Leaders from some of Western Maine’s most significant tourism destinations have joined together to attract visitors. Local folks and visitors from other states are encouraged to go and experience these five rare, unique places all less than an hour from each other on the picturesque Route 26 in Western Maine.

This educational, recreational and cultural tour can be accessed via Maine Turnpike’s exit 63 in Gray. Though a state highway, the road meanders through gorgeous countryside and into a territory better known for waterfalls and moose than oceans and lobster.

The Maine State Wildlife Park is the first stop on the trek. The Park is located less than five miles off Exit 63, just 35 minutes from Portland, and features more than 25 unique species of native Maine wildlife. Families are encouraged to feed the animals, visit the thousands of brook trout at the Dry Mills Fish Hatchery, or meander along one of the many trails at the park with such significant topics as forestry and wetlands.

Just a few miles north on Rte. 26 is Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, the oldest surviving community of Shakers anywhere in the world. At the Village, visitors can find workshops, the Shaker store, orchards, tours and trails, and even witness blue chapel walls painted with Maine blueberry.

A very short drive north of that is Poland Spring Inn & Resort featuring multiple lodging options in their three inns and 11 cabins. There has been a Country Inn on this hill since 1794, when the Ricker Family first built the original, stagecoach stop at Poland Spring. The success of this early venture was due to the hospitality and caring that has become a tradition here for over 200 years. The delicious food, famous Donald Ross Golf Course and great entertainment have kept loyal customers coming back year after year. Poland Spring Resort has 800 acres and multiple trails for your enjoyment. Best of all, this entire facility is accessible at very affordable prices, with lodging and meals.

While at Poland Spring Inn and Resort, you can visit the nonprofit Poland Spring Preservation Society’s Heritage Park. There you’ll find the Maine State Building, which was featured at Chicago’s World Fair in 1895 and the All Souls Chapel, replete with art exhibits and music concerts throughout the summer. The park is also home to Poland Spring Bottling Company’s first ever water source.

About 15 miles further on Rte. 26, visitors can experience McLaughlin Gardens, which dates back to 1936, when Bernard McLaughlin began planting what has become one of Maine’s most beloved gardens. A century-old Maine farmstead with massive stone walls and huge barn provide a unique background for this sophisticated collection of trees, woody shrubs, and perennials. Now almost 70 years old, the landmark two-acre garden is under the stewardship of a nonprofit organization formed to preserve the historic home, barn and garden for the public. The formal garden features mature collections of hostas, daylilies, astilbes, iris, phlox, sedum, cimicifuga, sempervivums, and over 200 lilacs beneath a canopy of mature deciduous and coniferous trees. McLaughlin Garden also features a Garden Gift Shop and Garden Café, where a gourmet lunch is served. Admission to the grounds are free.

So travel the road less-traveled to visit this group of significant attractions, which aren’t just affordable and conveniently located, they are also rich in culture, ecology and history. The Maine Wildlife Park, Shaker Village, Poland Spring Inn and Resort, Heritage Park, and the grounds of McLaughlin Gardens truly are “The Gems of 26.”

For more information about this tour up Route 26, visit www.gemsof26.com.