World Traveler Signpost
4.6(83)google
5.0(1)yelp
OutdoorPhoto SpotFreeQuirkyArt InstallationFolk Art
Overview
Located at a quiet crossroads in the rural town of Waldoboro, the quirky World Traveler Signpost is a beloved roadside oddity and a popular photographic landmark. This unique wooden post features directional arrows pointing toward various towns in Maine that share names with famous international cities, such as Paris, Poland, Peru, and China. It humorously demonstrates how a traveler can seemingly circumnavigate the entire globe in a single afternoon without ever crossing the state borders of Maine.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration15-30 minutes
Best TimeA legendary roadside Americana pop-culture landmark that can be viewed externally 24/7 year-round. The premier slot to pull over is a bright summer day (June to September) between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. High overhead sunlight ensures the historic wooden mileage signpost—which humorously details distances to Maine towns named after world nations like 'China 94mi, Peru 46mi, Norway 14mi'—is perfectly lit without tree shadows.
Getting TherePerfectly positioned right off Route 220 North in rural Waldoboro, Maine. Driving is the exclusive means of transit: navigate along coastal highway US-1 into the Waldoboro municipal grid, bear north onto ME-220 North, and drive for about half a mile; the iconic multi-directional wooden arrow signpost stands prominently on the grassy highway shoulder. Wide gravel pull-offs allow for safe curbside parking. No buses run here.
Travel Tips
- This landmark is not a commercial interpretive plaza, but rather a solitary vintage wooden signpost on a rural turf easement near the busy Route 1 and Route 220 junction; it provides zero public restrooms or visitor centers.
- Punishing coastal winter weather frequently damages the structural timber markers and snowplows bury the easement under heavy frozen banks; attempting roadside sightseeing during winter months is highly unrecommended.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- The passing coastal highway layout features fast freight traffic patterns and high-blindspot junctions with strict stopping bans; drivers must pull entirely off the active asphalt onto secondary gravel shoulders to capture visuals.
Reviews
Positive
- An awesome roadside landmark for road-trippers who love quirky Americana! It lists distances to Maine towns named after world cities (Paris, China, etc.).
- Completely free with no admission fees, conveniently situated right by the Route 15/35 highway intersection. A high-value, humorous road-trip break.
- The classic multi-directional wooden signpost is well-maintained with crisp lettering, surrounded by a spotless small grass plot. A neat quirky stop.
- The landmark radiates dry New England community wit, completely free of commercial tourist traps. Drivers self-queue politely for photos.
Heads up
- This is strictly just a single wooden signpost on the grass. There is no building to enter, no museum, and no exhibits. Do not over-expect.
- Public facilities here are completely zero. No restrooms, no trash cans, and no rest benches. It is strictly a two-minute photo pull-off.
- The transport access poses safety flaws; there is no formal parking lot, forcing cars to squeeze onto narrow, unpaved rural road dirt shoulders.
- If you aren't a niche roadside lore enthusiast, driving out of your way just for this post will feel hollow and boring, causing a major letdown.