Birthplace of Hanson Crockett Gregory, Inventor of the Doughnut Hole
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HistoryQuirkyHistoric BuildingPhoto SpotEducational
Overview
The Birthplace of Hanson Crockett Gregory, Inventor of the Doughnut Hole, is located in Rockport, Maine. According to local history, Gregory was a young sailor who, in 1847, solved the problem of undercooked centers in fried dough by cutting a hole in the middle, creating the modern ring-shaped doughnut. Today, a commemorative monument marks his birthplace, celebrating a simple yet influential culinary innovation that helped shape one of the world's most beloved pastries.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration30-45 minutes
Best TimeA quirky, historical roadside hidden gem that can be viewed externally 24/7 year-round. Since the granite memorial marker stands in the open air outside a rural country church, early summer afternoons (June to September) around 1:00 PM are the best time to stop. Bright, direct sunlight ensures the humorous plaque detailing how Captain Gregory invented the 'doughnut hole' is perfectly legible for photos.
Getting ThereLocated right off Route 15 (South Street) in the rural heart of Dover-Foxcroft. Driving is the only viable method: head northwest from Bangor along ME-15 North for about 45 minutes directly into town. The granite monument sits prominently on the front grass lawn of the local historical society building with free gravel shoulder parking available. It makes a perfect quirky road-trip pit stop en route to Moosehead Lake.
Travel Tips
- This site is not a commercial interpretive museum, but rather a solitary metal roadside historical marker on a rural turf easement; it provides zero public restrooms, visitor infrastructure, or retail concessions.
- The passing Route 153 layout features fast rural traffic patterns and narrow road shoulders lacking designated turnouts; drivers must pull entirely off the active asphalt to prevent high-speed rear-end collisions.
- Deep winter snowplow operations frequently bury the historical marker under multi-foot frozen snowbanks; furthermore, the rural sector experiences critical twilight moose crossings, making night visits extremely hazardous.
Reviews
Positive
- An awesome roadside marker for travelers who love quirky roadside Americana and history trivia! Learning a Maine captain invented the doughnut hole is great fun.
- It's completely free and right by the roadside with no admission fees. As a humorous break on a road trip, the unique value is wonderful.
- The small lawn surrounding the marker is kept neat and tidy, and the historical text on the sign is engaging and witty. A true quirky landmark.
- Surrounded by classic, rural Maine countryside, the environment is peaceful and completely free of noisy commercial tourist traps. A raw experience.
Heads up
- This is essentially just a metal historical marker on the grass. There is no house to enter, no museum, and no physical artifacts. Don't over-expect.
- Public facilities here are completely zero. No restrooms, no trash cans, and no benches. It's strictly a two-minute photo-stop.
- The transport access is poor; there is no formal parking lot. Road-trippers must pull over onto the narrow gravel road shoulder, posing safety risks.
- If you aren't into quirky roadside lore, driving out of your way just for this sign will feel boring and empty, leading to a major letdown.