Biddeford and Saco share much of their history and growth from their connection to the Saco River. Be sure to explore this scenic waterway if you like boating, fishing, bathing and other outdoor recreational activities. In earlier times the river played a vital role as the source of water power that helped build these sister cities into major industrial centers.
Starting in 1662 with it first sawmill, Biddeford evolved into a robust mill town manufacturing textiles, shoes, lumber products and other staples. You can still see the influence of the families who migrated here, many from Quebec, in search of a better life. Take your family to the “La Kermese”, a summer gala festival where the city pays a lavish tribute to it strong French-Canadian heritage.
Throughout the year you can go to downtown Biddeford and enjoy theater performances at the renovated City Theater. Almost torn down, theater lovers saved this old vaudeville palace built in 1895 from the demolition ball and with loving care renovated it to new grandeur. There’s a colorful backstage legend that an actor who died on stage still haunts the building in search of a final curtain call.
Let’s hope you don’t need it, but the Southern Maine Medical Center offers the latest medical assistance. More fun would be a visit to the new Biddeford Crossing shopping center with 20 retail shops and 5 restaurants. Or you can “get smart” at the University of New England which has its campus along the Saco River.
Biddeford also has seaside neighborhoods at Hills Beach, Biddeford Pool, Fortunes Rocks and Granite Point.
Across the Saco River, downtown Saco has emerged from it industrial heyday with a delightful array of retail stores, antique shops, galleries and restaurants. It is also the sight of an annual arts and crafts show on Main Street. You’ll find the area’s history has been kept alive since 1866 at the York Institute and its neighboring Dyer Library.
Now that the massive brick factories buildings no longer function as manufacturing centers, enterprising businessmen are converting them into housing, shops and offices.
You can see one of the most stunning displays of nature’s wonder at the Saco Heath, a part of the Saco Bay Trail which provides access to outdoor exploration. Ferry Beach State Park not only offers you 117 acres on the Saco River for picnics and nature tours, here you can see a stand of tupelo trees, a rare sight in our latitude.
When you visit Biddeford or Saco you’re close to golf courses, hiking and bike paths, bowling, an ice arena, boating, fishing, beaches and one of the few remaining movie drive-in theaters. Also, a special treat for kids – young and young at heart – is a visit our amusement and water slide parks.