The County: Destinations, Events & Attractions Map 2020

ARTS & CULTURE
1
Aroostook County
Historical & Art Museum
109 Main St., Houlton, ME
[phone] 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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone] 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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone] 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
[phone]
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
[phone] | 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
[phone]
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
[phone] | 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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone] | 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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone] | 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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone] 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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone] | 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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone] 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
[phone] 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
[phone] 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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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 | [phone]
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 | [phone]
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
[phone] | 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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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 | [phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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 | [phone]
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
[phone] 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
[phone] 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
[phone]
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
[phone] 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
[phone] 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
[phone] 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
[phone]
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
[phone]
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
[phone] 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
[phone] | Free Wi-Fi
Central Aroostook Chamber
of Commerce: [phone]
CentralAroostookChamber.com
Greater East Grand Lake
Chamber of Commerce:
[phone] | EastGrandLake.net
Greater Fort Kent Chamber of
Commerce: [phone]
FortKentChamber.com
Greater Houlton Chamber
of Commerce: [phone]
GreaterHoulton.com
St. John Valley Chamber
of Commerce: [phone]
StJohnValleyChamber.org
Town of Van Buren:
[phone] | VanBurenMaine.com
Limestone Chamber of
Commerce: [phone]
LimestoneMaine.org
Edmundston Madawaska Tourist
Office: [phone]
TourismEdmundston.com
FREE Wi-Fi Access:
Available at public libraries in
Aroostook County.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Maine State Police:
[phone](in Maine)
911 cellular, emergencies only
US-Canada Border Crossing:
(800) 461-999 (in Canada)
[phone] or [phone]
CBSA-ASFC.gc.ca
Road Conditions and Traffic
Information: [phone]
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): [phone]
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) [phone]
Alamo.com
Avis: (PQI & BGR)
[phone] | [phone]
Avis.com
Budget: (PQI & BGR)
[phone] | [phone]
Budget.com
Enterprise: (BGR)
[phone] | [phone]
Enterprise.com
Hertz: (BGR) [phone]
[phone] | Hertz.com
National: (BGR) [phone]
[phone] | 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