Windham

Windham combines insights into local history with nature experiences and a park with play facilities. In Windham Center, several historic buildings tell the story of places from everyday life in the past: a schoolhouse preserves a 19th-century classroom, while a former shop evokes the atmosphere of a general store. The 105-acre Black Brook Preserve adds a natural setting. These different interests can help you choose a vacation rental: Would you like your trip to focus mainly on historical collections, time outdoors, or a visit to a playground?

Local History in Historic Buildings

The Old Town Hall was built in 1833 as the first town hall. Today, it has been converted into a small museum, a meeting room and a research center. The focus is therefore not only on the building’s former function: its current uses encompass several different purposes. Those interested in the history of the area will find a good starting point here.

The Village School is a one-room schoolhouse on the Village Green. Its 19th-century classroom is furnished with desks, blackboards and a wood-burning stove. Old slates and McGuffey Readers complete the furnishings. These tangible objects make it possible to imagine what shaped teaching in a single classroom. Visits require an appointment in advance, something you can take into account when planning your stay.

The Old Grocery also brings together different chapters of its history. The building was constructed in the early 19th century and originally housed a tailor shop owned by historian and writer William Goold. By contrast, today’s Village Green Old Grocery Museum recreates a general store from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Artifacts from the society’s collections are also on display. The transition from the former tailor shop to the later recreation of a store makes the building a rich subject for a stay focused on cultural history.

The Old Town Library served as the library of Windham Center until 1972. Built before 1850, the building is now the third museum maintained by the society. Its furnishings include furniture from the original library as well as other exhibits. Along with the school and shop spaces, it offers several perspectives on historic institutions: learning, reading and shopping come to life in different buildings and collections.

Nature and Time Outdoors

Black Brook Preserve covers 105 acres in Windham Center. Its trail network winds through a landscape of rolling hills, old trees and streams, with a diverse range of wildlife and plant life. If you enjoy connecting your stay with nature, you can make room for this preserve in your plans and choose the peace and quiet of the outdoors as a counterpoint to the historic sites. Local history and the preserve appeal to different interests, so your stay need not be limited to just one side of Windham.

Town Hall Park & Playground is located on the Windham Center side of Windham Town Hall. Its facilities include swings, slides and climbing structures, as well as a covered picnic area. For families, this offers a clear focus on playground time; the available activities can be factored into your plans for the day.

More Places Nearby

Portland, South Portland, Standish, Cape Elizabeth, New Gloucester, Freeport, Gray and Scarborough.

For the broader travel overview: Cumberland.