Guide to Northern Maine's Best Attractions

Madawaska Lake covers an area of 1,526 acres, with the Upper Lake reaching depths of 38 feet and the Lower Lake 32 feet. It's a great habitat for diverse fish species including landlocked salmon, brook trout, and smelts. The lake supports a sport fishery of local significance, with Carry and McCluskey Brooks offering excellent spawning and nursery areas for trout and salmon.

Madawaska Lake Island Trails offer a scenic 7.2-mile network of forest trails groomed for skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Featuring slight grades, the trails include a 0.7 mile Powerline Trail leading to a 5-mile loop, intersected by a 1.4 mile Ridgeline Trail. These trails are a haven for wildlife spotting and bird watching, catering to enthusiasts of moderate outdoor activities.

Nestled on former Loring Air Force Base grounds in Aroostook County, this refuge spans 4,700 acres. Established in 1998, it's a haven for wildlife, offering 13 miles of trails for nature walks and wildlife observation, including moose. It's part of the Northern Maine National Wildlife Refuge Complex, emphasizing conservation and visitor engagement with nature.

As Maine's inaugural state park, Aroostook State Park enchants visitors with a rich blend of outdoor activities set against the backdrop of Echo Lake. Winter enthusiasts can explore groomed cross-country ski trails, embark on snowshoe hikes up Quaggy Jo Mountain, enjoy downhill sledding thrills, and skate on a natural ice rink. The park's diverse landscape offers a serene escape into nature's beauty.

Spanning 62.3 miles across northern Maine, the Bangor and Aroostook Trail traverses the former corridor of the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad, offering adventurers a unique glimpse into Maine's bogs and forests. Primarily a gravel trail, it supports a variety of activities including ATV riding, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling, walking, and cross-country skiing. This trail is part of the state's Interconnected Trail System.

The Aroostook Valley Trail is a captivating 28.8-mile path that serves as a gateway to the backcountry of Maine's Aroostook County. Stretching from Presque Isle to New Sweden, it traverses through the towns of Washburn, Caribou, and Woodland. This trail, set on the former Aroostook Valley Railroad bed, showcases a diverse array of landscapes including active farm fields, dense woods, serene streams, and the expansive Aroostook River​​.

Aroostook County, Maine, offers one of the best Northern Lights views in the lower 48 states, with its dark skies and minimal light pollution enhancing the visibility of this natural phenomenon. The optimal months for witnessing the Aurora Borealis here are October through April, when the skies are darkest. For the best experience, find a dark location with a clear northern view.

Overlooking the St. John River, Acadian Village in Van Buren, Maine, stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Acadians who settled in the St. John Valley during the mid-eighteenth century. The village features 17 historic buildings, including a chapel, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and several homes.

The Stockholm Historical Society & Museum, established in 1974, is dedicated to preserving the history of Stockholm, Maine, a community with Swedish roots. The museum is housed in a building that once belonged to John & Lewis Anderson, showcasing a collection of artifacts and records that highlight the town's heritage.

Visiting the Northern Maine Museum of Science offers a unique journey through natural history, nestled on the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus. It's a place where curiosity meets discovery, with exhibits spanning biology, chemistry, astronomy, and more. The museum, enriched by a significant donation from Aroostook County naturalist Leroy Norton, makes science accessible and engaging.