Outdoor Recreation
With rugged coastlines, pristine forests, and majestic mountains, Maine has long been a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Maine’s unparalleled natural beauty and four distinct seasons offer a wide variety of outdoor experiences – from kayaking to cross-country skiing, or birdwatching to mountain biking, or hiking to surfing – sure to delight and reenergize residents and visitors alike. In addition to fostering a deep connection to the environment and a spirit of adventure, the outdoor recreation industry fuels the Maine economy.
Supports more than 32,000 Maine jobs
Contributes $3.9 billion to Maine’s economy
Stunning natural beauty from mountains to sea
Outdoor recreation contributes $3.9 billion to Maine’s economy, representing 4% of the state’s GDP.
From outdoor equipment manufacturing to adventure tourism, this growing sector offers exciting opportunities for Maine businesses to reach new customers, design innovative products, and develop partnerships across the country and around the globe.
In 2019, Maine joined the Confluence of States, a bipartisan organization developing a national platform to grow the outdoor recreation industry, protect our nation’s wild places, and transform conservation into a driver for economic prosperity.
Inspired by the Danish concept of coziness and comfort called hygge, Hüga Heat was founded in 2020 to package that comfort in seat warmers for outdoor use. As the business grows, keeping production in Maine is a priority.
Solo Stove x Brant & Cochran: A Match Made in Maine
Brant & Cochran is rekindling the lost tradition of the Maine-made axe. Founded in 2015, the company makes world-class, heirloom quality axes, educates people on proper axe use and care, and curates the rich history of axe making in Maine.
Maine's Outdoor Recreation Economy Nearly Doubled Over Last Decade
Newly released federal data show Maine’s outdoor recreation sector generated nearly $4 billion and accounts for 4% of the state’s gross domestic product.
Maine's 10-Year Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap
The Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap identifies trends, challenges, and opportunities facing the outdoor recreation economy and outlines a comprehensive suite of strategies to enable the continued success of this vital sector.
Industry Support
Leverages Maine’s assets and outdoor recreation heritage to grow the outdoor recreation economy and build Maine’s outdoor recreation brand
Member-driven alliance of outdoor product makers, experience providers, retailers and organizations invested in strengthening Maine’s outdoor recreation economy
Business development and impact investment arm of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute to bridge the gap between innovative, blue economy businesses and the capital, technical
knowledge, and networks needed to help them grow
Member-based collective committed to sustainable economic growth and growing access to the benefits of the outdoors for everyone
In Good Company
International Investors
We’d love to hear from you to discuss your interest in this sector and Maine’s advantages.