Handcrafted with a Story: Maine State Prison Showroom, Thomaston, Maine
Right on U.S. Route 1 in Thomaston sits one of Maine’s most unexpected stops — the Maine State Prison Showroom. At first glance, it looks like a simple roadside shop. Step inside, and you’ll find beautifully crafted wooden furniture, home goods, and gifts, all made by inmates at the Maine State Prison just down the road.
Every piece is handmade, solid, and built to last. From rocking chairs and picnic tables to cutting boards, birdhouses, and small keepsakes, the craftsmanship is impressive, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable.
Why It’s Worth the Stop
The Prison Showroom isn’t simply a place to shop; it’s also a place to pause and think. The woodworking program gives inmates real skills, structure, and purpose, and the results speak for themselves. Many Route 1 travelers stop out of curiosity and leave with a trunk full of Maine-made goods.
It’s also one of those places people love to tell friends about later — “You won’t believe where we found this.”
Know Before You Go
- Location: 358 U.S. Route 1, Thomaston, ME — right on Route 1
- Hours: Open daily (seasonal hours may vary)
- Parking: Easy, free roadside parking
- Accessibility: Step-free entry
- Pro Tip: Ask which pieces were most recently made because inventory changes often
Nearby on Route 1
- Owls Head Transportation Museum
- Montpelier (General Knox Museum)
- Rockland Harbor just minutes south
Amy Jeanroy ME Thomaston Dec 30, 2025 Arts Places to Visit
Dec 30, 2025
SHARE
