Below the Falls: An interactive walk along the Saco River

Below the Falls:

An interactive walk along the Saco River

Below the Falls:

An interactive walk along the Saco River

Below the Falls:

An interactive walk along the Saco River

Below the Falls:

An interactive walk along the Saco River

Below the Falls:

An interactive walk along the Saco River

DESCRIPTION

A Taste of Biddeford Walking Tours

Discover Biddeford through its layered stories—past and present—and by meeting entrepreneurs from around the world who now call it home. Along the way, you’ll taste what they’ve created and take home goods they’ve gathered just for you. This tour invites you to uncover hidden histories and connect with the people shaping the city’s vibrant future.

Discover the flavors and faces of Biddeford, celebrate its diversity, and leave with a renewed appreciation for the power of community and culture.

Embark on a guided tour through the Heart of Biddeford’s vibrant Main Street, where culture, cuisine, and community come together to celebrate the people who call this city home. This immersive experience highlights the diverse stories of people drawn to Biddeford from across the country and the world, who contribute to its unique character.

As you explore Main Street, you’ll visit a curated selection of shops, restaurants, and markets, each offering a glimpse into the perspectives and flavors of their cultures. More than just a food tour, this experience is a platform for cultural exchange and connection. Through storytelling and conversation, you will learn about local entrepreneurs’ journeys, challenges, and triumphs, gaining a deeper understanding of the diverse community that shapes Biddeford’s identity.

By participating in this tour, you’ll savour delicious food, build connections, and contribute to a greater cause. Proceeds from the experience directly support outdoor and fitness programs for marginalized and BIPOC youth.

Plan your Biddeford adventure today!

Plan your Biddeford adventure today!

BOOK HERE

#BiddefordMaine #MaineCulture #MaineShops #MaineFoodies #ImmersiveExperience #VisitMaine

INFO

DURATION / START

30-40 minutes At your own pace!

YEAR-ROUND

(Weather permitting)

STARTING POINT

Front Street - RiverFront Par

AGE

8+ recommended

BOOKINGS

ONLINE. FREE! Donations Accepted 🙂

PARKING

Front Street, Saco Maine – in Riverfront Park (entrance is directly after train bridge on right)

DETAILS

Price Includes

– Guided cultural tour;
– Commemorative tote bag, delicious tastings, and treasures from around the World;
– Memories and a true sense of home.

Arrive early / Parking information

Parking information: You can park on city streets for 2 hours (free) or in the parking garage on Pearl Street or any of the city’s other municipal lots. Arrive early to go shopping or enjoy lunch at one of Biddeford’s restaurants or coffee shops.

Visitor Parking information: https://www.biddefordmaine.org/visitorparking

What to Bring

Wear comfortable walking shoes. With one business exception, there are no stairs on the flat, walkable/rollable tour. There will be snacks and tastes at multiple locations, as well as small gifts. One business location requires a step up into the business, and if that is not accessible for any visitor, we will meet that business owner on the sidewalk instead.

Cancellation & Policy

Full refund for cancellations made 48 hours or more before the tour.
50% refund for cancellations made 24–48 hours before the tour.
No refund for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour or for no-shows.
Need to reschedule? Let us know at least 24 hours in advance, and we’ll do our best to move you to another available tour date.

Weather

If we cancel due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
If you have an emergency, reach out—we’ll consider case-by-case credits toward a future tour. Reach Heart of Biddeford in advance or on the day of the tour at or leave a message at 207-284-8520, and we will get back to you.

YOUR HOSTS

Tour guides are high school and university students committed to sharing stories and making connections — Trained through a grant program with the Maine Black Chamber of Commerce, with funding through MTI.

MAP

MAP & DIRECTIONS

Tips! Please arrive around 1:45 pm. We are meeting at 40 Main Street, indoors, next to The Garden Bar.

Please arrive at the A Morning in Maine ticket booth by 12:30 to find parking, use the restrooms, and check in with our ticket booth staff. There is a porta-potty at Middle Pier, and the nearest flushing toilet is 0.5 miles away at the public restrooms on Tillson Ave. Please use the facilities on shore BEFORE you board the boat.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

WITH A GENEROUS GRANT FROM

The Maine Office of Tourism

EXPLORE BIDDEFORD, MAINE!

Below the Falls: an interactive walk along the Saco River

Imagine strolling along the Saco River, where every step takes you deeper into the stories of the past and the wonders of the present. The Saco Riverwalk Tour is an immersive experience that combines history, ecology, and community engagement into a 30-to 45-minute journey.

Through a mix of audio storytelling, historical photos, interactive quizzes, and even citizen science opportunities, you’ll uncover the river’s role in shaping Saco—from its industrial past to its vital ecosystem today. Learn about the people who built their lives around this waterway, the wildlife that calls it home, and the efforts being made to preserve it for future generations.

Perfect for locals and visitors alike, this self-guided adventure ends with a moment of reflection, inspiring you to see the Saco River not just as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing part of our community.

This tour isn’t just about history—it’s about connection. The more we learn about our environment, the more we care about it. By experiencing the Saco Riverwalk Tour, you’re not just learning about the past—you’re becoming part of the future of this incredible resource.

Step into the story. Walk. Learn. Connect.

Why Take This Tour?

The Saco River has been the heartbeat of this community for centuries. It has shaped our economy, influenced our culture, and provided recreation and resources for generations. However, many people pass by without truly understanding its significance. This tour changes that.

What You’ll Experience:

The River’s Industrial Legacy – Learn how the Saco River powered the mills that built this town, hear stories of the people who worked along its banks, and see how remnants of that industrial past still shape our downtown today.
A Thriving Ecosystem – Discover the wildlife that calls this river home, from fish and birds to plant life that thrives along the shoreline. With our interactive elements, you can even contribute to real scientific data through simple citizen science observations.
The River’s Role Today – From recreation to conservation, the Saco River continues to be an essential part of our community. Learn about current efforts to protect and revitalize the area, and how you can get involved.
Reflection & Connection – At the end of your journey, we invite you to pause, take in the view, and reflect on what the river means to you. How can we honor its history while protecting its future?

How It Works:

The tour is self-guided, allowing you to proceed at your own pace.
Accessible through audio, video, and interactive elements, all available on your smartphone.
Perfect for individuals, families, school groups, and visitors looking for an engaging way to explore downtown Saco.
This walk will mostly be in a section with many stairs, although users can bypass and stay on the sidewalk.
The tour is free, but you can make a donation! Knowing the donations will be used to send a local student to a science or outdoor recreation camp!
Visit businesses after the tour to shop & dine!