Area Attractions & Activities
Four Seasons of Adventure Await in the Bethel, Newry, and 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. 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.
Year-Round Activities
- Maine Mineral & Gem Museum: Interactive exhibits and the world’s largest lunar meteorite collection.
- Personal Chef: From kid-friendly pizza nights to gourmet lobster bakes, enjoy private chef experiences at The Glen House.
- Guided Adventures: Hiking, biking, paddling, snowshoeing, ski touring, fat biking, birding, and nature trips.
- River Lanes Bowling: Bowling, arcade, billiards, and a lively sports bar.
- The Gem Theater: Independent cinema with great eats, craft beer, and occasional live events.
- Local Breweries: Sample craft brews and relaxed après vibes.
- Local Events: Concerts, festivals, markets, and on-mountain happenings year-round.
- Oxford Casino: Slots, tables, and dining—an easy evening trip from Bethel.
- Outdoor Guides: Hire pros for fly/ice fishing, waterfall hikes, ice climbing, and more.
- Spas & Wellness: Yoga, massage, facials, manis/pedis, and concierge spa services.
- Fitness: Complimentary local gym access included with your Glen House stay.
- Shopping & Galleries: Boutiques, art, gifts, and crafts around town.
- Valentine Farm Conservation Center: Accessible trails and a Habitat For All garden.
- Skeet & Trap Shooting: Regional clubs offer skeet, trap, and sporting clays.
- Bethel Historical Society: Museums and guided walking tours.
Winter
- Skiing & Snowboarding: Terrain for all levels across multiple peaks nearby.
- Cross-Country Skiing: Groomed classic and skate trails with rentals and lessons.
- Snowshoeing: Quiet forest treks on local trails or with a guide.
- Snowmobiling: Access to a vast network of groomed trails.
- Dog Sledding: Learn to mush or ride along scenic lake and forest routes.
- Skijoring: XC skiing with your canine companion.
- Tubing & Sledding: Lift-served tubing parks and classic sledding hills.
- Ice Skating: Outdoor rinks offer classic winter fun.
- Ice Fishing: Heated shacks, all gear provided, and guide instruction.
- Sleigh Rides: Group and private horse-drawn rides.
- Fat Biking: Snow-packed singletrack and groomed fat bike loops.
- Après & Nightlife: Live music, outdoor firepits, and festive gatherings.
- Bethel WinterFest & Fireworks: Sculptures, games, and fireworks throughout the season.
- Ice Climbing: Guided ascents on local flows.
Spring & Summer
- Hiking in Grafton Notch: Trails to waterfalls and summits like Table Rock and Old Speck.
- Golf: Championship courses and fun mini or disc golf options.
- Waterfalls & Swimming Holes: Cool off at cascades, pools, and scenic gorges.
- Mountain Biking: Lift-served downhill and cross-country trail networks; rentals available.
- Whitewater Rafting: Family-friendly Class II–III or big-water Class IV day trips.
- Canoeing & Kayaking: Wildlife-rich river paddles with shuttles and tours.
- River Tubing: Lazy summer floats with rental and shuttle options.
- Boating: Pontoon, ski, and fishing boat rentals on nearby lakes.
- ATV & UTV Riding: Rentals and guided rides into the backcountry.
- Horseback Riding: Scenic trail rides for all experience levels.
- Moose & Wildlife Safaris: Evening tours or self-guided outings to spot local fauna.
- Gem Sluicing & Rockhounding: Family-friendly sluice boxes and guided digs.
- Ziplining & Aerial Parks: Canopy tours, ropes, and zip adventures.
- Paddleboarding: Calm lakes and ponds ideal for SUP sessions.
- Axe Throwing & Archery: Target fun for groups and families.
- Scenic Chairlift Rides: Soak up views and stroll easy summit trails.
- Stargazing: Dark skies with Milky Way views and occasional aurora.
- Farm Tours & Markets: Visit local farms and the Bethel Farmers’ Market.
- Rock Climbing: Guided climbs on local crags.
Fall
- Foliage Drives: Blaze-of-color routes along scenic byways and through Grafton Notch.
- Fall Festival: Live music, craft fair, seasonal brews, and the iconic Wife Carrying Championship.
- Apple Picking: Family-friendly orchards with classic fall treats.
- Scenic Fall Chairlift Rides: Weekend lifts with sweeping valley views.
- Harvest Festivals: Artisans, chowder cook-offs, live music, and kids’ activities.
- Fryeburg Fair: Maine’s largest agricultural fair.
- Fall Hiking & Biking: Crisp-air adventures with brilliant leaf peeping.
- Covered Bridge Tours: Photo ops at iconic spans like the Artists’ Bridge.
- Antiquing: Browse area antique shops for unique finds.
Day Trips
- Oxford Casino: Gaming, dining, and entertainment.
- North Conway, NH: Outlet shopping, scenic railway, Cathedral Ledge, and Echo Lake.
- Family Amusement Parks (NH): Storybook rides, waterparks, and alpine fun.
- Mount Washington: Auto Road, Cog Railway, summit trails, and museum.
- Whitewater Rafting (The Forks, ME): Big-water runs on the Kennebec and Dead Rivers.
- Sebago Lake: Boat and jet ski rentals, beaches, and coves.
- Route 26 Scenic Byway: Waterfalls, gorges, and pull-offs through Grafton Notch.
- Top Hikes Near Bethel: Mount Will, Table Rock, Rumford White Cap, and Step Falls.
- Franconia Notch State Park: Tram, Flume Gorge, The Basin, and alpine lakes.
- Portland & Cape Elizabeth: Lighthouse views, Old Port charm, seafood, and culture.
- Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park: Cadillac Mountain, Shore Path, and coastal cruises.
- Casco Bay & Peaks Island: Ferry rides, beaches, trails, and rentals.
- Cranmore Mountain (Summer): Alpine coaster, ziplines, giant swing, and scenic lift.
Questions or need recommendations tailored to your group? We’re happy to help you plan the perfect stay.