic Site that includes a small hiking trail and beautiful views of the river. A series of interpretive panels helps inform visitors about the history of the area.