The Kennebec Explorer 2015 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 52

Madison and Lakewood
A Classsic Pairing
The pretty tree-lined drive along Route 201 makes for a perfect
welcome to the quiet little town of Madison — just up a ways
from Skowhegan — which has a long history of rolling out the
welcome mat for out-of-towners, a tradition that still continues
most especially in the eastern part of town known more
familiarly as Lakewood.
Along the shore of Lake Wesserrunsett, which is just a short
jog off of 201 in Lakewood, nestled under clusters of pine and
set amongst Maine’s classic bright white birch stand, many
well-cared-for and pretty buildings serve as a lasting reminder
of what made Maine Vacationland.
Lakewood Theater – Maine’s State Theater
Then and Now
It is here in Lakewood that in 1901 the curtain first went up at
Lakewood Theater. Tradition reigns here, with a classic summer
season of theatrical performances for audiences of all ages. Its
designation as “Maine’s State Theater” in 1967 truly confirmed its
place in both tourism and the performing arts. Today the theater
continues to raise the curtain each season on comedies, dramas,
musicals and children’s shows on its magnificent stage. Add to
your theater experience with dinner at the sophisticated Lakewood
Restaurant, the other half of the Lakewood experience, offering a
menu that changes throughout the growing season. Can’t come
for a show? Then just come for brunch.
50
Par 6 Excellence
Both challenging and beautiful, with stunning mountain views,
the Lakewood Golf Course is fun and playable, with a front nine
that offers the feel of a classic 1920s links course and a modern
park-like back nine carved from heavily wooded surroundings.
Scenic views and the rolling greenery make this a highly enjoyable
course, which is also home to Maine’s only Par 6 — a blistering
660 yards from the white tees.
Along the Kennebec River
The Kennebec drops 90 feet over the course of a mile in Madison.
This nice drop allows kayakers to float or paddle their way for a
couple hours downriver from “the Pines” to Oosoola Park,
in Norridgewock.
Looking for river action? Find info online about the Madison Wave.
For kayakers it offers the kind of ride that you can’t skip. Big air,
tricks and a whole lot of fun.
For anglers, one fine spot we know can be found just below the
Madison dam along the Historic Pines Trail. If you go, look for
granite monuments telling the story of Jesuit missionary Sebastian
Rasle (pronounced like “wall”) and the Abenaki people. 
No matter what part of Madison you come to explore, there is
bound to be a great day of fun or a night of entertainment in
store for you.