Unearth The Voyage
Book lovers, prepare to lose track of time in one of Maine’s most incredible literary treasures. The Big Chicken Barn in Ellsworth isn’t just a bookstore—it’s a sprawling wonderland where bibliophiles can spend an entire day exploring towering shelves, cozy reading nooks, and fascinating antiques. With over 150,000 books and countless magazines spanning more than a century, this converted barn offers an adventure that goes far beyond typical book shopping.
1. It’s Maine’s Largest Bookstore
When locals claim this place holds the title of Maine’s biggest bookstore, they’re not exaggerating. Multiple statewide publications confirm this impressive status, making it a destination worthy of serious planning.
Smart visitors block out several hours for their visit because rushing through would mean missing incredible finds. The sheer scale becomes obvious the moment you step inside—rows upon rows of books stretch as far as the eye can see.
Many travelers report spending their entire afternoon here, discovering treasures they never expected to find in rural Maine.
2. 150,000+ Books Upstairs Await Discovery
Climbing to the second floor reveals a book lover’s paradise beyond imagination. More than 150,000 used, rare, and antiquarian titles fill every available space, creating maze-like pathways perfect for exploration.
Rare book collectors often uncover first editions and out-of-print gems hidden among the carefully organized sections. The paper ephemera collection adds another layer of discovery, featuring historical documents and vintage materials.
Serious bibliophiles recommend starting upstairs early in your visit, as the selection proves so vast that many visitors never make it back downstairs before closing time.
3. A Vintage Magazine Goldmine
History buffs and design enthusiasts strike gold in the magazine section, where over 50,000 publications span from the 1850s to the 2000s. These aren’t random collections—they’re carefully preserved pieces of American culture.
Graphic designers frequently visit seeking vintage advertisements and typography inspiration from decades past. History teachers discover classroom materials showing how events unfolded through contemporary coverage.
Fashion magazines from the 1960s sit alongside LIFE magazines documenting major historical moments, creating an incredible timeline of American society and style evolution.
4. It’s Literally a Giant Chicken Barn
The building’s agricultural past creates an atmosphere unlike any typical bookstore experience. Original timber beams stretch overhead while long, wide aisles follow the barn’s natural layout.
Visitors often pause just inside the entrance, amazed by the structure’s impressive footprint and rustic charm. The conversion preserved the barn’s character while creating perfect conditions for book storage and browsing.
Architecture enthusiasts appreciate how the original design naturally creates distinct sections and cozy corners throughout the space, making navigation intuitive despite the building’s enormous size.
5. Free Coffee and Tea Plus Comfy Seating
Thoughtful amenities make extended browsing sessions genuinely comfortable and enjoyable. Complimentary coffee and tea stations encourage visitors to settle in for long reading sessions.
Strategically placed couches and comfortable chairs throughout the store create perfect spots for sampling potential purchases. Many visitors describe finding their ideal reading corner and spending hours there.
The combination of free beverages and cozy seating transforms book shopping from a quick errand into a relaxing social experience where time seems to disappear completely.
6. Antiques Fill the Entire First Floor
Before ascending to book heaven, smart visitors explore 11,000 square feet of fascinating antiques covering the entire ground level. Vintage glassware, old tools, vinyl records, and handmade quilts create a treasure hunter’s paradise.
Collectors often discover items they’ve searched for elsewhere without success, from Depression-era glass to antique farming equipment. The variety ensures something interesting for every taste and budget.
Many visitors plan separate trips just for antique hunting, treating the books upstairs as an added bonus to their main antiquing adventure.
7. Perfect Route 1 Road Trip Destination
Located at 1768 Bucksport Road on famous Coastal Route 1, the barn offers convenient access for Maine road trippers. The location makes it an ideal stopping point during classic Down East adventures.
Easy parking and highway access mean visitors can pull off Route 1 without complicated navigation or backtracking. The strategic location has made it a beloved landmark for decades.
Road trip enthusiasts often build their entire Maine itinerary around visiting the barn, using it as either a starting point or grand finale to their coastal exploration.
8. Open Year-Round Seven Days Weekly
Reliable daily hours throughout every season make trip planning simple and stress-free. Generally operating from 10 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. depending on season, the barn maintains consistent accessibility.
Winter visitors appreciate having an indoor cultural destination during Maine’s colder months when many attractions close. Summer tourists love the air-conditioned comfort during hot coastal days.
Smart visitors check current hours online before traveling, as seasonal adjustments ensure optimal staffing and customer experience throughout the year’s changing conditions and tourist patterns.
9. Credentials from Maine Media Outlets
Statewide publications consistently feature the barn in their must-visit recommendations for book lovers and tourists. Local magazines regularly highlight it as a quintessential Maine experience.
Travel writers from various publications have written glowing features about the unique atmosphere and incredible selection. The consistent media attention reflects genuine appreciation from Maine’s cultural community.
These endorsements aren’t paid promotions—they represent authentic recognition from writers and editors who understand what makes Maine special and worth visiting for literary adventures.
10. Organization Makes Exploration Manageable
Despite its enormous size, clear section divisions prevent the overwhelming feeling many visitors expect from such a massive collection. Mystery, history, Maine authors, and other categories create logical browsing paths.
Smart organization means spending time discovering rather than searching frustratedly through random piles. Visitors can focus on their favorite genres while still stumbling upon unexpected treasures.
The thoughtful layout allows both focused shopping and casual browsing, accommodating visitors with specific goals alongside those who prefer serendipitous discovery throughout their extended visit.
11. Plan for a Full-Day Adventure
Multiple travel writers warn visitors about losing entire days here, and they mean it as the highest compliment possible. The combination of books, antiques, and comfortable atmosphere creates perfect conditions for extended stays.
Families often split up upon arrival, with different members pursuing their interests before reconvening hours later to share discoveries. The experience becomes more about exploration than simple shopping.
Veteran visitors recommend bringing snacks and planning no other major activities for the day, treating the barn visit as the main event rather than a quick stop.
12. A Literary Pilgrimage Worth Making
Book enthusiasts from across New England make special trips to experience what many consider the ultimate bookstore adventure. The barn represents everything wonderful about independent bookstores taken to extraordinary scale.
Serious readers often describe their first visit as life-changing, discovering books they never knew existed alongside old favorites they thought were lost forever. The experience creates lasting memories beyond simple purchases.
For many visitors, the Big Chicken Barn becomes an annual pilgrimage—a special tradition that combines the joy of discovery with the comfort of returning to a beloved literary sanctuary.
