Discovery Wharf at MCCF
A free marine museum sitting over Stonington Harbor — Maine's highest lobster landing port. Touch tanks, an 18-foot replica lobster boat, VR commercial fishing, and staff who have actually fished these waters. Small footprint, high density of actual knowledge.
Discovery Wharf is the public-facing education center of the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, located at 13 Atlantic Avenue on Stonington Harbor. MCCF's mission is sustaining Maine's fishing communities and the ecosystems they depend on — Discovery Wharf is where that mission meets anyone who walks in off the street.
The exhibits have grown steadily. The 2025 additions include an 18-foot replica lobster boat that visitors can climb through. The touch tank lets you handle live sea creatures. A VR station puts you on a lobster boat or in a river full of migrating alewives. The staff are described consistently in visitor reviews as the real draw — people with direct ties to commercial fishing, ready to explain how lobster traps work, why trap limits matter, what a blue lobster is, and how the Stonington fleet operates. Captain Leroy Weed, a 70-plus-year fisherman who guided visitors for years, retired at 82 in 2025.
The museum is free. Donations appreciated. It sits directly on the working harbor, which means you can walk outside and watch exactly what you just learned about happening on the water.
Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Sun–Fri 10 AM–4 PM (per MCCF site); Tue/Thu/Sat per older listings — confirm current schedule
What Visitors Say
"Five million billion stars for Leroy. Touch tank was pretty cool too. They've recently installed some informative panels on the back porch of the Discovery Wharf. Don't miss out! Check out the other great work that the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries is doing too!"
"There was a short video presentation, some artifacts, a small touch tank, and an old sea captain lobsterman who was an engaging story teller and teacher. We learned about lobster fishing, the life cycle of the lobsters from this jovial man whose life and heart has been in the business. They really need to sell shirts that say, “Ask Leroy” because if there’s one thing for sure, Leroy knows lobster, and if you have questions, he’s got answers! Thanks Leroy!"
"Small but mes up for it with big heart. Knowledgeable people will teach you all about lobsters and sea life. Small touch table had a blue lobster, calico lobster, crabs, fish and mollusks. Easy walk to the town to explore after."
Local Tips
- Fall hours: Tue–Fri 10am–4pm through late September. Hours likely change each season — verify before going.
- No reservations required.
- Good rainy day option — entirely indoors.
- Groups and school visits are part of MCCF's core work; call ahead if you're bringing a group.
- Donations are genuinely appreciated by a working nonprofit.
Connected To
- Stonington Public Landing — same address (13 Atlantic Ave); the public dock and ferry terminal are right here
- Settlement Quarry Preserve — connects to the granite industry history that shaped this harbor town
- Sea Kayak Stonington — water-based way to understand the archipelago these fishermen work in