2026 Mill Tour - MAINE

Five days. One unforgettable stretch of coastline dotted with seaside towns. LBM industry tour access. And the kind of experiences you don’t get on your own. If this sounds appealing, JOIN US ON THE 2026 MAINE MILL TOUR!

We’ll enjoy a memorable tour through coastal Maine, known as both the “Pine Tree State” for its vast, dense forests and the “Vacationland” for its iconic coastal charm and summer escapes - a fitting backdrop for our tour that blends LBM industry visits and free time in some of the region’s most charming seaside towns!

The itinerary includes inside looks at the region’s forest products industry - from high-end window and door manufacturing and multi-generational lumber operations to cutting-edge composites research and large-scale 3D printing. We’ll also include a unique, industry-adjacent stop that highlights the craftsmanship and design side of working with wood.

Scattered between our industry visits, we’ll include plenty of sight-seeing, including a guided tour of Acadia National Park along with several opportunities for unstructured free time throughout the trip to explore Maine’s coastal communities at your own pace. This balance allows you to experience one of the region’s most iconic natural landmarks with a knowledgeable guide, while also leaving space to simply enjoy the character and charm of each destination on your own. You’ll have time to wander, shop, and dine in a variety of seaside towns, including Portland’s Old Port, Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport, and additional coastal communities along the way.

Registration Timeline & Important Dates

Monday, June 1
The official registration brochure is scheduled to be emailed out. 

Monday, June 8

New this year - any individuals that were on the WAITING list last year for the Montana trip and didn’t get a seat have first right-of-refusal to secure a seat on the Maine trip. While there are only a few, all have been notified that they must alert me by Monday, June 8^th if they want to attend this year’s Maine trip. Note - For anyone on the WAITING list for the Maine trip this year (those that actually send in a registration form after we’re sold out), you will also have first dibs next year to get a seat!

Tuesday, June 9
Registration opens exclusively for those on the Interest List (that’s you!). Around 8:00 a.m., an email with the registration form.

New this year, registration will be limited to current BLD members (this includes retired members) during the initial registration phase in order to give our members priority access.

Please note:

• Registrations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
• Your spot will be secured based on the order in which completed registration forms are returned to my email.
• Everyone will receive an email back from me with a confirmation that you were (or were not) able to secure a seat.
• You will all be notified as soon as we confirm that we have enough people to move forward with the trip (we always do) so that you can begin searching for airfare and making your travel plans.
• Reminder: Last year’s Montana trip sold out in about an hour!

Thursday, June 11
If seats remain available, registration will open to all those not on the Interest list (members or non-members).