Ashland MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ashland, Maine.
1. North Maine Woods
VAST WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
North Maine Woods offers visitors a pristine wilderness experience with opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The expansive forest area provides a serene escape from urban life and showcases Maine's natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy activities like fishing, hunting, and bird watching throughout different seasons.
2. Lake George Regional Park
SCENIC WATERFRONT RECREATION
Lake George Regional Park features beautiful waterfront areas perfect for swimming, boating, and picnicking. The park offers well-maintained trails that wind through diverse landscapes, providing opportunities for hiking and nature observation. Year-round recreational activities include ice fishing and cross-country skiing during winter months.
3. Double Eagle Balloon Site II
SCENIC BALLOON ADVENTURES
Double Eagle Balloon Site II provides visitors with breathtaking aerial views of Aroostook County's landscape. The site serves as a launching point for hot air balloon experiences that showcase the region's natural beauty from above. Experienced pilots guide guests through memorable flights over Maine's northern wilderness.
4. Allagash Waterway
HISTORIC CANOE ROUTE
The Allagash Waterway is a legendary 92-mile wilderness canoe route winding through northern Maine's forests and lakes. Designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, it offers paddlers a remote adventure through pristine wilderness with opportunities to spot moose, eagles, and other wildlife. The waterway features historic sites including remnants of logging operations that tell the story of Maine's rich forestry heritage.
5. Million Dollar View Scenic Byway
SPECTACULAR PANORAMIC VISTAS
The Million Dollar View Scenic Byway offers travelers breathtaking panoramic views of lakes, mountains, and forests in northern Maine. This popular route is especially beloved by cyclists seeking challenging terrain combined with natural beauty. Roadside stops along the byway provide perfect photo opportunities of Maine's untamed wilderness landscape.
6. Grindstone Scenic Byway
RIVER AND FOREST DRIVE
The Grindstone Scenic Byway takes travelers through the rugged beauty of Maine's forests along the East Branch of the Penobscot River. The route highlights the region's logging heritage while providing access to spectacular natural areas for recreation. Visitors enjoy seasonal views ranging from vibrant autumn foliage to snow-covered winter wonderlands.
7. Fish River Scenic Byway
LAKES AND RURAL CHARM
Fish River Scenic Byway winds through northern Maine's picturesque countryside, connecting the Fish River chain of lakes. The route showcases traditional Acadian culture alongside beautiful natural vistas of water, forests, and rolling hills. Travelers can stop at small towns along the way to experience authentic northern Maine hospitality and cuisine.
8. St. John Valley Cultural Byway
FRANCO-AMERICAN HERITAGE ROUTE
The St. John Valley Cultural Byway presents a journey through Maine's rich Franco-American and Acadian cultural heritage. This scenic route follows the St. John River, which forms the border between the United States and Canada, highlighting historical sites and cultural attractions. Visitors experience unique bilingual communities that maintain strong connections to their French Canadian roots through cuisine, festivals, and traditions.
9. Hancock Barracks
HISTORIC MILITARY SITE
Hancock Barracks stands as a significant historical site where troops were stationed during the bloodless Aroostook War border dispute. The preserved military installation offers visitors insight into 19th-century border conflicts between the United States and British North America. Tours of the barracks bring to life the tension and diplomacy that characterized this unique chapter in Maine's history.
10. Oakfield Railroad Museum
RAILWAY HERITAGE CENTER
The Oakfield Railroad Museum preserves the important rail history of Aroostook County through artifacts, photographs, and restored equipment. Visitors can explore vintage railway cars and learn about how railroads transformed northern Maine's economy and community development. The museum highlights the crucial role rail transportation played in the region's agricultural and timber industries.
11. Patten Lumberman's Museum
LOGGING HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Patten Lumberman's Museum chronicles the rich history of Maine's logging industry through extensive collections of tools, equipment, and photographs. Visitors can explore authentic logging camp buildings and learn about the challenging lives of lumberjacks who shaped the region's development. Interactive exhibits demonstrate traditional logging techniques from the era before modern mechanization transformed the industry.
12. Nylander Museum
NATURAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Nylander Museum houses the remarkable collections of naturalist Olof Nylander, featuring fossils, minerals, plants, and artifacts from northern Maine. The museum's exhibits showcase the region's natural history and geological features through carefully preserved specimens. Visitors gain appreciation for the scientific contributions of Nylander, whose early 20th century work documented the unique natural heritage of Aroostook County.
13. Aroostook State Park
MAINE'S FIRST STATE PARK
Aroostook State Park holds the distinction of being Maine's first state park, offering year-round recreational opportunities on and around Echo Lake. Winter visitors enjoy excellent cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, while summer brings swimming, hiking, and camping activities. The park's diverse terrain includes scenic Quaggy Jo Mountain with trails leading to panoramic summit views of the surrounding countryside.
14. Northern Maine Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Northern Maine Brewing Company crafts distinctive beers inspired by the region's natural resources and cultural heritage. The brewery's taproom offers visitors a warm atmosphere to sample seasonal and flagship brews while enjoying locally-sourced food options. Regular events featuring live music and special releases make this a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.
15. Maple Moon Farm Store
ARTISANAL MAPLE PRODUCTS
Maple Moon Farm Store showcases authentic Maine maple products created through traditional and modern production methods. Visitors can purchase pure maple syrup, maple candy, maple cream, and other specialty items made on-site at this family-owned operation. During the spring sugaring season, the farm offers demonstrations of the maple syrup making process from tree tapping to bottling.