The Wadsworth-Longfellow House

The Wadsworth-Longfellow House is a historic house museum in downtown Portland, offering a glimpse into the life of one of America's most beloved poets. Built in 1785 by Henry's grandfather, the house is the oldest standing structure on the Portland peninsula. Visitors can tour the meticulously preserved rooms, which retain original furnishings, family heirlooms, and personal artifacts of the Longfellow family. The museum also includes a garden and a visitor center with exhibits on Longfellow's life and works. The house is notable for its Federal-style architecture and the poet's connection to the city. It's a quiet, educational stop for literature enthusiasts and history buffs alike, located near other Portland attractions like the Portland Museum of Art.

Don't miss

• Tour the original rooms with period furnishings and Longfellow family items.
• See the poet's personal belongings, including his writing desk and library.
• Explore the beautiful 19th-century garden behind the house.
• Visit the Maine Historical Society's museum next door for deeper context.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit The Wadsworth-Longfellow House

Cheapest way inAudio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine4.3★ · 58 travelers1–2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$8 per personSee dates →Most bookedThe Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local5★ · 1,580 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$74 per personSee dates →Top ratedPortland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour4.9★ · 967 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$79 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Guided tours are offered on the hour and last about 45 minutes.
• Photography is allowed inside without flash.
• Backpacks and large bags may need to be stored in lockers.
• The garden is best seen in bloom from May to September.

A bit of history

The house was built in 1785 by Peleg Wadsworth, a general in the American Revolutionary War. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born in 1807 and lived here until he left for college. The house remained in the family until 1901, when it was given to the Maine Historical Society.