Haynesville MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Haynesville, Maine.
1. Haynesville Woods
HISTORIC SCENIC ROUTE
Haynesville Woods is a historic area with a stretch of road along U.S. 2A made famous by Dick Curless's country song 'A Tombstone Every Mile.' The woods feature dense forest and a notorious hairpin turn that was once treacherous for potato truck drivers heading to Boston markets. Today, visitors can drive through this scenic area and experience the natural beauty that has inspired both fear and fascination for generations.
2. Mattawamkeag River
CANOEING AND FISHING PARADISE
The Mattawamkeag River flows through Haynesville offering perfect conditions for canoeing and fishing enthusiasts. The river's gentle currents and scenic surroundings make it ideal for paddlers of all experience levels while also providing excellent habitat for various fish species. Visitors can enjoy peaceful day trips on the water while taking in the unspoiled natural environment and possibly spotting local wildlife along the shores.
3. Acadia National Park
STUNNING COASTAL WILDERNESS
Acadia National Park is one of Maine's most beloved natural treasures featuring 47,000 acres of stunning Atlantic coastline, mountains, woodlands, and lakes. Visitors can explore over 158 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Cadillac Mountain, the first place in the United States to see the sunrise during certain times of the year. The park offers breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and recreational activities ranging from biking on historic carriage roads to swimming at Sand Beach.
4. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
WATERFRONT GARDEN PARADISE
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens spans 295 acres of pristine waterfront property featuring meticulously designed gardens, walking paths, and art installations. The gardens showcase native Maine plants alongside exotic species, with themed areas including a sensory garden, rhododendron garden, and the popular children's garden with whimsical sculptures. Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays, educational programs, and the tranquil beauty of this horticultural masterpiece year-round.
5. Fort Knox and Penobscot Narrows Observatory
HISTORIC FORT WITH VIEWS
Fort Knox is a well-preserved 19th-century granite fortress built to protect the Penobscot River valley during border disputes with British Canada. Adjacent to the fort, the Penobscot Narrows Observatory offers visitors a chance to ascend 420 feet for spectacular 360-degree views of the Maine coast and mountains. The combined attractions provide a unique blend of military history and modern engineering marvel that draws thousands of visitors annually.
6. Aroostook State Park
MAINE'S FIRST STATE PARK
Aroostook State Park holds the distinction of being Maine's first state park, established in 1939 with 100 acres donated by the citizens of Presque Isle. The park features scenic Echo Lake, perfect for swimming and fishing, alongside trails that lead to Quaggy Jo Mountain offering panoramic views of the surrounding potato fields and forests. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, boating, and winter activities including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in this four-season recreational area.
7. Houlton Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
Houlton Farmers Market brings together local farmers, artisans, and food producers offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and prepared foods to the community. The market operates seasonally and showcases the agricultural bounty of Aroostook County, including the famous Maine potatoes, alongside maple syrup, baked goods, and artisanal products. Visitors can connect with local producers, sample regional specialties, and experience the authentic flavors and craftsmanship of northern Maine.
8. Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVED
The Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum preserves and displays the rich farming heritage of Maine's potato country through a collection of artifacts, equipment, and historical records. Exhibits showcase the evolution of agricultural practices from hand tools to early mechanization, with particular focus on potato farming which has defined the region's economy and culture. Visitors can step back in time to understand the challenges and innovations that shaped rural life in northern Maine throughout the past centuries.
9. The Barrel House
RUSTIC DINING EXPERIENCE
The Barrel House offers a distinctive dining experience in a restored historic building featuring exposed brick, wooden beams, and warm atmosphere. The menu showcases locally-sourced ingredients in creative American cuisine, with particular emphasis on Maine seafood, locally-raised meats, and seasonal produce. Patrons can enjoy craft beers, signature cocktails, and an extensive wine selection alongside their meals in this popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
10. County Co-op & Farm Store
LOCAL FOODS MARKETPLACE
County Co-op & Farm Store serves as a community marketplace offering products from dozens of local producers in one convenient location. The store specializes in organic produce, grass-fed meats, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and handcrafted items from throughout Aroostook County and beyond. Shoppers can find unique Maine-made products, speak directly with some of the producers, and participate in workshops and events focused on sustainable living and local food systems.
11. Oakfield Railroad Museum
HISTORIC RAILWAY HERITAGE
The Oakfield Railroad Museum preserves the railroad heritage that was vital to the development of Aroostook County through displays of artifacts, photographs, and restored equipment. The museum is housed in a historic railroad station building that once served as an important transportation hub for the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing how the railroad connected isolated northern Maine communities and facilitated the region's agricultural and timber industries.
12. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
PRISTINE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument encompasses over 87,500 acres of mountains, forests, and waterways in Maine's North Woods. The monument offers stunning views of Mount Katahdin, Maine's highest peak, alongside opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a remote natural setting. Visitors can experience the same landscapes that inspired conservationists and writers including Henry David Thoreau, while exploring one of the newest additions to America's protected public lands.
13. Houlton Community Market
LOCAL SHOPPING DESTINATION
Houlton Community Market serves as a year-round indoor marketplace featuring local vendors selling everything from antiques and collectibles to handcrafted items and specialty foods. The market creates a space for entrepreneurs and artisans to showcase their products while providing visitors with a uniquely local shopping experience. Shoppers can find one-of-a-kind souvenirs, gifts, home décor, and Maine-made products that reflect the region's culture and craftsmanship.
14. Haystack Mountain
SCENIC HIKING DESTINATION
Haystack Mountain offers hikers a relatively short but rewarding trail leading to panoramic views of Aroostook County's rolling farmland, forests, and distant mountains. The 1.6-mile round-trip hike culminates at an elevation of 1,142 feet with a historic fire tower that visitors can climb for even more spectacular vistas. The mountain is especially popular during fall foliage season when the surrounding landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry of red, orange, and gold.
15. Gram Russo's Italian Restaurant
AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE
Gram Russo's Italian Restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine made from cherished family recipes in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu features house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian entrées prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic techniques. Diners can complement their meals with selections from an Italian-focused wine list while enjoying the restaurant's old-world charm and reputation for generous hospitality.