Fort Kent MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fort Kent, Maine.
1. America's First Mile
START OF US ROUTE 1
America's First Mile is the most northern and eastern point of the US Highway system located in Fort Kent, overlooking the St. John River. The monument marks the beginning of Route 1, which travels 2,369 miles south to Key West, Florida. Visitors can take photos at this iconic landmark that represents the starting point of America's longest north-south highway.
2. Fort Kent Blockhouse
HISTORIC MILITARY STRUCTURE
The Fort Kent Blockhouse serves as a museum and is the only fortification relating to the 'Bloodless' Aroostook War of 1839. This historic site is maintained by local Eagle Scouts and provides insights into the border dispute between Great Britain and the United States. The blockhouse represents an important piece of Maine's frontier history and the establishment of the current US-Canada border.
3. First Mile Brewing Company
LOCAL CRAFT BEER
First Mile Brewing Company offers visitors a taste of locally crafted beers in Fort Kent. The brewery takes its name from the nearby America's First Mile monument, incorporating local heritage into its brand. Visitors can enjoy various craft beer options in a friendly atmosphere that celebrates northern Maine culture.
4. Fort Kent Outdoor Center
RECREATION AND EVENTS
The Fort Kent Outdoor Center provides year-round recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. In winter, it offers world-class Nordic skiing trails that have hosted international biathlon competitions. During warmer months, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and various outdoor events that showcase the natural beauty of northern Maine.
5. St. John Valley Heritage Trail
SCENIC MULTI-USE PATH
The St. John Valley Heritage Trail is a 16.9-mile path along the former Fish River Railroad corridor connecting Fort Kent and Saint Francis. The trail accommodates various activities including biking, hiking, ATV riding, and horseback riding. Travelers on this route can enjoy scenic views of northern Maine's landscape while following historic transportation routes.
6. Fort Kent Riverside Trail System
DOWNTOWN RIVERFRONT PATH
The Fort Kent Riverside Trail System is a 3-mile path that follows both the Saint John River and Fish River through downtown Fort Kent. This accessible trail is perfect for biking, hiking, and casual walking while offering scenic water views. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of northern Maine while remaining close to the amenities of downtown Fort Kent.
7. Swamp Buck Restaurant
LOCAL MAINE CUISINE
The Swamp Buck Restaurant offers diners authentic northern Maine cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant serves traditional dishes that highlight local flavors and ingredients from the region. Visitors can experience genuine Aroostook County hospitality while enjoying hearty meals that reflect the area's cultural heritage.
8. Lonesome Pine Trails
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SKI AREA
Lonesome Pine Trails is a community-oriented ski area offering winter recreation opportunities for all skill levels. The facility features multiple trails for alpine skiing and snowboarding in the heart of northern Maine. This accessible ski destination provides family-friendly winter activities with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
9. Jalbert Park Skating Rink
OUTDOOR WINTER RECREATION
Jalbert Park Skating Rink is an outdoor ice skating facility located in Fort Kent that provides winter recreation for locals and visitors alike. The rink offers a traditional northern Maine winter experience in a community setting. Skaters can enjoy this seasonal attraction that highlights the region's embrace of cold-weather activities.
10. Deboullie Public Lands
REMOTE WILDERNESS AREA
Deboullie Public Lands offer visitors access to pristine wilderness with remote ponds, rugged mountains, and old-growth forests near Fort Kent. The area features hiking trails leading to unique geological features including an unusual ice cave formation. Outdoor enthusiasts can experience fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing in this relatively undiscovered natural treasure of northern Maine.
11. The Inn of Acadia
HISTORIC BOUTIQUE LODGING
The Inn of Acadia in nearby Madawaska offers upscale accommodations in a beautifully renovated historic building. This boutique hotel combines modern amenities with architectural elements that celebrate the region's Acadian heritage. Guests can experience comfortable lodging while exploring the cultural connections between northern Maine and neighboring Canada.
12. Madawaska Four Corners Park
CONTINENTAL EXTREME POINT
Madawaska Four Corners Park marks the northeastern extreme point of the United States, one of the four geographic corners of the country. Located just a short drive from Fort Kent, this monument attracts visitors seeking to visit all four corners of the continental United States. The park celebrates the unique geographical significance of this northeasternmost community in America.
13. Eagle Lake Sporting Camps
TRADITIONAL MAINE LODGE
Eagle Lake Sporting Camps provides an authentic Maine woods experience with traditional lodging near Fort Kent. The facility offers access to outdoor activities including fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and wildlife viewing throughout the seasons. Visitors can stay in rustic cabins that continue the long tradition of Maine sporting camps while enjoying modern comforts.
14. Acadian Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Acadian Village in Van Buren showcases the history and culture of the Acadian people who settled in the St. John Valley. The living history museum features historical buildings, artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of these early French settlers. Visitors can experience reconstructed homes, a schoolhouse, and other structures that provide insights into Acadian life in northern Maine during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
15. Four Seasons Trail Association
YEAR-ROUND NATURE TRAILS
The Four Seasons Trail Association maintains multi-use trails in Madawaska that can be enjoyed throughout the year for various activities. In winter, the trails are groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while summer brings opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. The trail network provides access to beautiful northern Maine scenery while promoting outdoor recreation in all seasons.