The County: Aroostook Cultural Attractions Map 2020 | Page 3

ARTS & CULTURE 1 Aroostook County Historical & Art Museum 109 Main St., Houlton, ME (207) 532-6984 f H3 Founded in 1937 to preserve the history and heritage of Aroostook’s Shiretown area, the museum houses favorites like the Ricker Room and Sarah Houlton’s Kitchen, period clothing, furniture, Native American artifacts, and the E.B. White collection with photos from 1885-1920. 2 Centre des arts d’Edmundston 82 Chemin Canada, Edmundston, NB (506) 739-2127 ArtsEdmundston.ca F10 The Centre offers a wide variety of entertainment, from classical pianists and woodwind quintets to ballet, folk music, and comedy. 3 Reed Art Gallery UMPI 181 Main St., Presque Isle, ME (207) 768-9441 UMPI.edu/academics/art G6 Opened in 1992 to display a wide range of art by nationally and regionally known artists, students, the local arts community, and the University’s art collections. The Reed has brought nationally known artists Joyce Tenneson and John Paul Caponigro to the area, and houses a gift of Andy Warhol prints and photographs. 4 Stockholm Historical Museum 280 S. Main St., Stockholm, ME (207) 896-5812 MaineSwedishColony.info G8 Established in 1976, the museum preserves the unique heritage of a prosperous town heavily influenced by Swedish, French, and English cultures, starting with Swedish settlement in the mid- 19th century, followed by an influx of French and English people in the early 20th century. The building that houses the museum, used as a store for many years, and adjacent barn now contain artifacts of Stockholm’s past as a center of lumbering and farming. ATTRACTIONS 5 Allagash Chainsaw Museum 133 Allagash Rd., Allagash, ME (866) 727-3033 D8 This unique museum features the tools and woods that made Maine’s North Woods a lumbering titan. Visitors planning to make the trip to the Allagash Chainsaw Museum are encouraged to call ahead. 6 America’s First Mile 341 W. Main St., Fort Kent, ME Atlasobscura.com E9 Fort Kent is home to a granite monument marking the start of the longest north-south road in the U.S., built overlooking the St. John River and Canada beyond. Created in 1926 by combining various regional highways into one national thoroughfare, U.S. Route 1 runs 2,369 miles from Fort Kent to Key West, Florida. 7 Antique Automobile Museum 35 Rue Principale, Saint-Jacques, Edmundston, NB (506) 735-2637 TourismNewBrunswick.ca F10 The museum showcases one of the 2,880 Bricklins manufactured during the short run of New Brunswick’s only automobile plant, along with other classics, like a 1918 International farm tractor, 1937 Diamond T firetruck, and 1910 Detroit Electric 3-passenger coupe, all in immaculate condition. 8 Boy with the Leaky Boot at Pierce Park 128 Main St., Houlton, ME RoadsideAmerica.com H3 One of 27 in the world, this 4-foot- tall fountain sculpture depicts a lad with a bare foot holding aloft a leaking boot. The origin is uncertain but appears to date back to the 1890s. Houlton’s, which is wellmaintained with eight working fountains, was purchased in 1916. 9 Double Eagle II Launch Site & Memorial 141 Spragueville Rd., Presque Isle, ME | PIRec.org G6 The site celebrates the first manned trans-Atlantic helium balloon flight with a replica of the balloon set on the spot from which Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and Larry Newman launched in 1978. The balloon landed in Miserey, France. 10 Four Corners Park 198 Main St., Madawaska (207) 728-6328 MadawaskaFourCorners.org F10 Situated in the community that comprises one of the four corners of the national motorcycle tour, the first park dedicated to longdistance motorcycling. Visitors stop here to enjoy the view, the facilities, the camaraderie, and to swap tales. The park features a 12-foot-tall granite monument and a Welcome/Information Center. 11 Francis Malcolm Science Institute 776 Houlton Rd., Easton, ME (207) 488-5451 H6 Home to the northernmost planetarium theater in the U.S., the center provides a unique environment for learning experiences in science, nature, and astronomy, and welcomes visitors to its 140-acre grounds for activities like snowshoeing, wreath-making, and cider-pressing. A new digital projection system provides an immersive, full-dome experience in shows like ‘Cosmic Colors’ and ‘Flight Adventures.’ 12 Hartland Covered Bridge Hartland Hill Bridge Rd., Hartland, NB (506) 739-2127 TourismNewBrunswick.ca I4 The longest covered bridge in the world at 1,282 feet, it is a National Historic Site of Canada and a Provincial Heritage Site and is considered an engineering wonder. After being covered in 1921-22, it became known as a ‘kissing bridge.’ 13 Riverfront Park & Gateway Bridge Mill St., Houlton, ME GoAroostookOutdoors.com H3 Three bronze kinetic wind sculptures by Lyman Whitaker greet visitors to the park that features a riverside trail parallel to the Meduxnekeag River. Along the trail are numerous educational plaques with illustrations and narratives of local history, wildlife, and plants. The park has a large, sheltered picnic area and is handy to Houlton’s historic downtown Market Square, boutiques, and cafes. 14 Lost Trains of the Eagle Lake & West Branch Railroad Chamberlain Lake, ME B4 A pair of abandoned, standardgauge steam locomotives of the Eagle Lake & West Branch Railroad stand in a small clearing deep in Maine’s North Woods. The operation was built in the 1920s and abandoned in the 1930s. Best times for the trip is from May to September. Waterproof hiking boots and a good grasp of GPS coordinates are recommended. 15 Mizpah Retreat Center Doucette Rd., Grand Isle, ME (207) 728-3129 | Mizpah.us G9 Opened in 1991 by a cancer survivor as a place of reflection and peace, the name Mizpah comes from the Hebrew word meaning ‘to help another.’ Its 15 acres, buildings, and viewing sites are open to the public free of charge, providing trails to walk and stations that invite meditation. 16 Molly the Trolley City, History & Foliage Tours 11 Church St., Presque Isle (207) 762-1151 PIHistory.org G6 A seasonal attraction, the trolley offers citywide narrated tours of Presque Isle’s features, history, and foliage. The 1985 trolley has a gasdriven engine and an aluminum body that seats 32 on cushioned wooden bench seats, and can be rented for events. 17 Northern Maine Museum of Science 181 Main St., Presque Isle, ME (207) 768-9482 | UMPI.edu G6 The museum began in the 1970s with the acquisition of two large natural history collections: marine and fresh-water sea shells, local forestry specimens and the beginnings of a herbarium. The museum, now offers exhibitions and education that include marine organisms, ancient fossils, a meteorology station, minerals of Maine, 600 million years of earth history, insect and arthropod exhibits, a solar system scale model, and more. 18 Potato World Museum, Florenceville-Bristol 385 Centreville Rd., Florenceville-Bristol, NB (506) 392-1955 PotatoWorld.ca I5 The museum explores the humble potato’s history, with 2 acres of hands-on displays, educational videos, antique machinery, potato variety garden, exhibits on the industry, science, and hard working people who put the best potatoes on your plate. Cut and plant seed potatoes, try moving a 165-pound barrel of potatoes, and hand cut French fries. Finish up with a serving of hot fries and a stop at the Potato World Hall of Recognition. 19 Railroad Interpretation Centre 1091 Rue Victoria, Edmundston, NB (506) 739-9644 DuReelauMiniature.com F10 Take a tour of New Brunswick in model size. The center, housed in a 1900s train shed replica, provides a look at railroad history and the life of railwaymen. A 900-square-feet HO 1/87-scale layout constantly changes with different modeling aspects like cars, structures, engines, scenery, and scale kilometers of tracks. Travel back in time with replicas and a boardwalk that leads to a covered railroad bridge. 20 Watson Settlement Bridge Framingham Rd., Littleton, ME | Maine.gov H4 Built in 1911, this is the northernmost of Maine’s original covered bridges. The bridge draws its name from the nearby Watson homestead and has timber trusses and two 170-foot spans. Although there are no records of who built Maine’s covered bridges, they were usually constructed by local builders. BYWAYS & TRAILS 21 Aroostook Solar System US Rte. 1, Aroostook County (207) 768-9452 | UMPI.edu G6 Built by the people of Aroostook County, the 40-mile model holds the title of the largest three-dimensional scale model of the Solar System in the world at a scale of 1 mile equaling the distance from earth to sun. Extending along Route 1, the model includes the sun and nine planets with moons for Earth, Saturn, Jupiter (4) and Pluto. All planets are visible from the road except for the two versions of Pluto, the first of which is located inside the Houlton Visitor Center. 22 Fish River Scenic Byway (207) 624-3300 Exploremaine.org F7 This 38-mile stretch of ‘working byway’ is unique in its rugged beauty. Enjoy rolling hills between Portage Lake and Fort Kent, unparalleled views of wildflower meadows, Eagle Lake, and Maine’s highest peak, Mt. Katahdin. Much of the route is forested and wildlife abounds, including eagles, moose, landlocked salmon, brook trout and beaver. The byway’s northern gateway is at historic Fort Kent. 23 Katahdin Woods & Waters Scenic Byway (207) 624-3300 Exploremaine.org D2 The byway offers 59 miles of spectacular views of rivers, rolling pastures, Mt. Katahdin and Mt. Chase, bountiful forests, and picturesque villages, and harks back to ancient trails and portages used by the Wabanaki and early explorers. Along the way, you’ll find opportunities to boat, camp, fish, view foliage, hike, raft white waters, snowmobile, view historical landmarks, and wildlife. Take a side trip to fascinating places like the Patten Lumberman’s Museum, Grindstone Falls, and Debsconeag Ice Caves. 24 The Million Dollar View Scenic Byway (207) 624-3300 Exploremaine.org H2 This 8-mile stretch of U.S. Route 1 offers views of the Chiputneticook chain of lakes, Mt. Katahdin, hayfields, and the landscape of New Brunswick. Turnouts provide views of vast panoramas. Drivers might spot bears, deer, eagles, loons, and moose. Along the way, stop for hiking, boating, fishing, foliage-viewing, skiing, or snowmobiling. Swing into small towns like Danforth, a former lumber town; and Weston, home to historic buildings. 25 Northern Forest Canoe Trail (802) 496-2285 NFCT.org D8 The trail is the nation’s largest inland water trail, providing access to the natural beauty of the region. Completed in 2006, the 740-mile trail spans from New York State’s Adirondack Park to the Canadian border in northern Maine. Following traditional travel routes used by Native Americans, settlers and guides, the trail connects 22 rivers and streams, 58 lakes and ponds, and 45 communities. Paddling opportunities are endless and services easy to find. 26 Presque Isle Bike Path Presque Isle, ME (207) 764-2545 | PIRec.org G6 A paved, lighted, 4-mile-long recreation path that’s delightful for walking, running, and biking year-round. The path was started in 1981 through a reuse plan of the Canadian & Pacific Railway through the oldest part of Presque Isle. Enjoy the grounds of the University of Maine at Presque Isle at its northern end and Riverside Bicentennial Park on the southern end. 27 River Valley Scenic Drive (800) 561-0123 TourismNewBrunswick.ca F10, I3 Traverse the culture, landscapes, and flavors of the Saint John River Heritage Corridor along this scenic drive. Stops range from farmers markets and music fests to river ferries and historical reenactments. You’ll see the Grand Falls Gorge, New Brunswick’s largest waterfall. Arts and culture await in Florenceville-Bristol. Fredericton, New Brunswick’s riverfront capital, boasts concerts, riverside trails, delicious cuisine, and scenic sightseeing. 28 Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail (207) 287-4957 Bit.ly/SoBangorAroostook H4, H6 The trail, which runs between Houlton and Phair Junction, stretches 37 miles along a gravel surface and links small towns like Monticello, Bridgewater, and Mars Hill. It’s easy cycling and hiking. There might also be ATVs, snowmobiles, and the occasional logging truck on the trail. In Phair Junction, a railroad siding once ran to a company potato house. 29 St. John Valley Heritage Trail (207) 287-4957 Maine.gov C8 Stretching 16.5 miles from Fort Kent through St. John to St. Francis, this beautiful trail takes you through rolling hills and farmland, and along the edge of the St. John River. The multi-use trail allows both motorized and non-motorized uses, including ATV riding, cross-country skiing, dog-sledding, hiking (trails), horseback riding, off-road biking, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. 30 St. John Valley Cultural Byway Exploremaine.org C8, H8 Beginning deep in the Allagash and traveling over the Crown of Maine to Cyr Plantation, this cultural byway travels nearly 100 unbelievably picturesque miles. Along the way the byway celebrates the distinct cultural heritage and lives of those who have long called this “Valley” their home. As Maine’s only cultural byway, this unique journey takes you through communities with French, Acadian, and Scots-Irish roots. En route, key attractions and sites are marked with interpretive panels sharing the entire story. 31 U.S. Bike Route 501 bit.ly/USBR501 | C8, F1 Newly designated, U.S. BR 501, connects to U.S. BR 1 in Bangor. The ride follows Katahdin Woods and Waters Scenic Byway, sections of U.S. Route 1, and St. John Valley Cultural Byway, ending at the Dickey Bridge in Allagash near the Canadian border. HISTORY & HERITAGE 32 The 1875 Vera T. Estey House 16 3rd St., Presque Isle, ME (207) 762-1151 PIHistory.org G6 Believed to have been built in 1875, this small 2-story house museum showcases upper middle class Victorian living and artifacts. Guided tours are available April– September or by appointment. 33 Acadian Archives UMFK 23 University Dr., Fort Kent, ME (207) 834-7535 UMFK.edu E9 Located on the campus of the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the archives document, preserve, and disseminate information about the St. John Valley, with particular attention paid to Acadian and Franco-American history and culture. The repository includes manuscripts and audio-visual documentation relevant to regional folklore, folklife, and history. 34 Acadian Village 879 Main St., Van Buren, ME (207) 868-5042 bit.ly/AcadianVillageVB G9 Opened July 1, 1976, for the nation’s bicentennial year, the village is registered in the National Register of Historic Places, and recognized as a Historic National Landmark. It is one of the largest historical sites in Maine, whose buildings include an original log house with fieldstone fireplace and Morneault House, one of the Saint John Valley’s oldest homes. The village commemorates French Acadians, who arrived in the 1700s. 35 Ashland Logging Museum 267 Garfield Rd., Garfield Plantation, ME (207) 435-6679 f F6 Established by members of the community, the museum preserves the area’s rich logging history, with several open-air buildings anddisplays like a Lombard Log Hauler, bateaux, boom chains, and a King’s Arrow pine section. The main museum building and a replica log cook room are open by appointment. The museum holds demonstrations and activities like horsedrawn cart rides, fairy house and birdfeeder building, an obstacle course, and apple cider pressing. 36 Fort Fairfield Blockhouse Museum 339 Main St., Fort Fairfield, ME (207) 472-3800 FortFairfield.org H7 As small, isolated fortifications, blockhouses like this one usually consisted of single buildings with one or more rooms with loopholes, allowing defenders to fire in various directions. A replica of an original 19th-century fort, it features agricultural items, antiques, photos, and documents. 37 Fort Fairfield Railroad Museum Depot St., Fort Fairfield,ME (207) 472-3800 FortFairfield.org H7 Located at the old Bangor & Aroostook Railyard, the museum boasts a collection of locomotives and automobiles. Be sure to see the refurbished combination sleeping-dining car used for elegant gourmet dinners. An antique farm machinery display features large and small horse-drawn equipment for transportation and farming potatoes, hay, flax, and grain, going back to the time when oxen plowed the fields around Fort Fairfield. 38 Fort Kent Blockhouse Blockhouse Rd., Fort Kent, ME (207) 834-3866 | NPS.gov E9 The blockhouse now serves as a museum relating to the Bloodless Aroostook War of 1838-39, the border dispute between Great Britain and the U.S. Federal troops remained here until 1845 to protect Maine’s and the United States’ interests in the region. The walls of the two-story structure are built of square-hewn cedar logs, some measuring over 19 inches wide, and a prime example of early 19th-century military architecture. A National Historic Landmark. 39 Maple Grove Friends Church 459 Houlton Rd., Fort Fairfield, ME FortFairfield.org H6 Built in 1859-1860 by a group of Quaker Friends who were reputedly part of the Underground Railroad before and during the Civil War, it is the earliest church still standing in Fort Fairfield and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Later used as a neighborhood community church, it hosts an annual Hymn Sing usually held on the first Sunday of the Maine Potato Blossom Festival. 40 The Maysville Museum 165 Caribou Rd., Presque Isle, ME (207) 762-1151 PIHistory.org G7 Recognized as a Historic Archaeological Site, this site served simultaneously as the Maysville Town Hall, Maysville Grange, and Maysville School. Renovated and opened as a museum in 2017, it features numerous exhibits and artifacts including Civil War relics; and appeals to a wide variety of interests and ages. 41 Musée culturel du Mont-Carmel 993 Main St., Grand Isle, ME (207) 895-3339 MuseeCulturel.org G9 What makes this museum special, beyond its outstanding folk and religious collection, is that it is the home of a decommissioned Roman Catholic Church. Built in 1910, it features 12 Corinthian columns topped with acanthus leaves and 12 original sculptures of the apostles, twin domed bell towers, and seven-foot trumpeting angels. It also houses an extensive collection of Acadian and Quebecois artifacts from the St. John Valley of northern Maine. 42 Patten Lumbermen’s Museum 61 Shin Pond Rd., Patten, ME (207) 528-2650 LumbermensMuseum.org F3 This museum has been preserving Maine’s rich logging history, dating back to the 1600s, since it opened in 1963. It features Bangor as the largest shipping port for lumber in the world, with as many as 3,000 ships anchored there at times. Displays describe the use of bateaux on waterways to transport supplies, the stories of fearless river drivers, what life was like inside a remote logging camp, and even the role of bean hole beans. 43 Petit-Sault Blockhouse 14 Avenue St. Jean, Edmundston, NB (506) 735-5282 TourismNewBrunswick.ca F10 Built by the British army in 1841, today it is a Provincial Heritage Site. The small fort was part of a defensive line that extended as far as Quebec, and a strategic position to protect the territory at the height of the boundary dispute between England and the U.S. The conflict, known as the Bloodless Aroostook War, ended in 1842. Destroyed by lightning in 1855, the blockhouse was rebuilt in 2000. 44 Presque Isle Air Museum 650 Airport Rd., Presque Isle, ME (207) 768-2700 G6 Located at the Northern Maine Regional Airport, the museum honors military men and women who served their country at Presque Isle’s air base and preserves, chronicles, and displays Presque Isle’s unique air history. 45 Rosie O’Grady Balloon of Peace Monument Kittinger Dr., Caribou, ME MaineRec.com G7 This monument marks the site of the first solo balloon flight across the Atlantic, in 1984. That’s when Colonel Joseph W. Kittinger II of the United States Air Force (Retired) lifted off in the 3,000-cubic-meter Yost GB55 helium-filled balloon, coming to rest 86 hours later at Montenotte, Italy. The memorial includes a large replica of Kittinger’s balloon. 46 Salmon Brook Museum 1267 Main St., Washburn, ME (207) 455-5339 f G7 Staffed by local volunteers, the agricultural barn and furnished homestead house historical artifacts and equipment used by County farmers, as well as antique photographs. Free tours are available on selected days or by appointment. 47 Southern Aroostook Agriculture Museum 1678 US Rte. 1, Littleton, ME (207) 538-9300 f H4 Keeping Maine’s agricultural heritage alive since its founding in 2001, the museum’s collections feature machinery and farming implements, family furnishings spanning generations, and special exhibits like ‘The Heritage of the County,’ and the ‘Potato House,’ a farmhouse room, and schoolhouse, and the one-of-a-kind Mooers’ Milk & Cream Cart. OUTDOOR ADVENTURE 48 Allagash Wilderness Waterway (207) 941-4014 Maine.gov/Allagash f C7 Established in 1966 to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural beauty, character, and habitat of a unique area, the waterway is a magnificent, 92-mile-long ribbon of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams winding through the heart of northern Maine’s vast commercial forests. The region has been enjoyed as a sportsman’s paradise for more than a century, and was a favorite of Henry David Thoreau. 49 Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge 97 Refuge Rd., Limestone, ME (207) 328-4634 bit.ly/AroostookNWR f H7 Established in 1998, this National Wildlife Refuge is the northernmost in the northeastern U.S. Located on part of the former Loring Air Force Base, most of its 7,750 acres were transferred from the U.S. Air Force to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and some through conservation easements. It is now restored to ecologically diverse lands that protect native wildlife habitats and species. 50 Aroostook State Park 87 State Park Rd., Presque Isle, ME | (207) 768-8341 Maine.gov/Aroostook G6 Maine’s first state park, this is an ideal starting point for adventure The park offers hiking, boating, swimming, birding, fishing, picnicking, skiing, snowshoeing, and summer and winter camping. It’s nearly 800 acres encompass Quoggy Jo Mountain and Echo Lake. Best hikes include North- South Peak Ridge and Quoggy Jo Mountain trail. 51 Grand Falls Gorge 25 Chemin Madawaska, Grand Falls, NB | (506) 475-7703 TourismNewBrunswick.ca H8 This is one of New Brunswick’s best-kept secrets, so be sure to bring your camera. A three-mile walking trail traverses the edge of the spectacular gorge, capturing its breathtaking views from various lookouts. Walk down 401 steps to witness the wells in the rocks. Explore by zip line or kayak. 52 Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument (207) 456-6001 | NPS.gov E2 Spread across a wild landscape the monument offers spectacular views of Mt. Katahdin, rivers, streams, trails, and woods with its solitude and scenic vistas. There is currently no visitor center in the monument, but two welcome centers in nearby communities provide basic visitor orientation and information. It was recently named the first International “Dark Sky Sanctuary on the East Coast by the International Dark Sky Association. 53 Deboullie Public Reserved Land (207) 435-7963 Maine.gov/Deboullie D8 Deboullie comprises 22,000 acres of terrain ideal for all kinds of outdoor recreation with access to 17 ponds for fishing (including the evasive Arctic char,) a 30-mile network of hiking trails with several loop options that lead to endless views from the top, old-growth forests, tumbling waterfalls, and ice caves that stay cold all year long. Visitors can spot black bears, loons, moose, and the elusive lynx. 54 New Brunswick Botanical Garden 15 Rue Principale, Saint-Jacques, Edmundston,NB (506) 737-4444 JardinNBGarden.com F10 An unparalleled discovery of natural beauty showcasing an abundant variety of flora and their habitat and history. Dine at Café Flora and enjoy the celestial Butterfly Garden. 55 Salmon Brook Lake Bog Public Reserved Land Salmon Brook Lake, Perham, ME (207) 435-7963 Bit.ly/SalmonBrook G7 The reserve’s 1,857 acres are known for their extensive wetlands, rare plant populations, and exemplary natural communities. It captures ecological features characteristic of Maine’s northeastern limestone belt, including fens and northern white cedar swamps. Unusual habitat slows growing conditions: one 6-inch tree found here was estimated to be over 200 years old. A network of trails and boardwalks provides hiking options; in some places, bikes, horses, and snowmobiles are allowed. 56 Zip Zag zip line at Grand Falls Gorge 25 Chemin Madawaska, Grand Falls, NB (506) 473-4924 ZipZag.ca H8 Zip Zag is an exhilarating experience over the raw majesty of the Grand Falls Gorge. One of the most advanced zipline rides in North America, the dualracing zipline travels 20-25 miles per hour over the falls to the Malabeam Tourist Center. EVENTS 57 Acadian Festival 1 Bridge Ave., Madawaska, ME (207) 728-6412 AcadianFestival.com F10 This long-time August tradition celebrates the region’s French Acadian heritage. The festival features farmers markets, sidewalk sales, arts and crafts shows, eating contests, films, block parties with bounce houses and face painting, dancing, antique cars, ATV rides, laser tag, family suppers, a parade, fireworks, and, of course, poutine, the Quebecois dish made with French fries and cheese curds topped with brown gravy. 58 Aroostook County Brew Festival 450 Fort Fairfield Rd., Presque Isle, ME | (207) 764-6561 Bit.ly/AroostookBrewfest H7 This annual event welcomes vintners from the Maine Winery Guild and brewers from the Maine Brewers’ Guild for a tasty event for craft beer and wine lovers alike. Festivities include tastings, the Voter’s Choice, live music, biathlon golf, food vendors, and games. 59 Aroostook River Fun Run 360 Parsons Rd., Presque Isle, ME Bit.ly/AroostookRiverFunRun f G6 Paddle, bike, walk or run. An event to celebrate the natural beauty of our river and to promote activities as a fun and challenging familyoriented event. Sponsored by the Caribou Rotary Club, Presque Isle Rotary Club, Washburn Rotary Club, and Presque Isle Kiwanis Club. Event finish line is at the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club. 60 Blackfly Brewfest 94 Randall Ave., Houlton, ME (207) 532-4216 Bit.ly/BlackflyBrew H3 Presented by the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce in the John A. Millar Arena and supported by the Maine Brewers’ Guild, this May event is touted as Maine’s premiere brewfest and features over 30 brewers and even a few wineries, and continues to grow. Beer enthusiasts of all stripes flock to Houlton for this one, and eateries are geared up, too. 61 Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race West Main St., Fort Kent, ME (207) 543-7515 Can-Am-Crown.net E9 This event is a thrilling way to celebrate winter and features three races-30 miles, 100 miles, and the well-known 250-mile race, which is a qualifier for the famous Iditarod and the Yukon Quest. Starts and finishes are highly accessible in Fort Kent. The 250-miler is the longest and highest-caliber race in the eastern U.S. The Upper St. John Valley is a classic setting with the course running deep into the famous Allagash wilderness region. 62 Caribou Marathon 55 Bennett Dr., Caribou, ME (207) 493-3324 CaribouRaces.com G7 In addition to the northeasternmost USATF-certified full marathon in the U.S., there is a half-marathon, relays, and a kids’ marathon to complete the event. The beautiful 26.2-mile loop runs through rolling hills that showcase the beauty of Caribou and Aroostook County, touring the farmland and countryside of Caribou, then bringing you through downtown to be cheered on at the finish. 63 County Bluegrass Festival 519 N Caribou Rd., Fort Fairfield, ME (207) 227-6242 CountyBluegrass.com H7 New England’s friendliest bluegrass festival, this four-day event takes place Labor Day weekend at the largest public concert venue in the Fort Fairfield area. With hundreds of campsites, you’ll love camping out beneath the stars to the sound of bluegrass music. Each day is packed with lineups of musicians from Maine and beyond. The biggest venue is a pole barn with tarp sides that can be rolled down in case of rain. 64 Crown of Maine Balloon Festival 84 Mechanic St., Presque Isle, ME (207) 764-1884 Bit.ly/MaineBalloon G6 This August event is truly magical with huge, colorful balloons taking to the sky. Make a reservation to go on a flight. The event has a bustling street fair with arts and crafts, music, and fair food. Visitors can collect balloon cards from pilots and lapel pins. 65 Fort Kent Scarecrow Festival 23 University Dr., Fort Kent, ME | (207) 834-5354 FortKentChamber.com G9 This September event is the perfect way to welcome autumn. Held in Fort Kent in collaboration with the University of Maine at Fort Kent Homecoming, the event features a Homecoming/Scarecrow Festival Parade, coloring contests and other activities for kids. 66 Houlton Agricultural Fair 95 Randall Ave., Houlton, ME (207) 532-4315 f H3 A small but mighty agricultural fair featuring a midway, livestock shows, demonstrations, food, and entertainment, this family-oriented event falls around the Fourth of July. The fair hosts the largest fireworks show north of Portland. There’s a Demolition Derby, truck and tractor pulls, and 4-H livestock competitions. Cooking contests feature apples, blueberries, and dairy products. Offbeat events include a Hula Hoop contest and fry-pan tossing contest. 67 Houlton Potato Feast Days Broadway & Military St. Intersection, Houlton, ME (207) 532-4216 f H3 This longstanding, two-day festival celebrates the Maine potato. Most events are held in Monument Park, Houlton. They include the Doll Parade (for over 80 years), Mr. Potato Head decorating contest, potato salad contest, parade, and community market. Other offerings include music, a sack race, ice cream social, lobster feast, quilt show, mini-tractor pull. 68 Maine Potato Blossom Festival 18 Community Center Dr., Fort Fairfield, ME (207) 472-3800 PotatoBlossom.org H7 This nine-day July festival celebrates The County’s agricultural heritage, hosted by the Town of Fort Fairfield and timed for the beautiful potato blossoms in bloom in surrounding fields. The festival features scores of performances, contests, and activities for all ages, plus a large food court, arts and crafts, vendors, exhibitors and a beer garden. Enjoy the parade and fireworks, mashed potato wrestling, potatopicking contests, Maine Potato Blossom Pageants, athletic contests, and much more. 69 Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race at Riverside Park Mill Street, Houlton, ME (207) 532-4216 f H3 A Houlton tradition for over 35 years, the race attracts scores of paddlers, both local and from away, for the 8-mile run downriver, with lunch to follow in Houlton’s Riverfront Park. The shores of the Meduxnekeag, a tributary of the Saint John River, features wonderful recreational paddles by canoe and kayak in high or medium water conditions. 70 Midnight Madness Market Square, Houlton, ME (207) 532-4216 f H3 This shopping extravaganza launches the town’s Fourth of July festivities. During the event, the town closes off Market Square to traffic as shoppers flock to downtown stores looking for bargains, which keep getting better the closer it gets to midnight. Local musicians, door prizes, and food heighten the festivities. 71 Midsommar Festival 116 Station Rd., New Sweden, ME (207) 896-5200 f G8 Put on by the New Sweden Historical Association, the festival delights with folks decked out in traditional costumes and kicks off with a ‘flower gathering.’ Swedish foods and coffee are featured, plus dance, making hair wreaths, and churning ice cream. Educational events include talks on genealogy and blacksmith demos. Get there in time to attend Midsommar Frukost (breakfast) and decorate the Midsommar Pole. 72 Northern Maine Fair 84 Mechanic St., Presque Isle, ME (207) 764-1884 NorthernMaineFairgrounds.com G6 This classic fair was first held in 1851 and it’s grown ever since with a week of activities in August like ‘motor mayhem,’ harness racing, cooking contests, agricultural displays, a doll and character parade, plenty of good eats, a nonstop lineup of music, the Miss Northern Maine Fair Pageant, pig scramble, 4H exhibits, truck and tractor pulls, cooking contests, and more. 73 Ploye Festival & Muskie Fishing Derby 291 W Main St., Fort Kent, ME (207) 834-5354 FortKentChamber.com E9 This dual festival fills downtown Fort Kent in August as folks seek to sample delicious ployes and angle for muskies. Ployes, a cross between a crepe and a pancake made with buckwheat flour, are a traditional replacement for bread. Activities include ploye-eating contests and cooking of the world’s largest ploye. Muskie is a large, freshwater predator and anglers agree the St. John River is prime habitat. Fireworks, music and more round out the event. 74 Wings & Wheels Fly-in/Cruise-in Airport Dr., Houlton, ME (207) 532-4216 f H3 The event highlights the Houlton International Airport, which started as an Army air base and was used from 1944-1946 as a prisoner-of-war camp. It starts with breakfast in the hangar and includes static displays, a forestry service Huey fly-in, skydiving, airshows, a World War II exhibit, speed demonstrations, candy drops, food vendors, a classic and antique car cruise-in, and a kids zone. Images by: Jerry Monkman/Ecophotography - 25, 28, 50, 53; Paul Cyr Photography - 1, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 18, 22, 27, 29, 30, 34, 36, 38, 39, 41, 44, 49, 57, 63, 64, 68, 72, 73, 74; Michael Gudreau Photography - 59, 61, 69, 71; Heliconia/Maine Woods Discovery - 48. VISITOR RESOURCES Houlton Visitor Center: 28 Ludlow Rd., I-95 Exit 302 (207) 532-6346 | Free Wi-Fi Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce: (207) 764-6561 CentralAroostookChamber.com Greater East Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce: (207) 448-2321 | EastGrandLake.net Greater Fort Kent Chamber of Commerce: (800) 733-3563 FortKentChamber.com Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce: (207) 532-4216 GreaterHoulton.com St. John Valley Chamber of Commerce: (207) 728-7000 StJohnValleyChamber.org Town of Van Buren: (207) 868-2886 | VanBurenMaine.com Limestone Chamber of Commerce: (207) 325-4025 LimestoneMaine.org Edmundston Madawaska Tourist Office: (506) 737-1850 TourismEdmundston.com FREE Wi-Fi Access: Available at public libraries in Aroostook County. TRAVEL INFORMATION Maine State Police: (800) 452-4664(in Maine) 911 cellular, emergencies only US-Canada Border Crossing: (800) 461-999 (in Canada) (204) 983-3500 or (506) 636-5064 CBSA-ASFC.gc.ca Road Conditions and Traffic Information: (866) 282-7578 511 from any phone | 511Maine.gov Maine law requires that drivers and all passengers wear a seatbelt. Maine Hands-free Driving Law prohibits talking, texting or using a hand-held device while driving, stopped at a stoplight or in stopped traffic. Fines up to $250. DRIVING DISTANCES Getting to The County mi km Houlton 295 475 Presque Isle 335 539 Madawaska 395 636 Fort Kent 362 582 Ashland 314 506 Distances from state line at Kittery. Within The County mi km Caribou to Fort Kent 45 72 Houlton to Madawaska 100 161 Presque Isle to Houlton 45 72 Presque Isle to Ashland 22 35 Sherman to Fort Kent 160 257 AIRPORTS Northern Maine Regional Airport (PQI): (207) 764-2550 FlyPresqueIsle.com | United Airlines Bangor International Airport (BGR): (866) FLY BANGOR FlyBangor.com | 4 airlines to 10 hubs. CAR RENTALS ACE Rent a Car: (HUL & PQI) (207) 768-RENT(7368) MaineRentaCar.com Alamo: (BGR) (888) 826-6893 Alamo.com Avis: (PQI & BGR) (207) 768-6761 | (800) 633-3469 Avis.com Budget: (PQI & BGR) (207) 764-1397 | (800) 218-7992 Budget.com Enterprise: (BGR) (207) 942-3772 | (800) 261-7331 Enterprise.com Hertz: (BGR) (207) 942-5519 (800) 654-3131 | Hertz.com National: (BGR) (207) 974-0158 (877)222-9058 | NationalCar.com WELCOME TO THE COUNTY Every traveler planning a trip or already visiting Aroostook County needs a trusty road map. Knowing how to get around is helpful, but a map that points the way to dozens of historic and cultural attractions, identifies the area’s most beautiful natural features, and provides a list of signature year-round events is even better. What You’ll Find You can use this map to find and follow a scenic byway or dig into the culture and history of the people who shaped this unique place. Hike to a waterfall, spot Jupiter and its moons, see The County from inside the basket of a hot-air balloon or visit Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Aroostook is the largest county in the east and with this map we hope to make finding your way from here to there just a little bit easier. How to Use the Map Each numbered and color-coded icon on the map refers to something to do or see in and around The County: Arts & Culture, Attractions, Byways & Trails, History & Heritage, Outdoor Adventure, and Signature Events. Descriptions, locations, and other information can be found for each of those on the reverse side of the map. Keep Your Passport Handy We’ve even identified a few attractions just over the border into Canada that make for an excellent international day trip during your visit to The County. Just look for the maple leaf icon. Plan Your Trip Before arriving in The County, visitors should be well prepared so that they can slow down and enjoy themselves when they arrive. Below you will find some additional resources on getting here, visitor information, how far apart things are, and the weather. Paid for in part by a grant from the Maine Office of Tourism, Northern Maine Development Council and Aroostook Partnership. ©2020 Aroostook County Tourism. This map contains primary travel routes and roads used to access the featured attractions and should be use along with other printed or online maps. All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of its information at the time of printing. Aroostook County Tourism, Aroostook Partnership, Northern Maine Development Commission, and Maine Office of Tourism are not responsible for errors or omissions, nor any loss or damage that may result from the use of this information. Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Average High °F: 76 74 65 52 38 26 Average Low °F: 55 53 44 35 25 10 Average Precipitation: 4” 3.8” 3.3” 3.5” 3.6” 3.3” Average Snowfall: 0 0 0 2” 11” 23” Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average High °F: 20 24 34 48 62 71 Average Low °F: 1 4 15 29 40 50 Average Precipitation: 2.7” 2.2” 2.5” 2.7” 3.4” 3.5” Average Snowfall: 25” 22” 18” 7” 1” 0” WEATHER Check Attraction and Event Information and Schedules We recommend using the information provided for each point of interest to check updated information about these attractions. It is especially important to confirm the dates and times of events for any possible changes or cancellations. Still Have Questions? If you still have questions, check out VisitAroostook.com or call the Aroostook County Tourism office at 888-216-2463. VisitAroostook.com OUTDOOR ADVENTURES OUTDOOR ADVENTURES & Day Trip Destinations SIGNATURE EVENTS SIGNATURE EVENTS in Every Season Cultural, Historical & NATURAL ATTRACTIONS NATURAL ATTRACTIONS MAP OF MAINE’S AROOSTOOK COUNTY MAP OF MAINE’S AROOSTOOK COUNTY