The 8 Geographic Travel Regions in Maine’s “Vacationland”
Maine is indeed the land of the moose. This magnificent creature is found in all of the state’s eight regions. Yet each of these regions adds its essence to the vacation mix. Explore an untamed seacoast that eons of pounding waves have carved or forestlands that hold secrets yet to be discovered. Dine on lobster at a quaint café or take in a top-notch ballet in a cosmopolitan city. Visit Maine for the exploration, the history, the food, and the people. Then come back and do it all again. Eight distinct regions, eight distinct vacations, so why not? Mr. Moose will be waiting for you.
Aroostook County, Maine. Photo Credit: Paul CyrAroostook County
Sitting on the northern edge of Maine and sharing a border with Canada, Aroostook County is home to more than 2,000 lakes, endless acres of forests, and rich farmland. The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is a recreational treasure, offering a 92-mile-long stretch of rivers and lakes for exploration. Caribou, Maine, has the distinction of being the most northeastern city in America and is a haven for snowmobilers and snow lovers. Nearby Presque Isle welcomes winter and summer sports enthusiasts to test out the extensive trails. Naturalists enjoy living wildlife, and scientists search for the fossils of species long gone. The town of Houlton, once one of the wealthiest communities in the USA, is known for its Victorian mansions. Eagle Lake is an outdoorsman’s dream, stocked with salmon and trout and offering both summer and winter sports venues. Read more about Aroostook County >
Acadia National Park. Photo Credit: Adobe.com/Harry CollinsDowneast & Acadia
The showcase of the Downeast & Acadia region is Acadia National Park. Hundreds of islands dot the craggy coastline, some with their own scenic lighthouses and resident populations of birds and marine and terrestrial mammals. Visit Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, once the playground of the rich and famous, or perhaps infamous. It’s the perfect base for visiting the park and Cadillac Mountain, the first bit of United States soil to greet the dawn. Take a sail out of Southwest Harbor, or visit Machias, a scenic fishing village dating back to 1763 that played a significant roll in the Revolutionary War. Visit Lubec and the nearby Roosevelt Campobello International Park, a one-time summer getaway for the former president shared with Canada. Visit the comical puffins along the coast and stop at a quiet village to enjoy fresh lobster. Read more about Downeast & Acadia >
Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Photo Credit: Adobe.com/mikespixelsGreater Portland & Casco Bay
The Greater Portland & Casco Bay region is the smallest geographically but is the most populated. Metropolitan Portland welcomes cruise ships and working vessels from around the globe to its natural deepwater port. The city is the perfect blend of New England charm and elegant sophistication, symbolized by its symphony orchestra, ballet, noted museums, and award-winning restaurants. Cape Elizabeth is home to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the state. Freeport, on Casco Bay, is the home base to the iconic LL Bean stores and is considered the birthplace of Maine. Hundreds of islands dot Casco Bay, each with their charm. Sebago Lake, the second largest lake in Maine, is a recreational paradise. Read more about Greater Portland & Casco Bay >
Attean Overlook, Jackman, Maine. Photo Credit: IStock.com/DenisTangneyJrKennebec & Moose River Valleys
The Kennebec & Moose River Valleys region reaches from the Canadian border south to Maine’s capital, Augusta. That city sits on the site of a centuries-old Native American village, commemorated in the Maine State Museum next to the richly domed capitol building. Fort Western is here, dating back to the American Revolution. Jackman, a Revolutionary War town, is also a starting point for snowmobile enthusiasts and those wanting to enjoy over 60 nearby lakes and streams. Belgrade Lakes, the most extensive collection of freshwater lakes in central Maine, and China Lake, with its collection of rustic cabins, are both big draws. The Kennebec River and the Dead River offer paddling adventures, and in some cases, whitewater thrills. And, as the name implies, the moose are everywhere. Read more about Kennebec & Moose River Valleys >
Height of Land overlooking Mooselookmeguntic Lake. Photo Credit: Adobe.com/Craig ZerbeMaine’s Lakes & Mountains
Winter sports enthusiasts take heart; Maine’s Lakes & Mountains region is home to cascades of white powder at Sugarloaf and Sunday River ski resorts. The Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway that mirrors Route 17 leads you to more skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling fun at Saddleback. All three of these winter playgrounds have year-round appeal, especially in the fall when the trees turn from green to burnished golds and reds. The town of Bethel borders the White Mountain National Forest and Grafton Notch State Park. Lewiston & Auburn straddle the Androscoggin River and host an annual hot air balloon festival. Farmington is a four-season charmer and history personified. Flagstaff Lake offers the chance to fish and relax. Read more about Maine’s Lakes & Mountains >
Curtis Island Lighthouse, Camden, Maine. Photo Credit: Adobe.com/Jorge MoroMid Coast Maine
Midcoast Maine entices artistic souls, nature enthusiasts, and lovers of the sea and then seduces them with the beauty of its scalloped coast. Explore coastal waters on a vintage windjammer out of Camden or play golf at the Samoset Resort Golf Club in Rockport. The Camden Snow Bowl offers winter and summer fun on Ragged Mountain. Rockland is home to art galleries, antique shops, quaint boutiques, and the Maine Lobster Festival. Bath offers the Maine Maritime Museum, historic Front Street, and the Thorne Head Preserve. The Damariscotta area is home to the Damariscotta River, a boating and fishing playground, and the famed Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, immortalized in 2003 on Maine’s official quarter. Read more about Mid Coast Maine >
OOB Pier, Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Photo Credit: Adobe.com/RixieThe Maine Beaches
As the name “Maine Beaches” implies, it really is about the beach on the Southern Maine Coast. Roughly 30 miles of white sand welcome visitors to swim, surf, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Kennebunkport, Maine, is also a playground for the rich and famous, including former President Bush. Do a bit of antique shopping, spend the night in a vintage Victorian mansion, or dine on fresh lobster at a beachside diner. Old Orchard Beach, a family favorite for more than 185 years, offers an old-fashioned amusement park in a pier setting. York is New England history personified and home to the Nubble Lighthouse, attracting photographers from around the world. Ogunquit is a beachside resort town, a haven for art and antique lovers and family-friendly activities. Read more: The Maine Beaches >
Sunset over Moosehead Lake, Greenville, Maine. Photo Credit: Adobe.com/kmlPhotoThe Maine Highlands
Visitors to the Maine Highlands region in the center of the state will find the stunning natural paradise known as Baxter State Park. Bordered by the town of Millinocket, this is the home of Mount Katahdin, Maine’s tallest peak and the northern end of the Appalachian Trail. The Penobscot River, just south of the park, offers challenging whitewater rafting. Moosehead Lake, Maine’s largest lake, welcomes canoeers, fishermen, campers, and wildlife lovers. Bangor, the largest city in the region, is the birthplace of author Stephen King and offers sophistication, a hint of mystery, fine food, and creature comforts. Lincoln Lakes is home to winter and summer sports and an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration. Orono, built by lumber barons in the 19th century, is home to the Orono Bog Boardwalk and vintage mansions. Read more about the Maine Highlands >
