Where To Find Lobster Trap Trees Around New England

Lobster trap trees across New England turn a hardworking coastal tradition into a festive holiday spectacle. These trees are typically decked out with holiday lights and beautifully painted buoys. This is by no means a complete list (for instance, it’s missing the very popular one Gloucester, Massachusetts). Instead, it is a list of lobster trap trees that I have personally visited around New England. Some are pretty well-known, but others are much lesser known.

Stonington, Connecticut

The annual Lobster Trap Tree in Stonington, Connecticut is a must-visit. This is a really popular attraction that can get crowded, but I promise it’s worth the crowds. The tree features buoys that are decorated by local artists and children and you can go inside this massive tree for a photo op. A volunteer will take a picture of you and your group for you! It’s worth visiting during the day too to see the beautiful painted buoys.
Location: Stonington Town Dock, 1 High Street, Stonington, CT 06378

Milford, Connecticut

The lobster trap tree in Milford, CT transforms a classic New England symbol into a bright, community-driven holiday display. This 20 to 30 foot tree is built with genuine, used lobster traps that are decorated with colorful buoys and lights. It’s definitely not on the scale of the Stonington tree, but it’s still worth a visit if you’re in the area!
Location: Lisman Landing, 37 Helwig Street, Milford, CT 06460

New London, Connecticut

I don’t know anything about the backstory of this lobster trap tree in New London, Connecticut. I discovered it last year when another fellow southeastern Connecticut photographer posted photos of it! It’s definitely fitting for a restaurant like Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock to have a lobster trap tree. This one didn’t have painted buoys decorating it, but it did have festive lights.
Location: Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock, 80 Hamilton Street, New London, CT 06320

Newport, Rhode Island

If you’re heading to Newport, Rhode Island for the holiday season, don’t miss this lobster trap tree! If you don’t know about it, it’s easy to miss because it’s kind of off the main drag. I accidentally found it when I was heading to Goat Island to photograph Goat Island Lighthouse. If you’re in the are, be sure to also check out the Newport Mansions for the holidays!
Location: The Newport Lobster Shack, 150 Long Wharf Mall, State Pier 9, Newport, RI 02840

Ogunquit, Maine

The Ogunquit, Maine lobster trap tree brings coastal flair to the town’s holiday celebrations with its bright lights and handcrafted buoy decorations. The tree is built from real traps that are stacked into a festive tower. I love that this one is fairly simple and dressed up with red buoys and garland. I walked to this one via the Marginal Way from Lobster Point Lighthouse.
Location: The Beachmere Inn, 62 Beachmere Place, Ogunquit, ME 03907

York, Maine

The lobster trap tree in York, Maine is located at Fox’s Lobster House. While you’re there, be sure to check out Nubble Lighthouse, one of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses. Nubble Lighthouse will be decked out with festive lights and wreaths for the holidays.
Location: Fox’s Lobster House, 8 Sohier Park Road, York, Maine 03911

Kennebunk, Maine

The lobster trap tree is located in the historic village of Cape Porpoise. The lobster trap tree is created with classic wooden lobster pots. This tree is worth seeing night or day. During the day you’ll see the wreaths, garland, and buoys on the tree. At night, it will be lit up with festive lights.
Location: Cape Porpoise Square, 1 Mills Road Kennebunkport, Maine 04046

Provincetown, Massachusetts

The lobster trap tree in Provincetown, Massachusetts is definitely worth taking a peak at if you’re in the area. The tree was designed by Julian Popko in 2004 to recognize the local lobstermen. It’s built from real lobster traps and is decorated with lights and bows. There’s plenty of other festive decorations around the area as well!
Location: Lopes Square, Provincetown, Massachusetts