Once renowned by locals as a great place to jump off the cliffs on hot summer days, Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park makes the most of a late 19th century Brownstone Quarry that provided blocks of brownstone that were used to build many or the East Coast's most prominent buildings. The 1880 Census reported that more than 78 percent of New York City's buildings were of brownstone sourced from Portland, as were many of Boston's buildings. Today, people from all over the East Coast enjoy diving and other fun activities at the Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park.
Geology and Prominent Features
Brownstone, a soft reddish-brown sandstone, was deposited about 200 million years ago as the African and North American continents separated from one another. While there are brownstone deposits in other areas, Portland's are easiest to access and are most uniformly colored. Quarrying first began in around 1650, and by 1886, this quarry and others nearby employed over 1,500 men. By the early 1900's, concrete and steel construction replaced brownstone and production slacked off; then, in 1936, the Connecticut River overflowed its banks after a hurricane, flooding the quarries, which were never reopened.
Located only a short distance from downtown Portland, and surrounded by verdant growth, the quarry features 80 foot cliffs that now feature thrilling zip line rides. Climbing and hiking along the cliffs is popular as well, and there are plenty of other activities for non-divers to enjoy while divers take advantage of a number of underwater attractions.
Water access is convenient, thanks to a well-maintained ramp, and shaded picnic tables serve as platforms for gear assembly. Once underwater, you'll find training platforms and an old pickup truck, along with abandoned quarry machinery and vehicles left behind when the quarry flooded. New attractions are being added on a continuous basis; so far, there are several boats at depths between 20 and 85 feet, along with a bus, an airplane, and more.
As you explore, you'll find yourself in good company; the quarry is home to a huge variety of freshwater aquatic species, including some enormous catfish almost six feet long. Bass, bluegill, perch, and huge carp are also seen, as are fishing cormorants and other birds. Dry suits are recommended since temperature at the bottom is a steady 44 degrees Fahrenheit, despite warm summer surface temperatures in the high 70's. You can bring your own, or rent one at the well-equipped SCUBA shop on shore.
If you have friends who want to learn to dive, Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park is a great place for them to do it; courses are offered on a consistent basis, all in a safe, monitored environment.
With a wealth of topside attractions for people of all ages, and with on-site amenities including a cafe, kayak rentals, wakeboard rentals, and an inflatable water challenge course, not to mention swimming and nice beach areas for lounging in the sun after a chilly trip to the bottom, this site has something for everyone.