Madawaska MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Madawaska, Maine.
1. Four Corners Park
NORTHEASTERN CORNER MONUMENT
Four Corners Park is the first park dedicated to long-distance motorcycling and marks the northeastern corner of the United States. The park features beautifully landscaped grounds, a water fountain, memorial pavers, and stunning views of the municipality and the St. John River. It's an ideal spot for a picnic, an easy stroll, or for motorcyclists completing the 'Four Corners' challenge.
2. Acadian Landing & Tante Blanche Museum
ACADIAN HERITAGE SITE
The Acadian Landing & Tante Blanche Museum complex commemorates the spot where the first Acadians landed at the riverside. It includes historic buildings, artifacts, and a large cross marking the landing site. The museum showcases the history and heritage of the Madawaska area, tracing local history from its early days.
3. Acadian Festival
CULTURAL CELEBRATION EVENT
The Acadian Festival is a four-day event occurring every August that celebrates Acadian culture with numerous activities. Visitors can enjoy vendors, food, parades, live music, and traditional events like the Tintamarre parade and family reunions. The festival brings the community together to honor and preserve the rich Acadian heritage of the region.
4. Four Seasons Trail
MULTI-USE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Four Seasons Trail is a multi-use trail system located at the 4 Seasons Lodge in Madawaska. The trails offer opportunities for biking, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing with multiple path options and difficulty levels suitable for all ages. During winter, it transforms into a haven for snowmobilers with miles of groomed trails.
5. Madawaska Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Madawaska Historical Museum houses artifacts, photos, and displays that tell the story of the town's rich history. Visitors can explore exhibits that trace local history from its early days to the present. The museum offers valuable insights into the cultural heritage and development of this northeastern Maine community.
6. St. John Valley Cultural Byway
SCENIC DRIVING ROUTE
The St. John Valley Cultural Byway is a scenic route that runs through Madawaska and showcases the beauty of the St. John River Valley. Travelers can enjoy rolling hills, farmland, and incredible views while exploring the Acadian heritage of the region. The byway is considered a must-drive route for visitors to truly appreciate the area's natural splendor and cultural significance.
7. Tour de la Vallee
REGIONAL CYCLING ROUTE
Tour de la Vallee is a 69-mile bicycle route that travels from Fort Kent through Madawaska and along the shores of Long Lake. The route offers cyclists breathtaking views of the St. John Valley landscape and Acadian countryside. This cycling experience provides a unique way to explore the northeastern corner of Maine while enjoying outdoor recreation.
8. Top O' Maine Trade Show
REGIONAL BUSINESS EXPOSITION
The Top O' Maine Trade Show is one of the largest trade exhibitions north of Bangor, hosted at the Madawaska Multi-Purpose Center. Over 75 exhibitors display products and services from various trades throughout the region. This event serves as an important business and community gathering for Maine's northernmost county.
9. Musée culturel du Mont-Carmel
HISTORIC CHURCH MUSEUM
Musée culturel du Mont-Carmel is a magnificently restored church that now serves as a museum and performance center in nearby Lille. The museum preserves and showcases the Acadian heritage and cultural artifacts of the region. Visitors can admire the historic architecture while learning about the cultural traditions of the St. John Valley.
10. Long Lake
SCENIC WATER RECREATION
Long Lake is a stunning body of water located near Madawaska that offers various recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and other water activities during the summer months. The lake is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery that showcases the pristine environment of northern Maine.
11. Fort Kent Historical Society Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Fort Kent Historical Society Museum preserves the history of the Upper St. John Valley region near Madawaska. The museum features exhibits on early settlers, the lumber industry, agriculture, and other aspects of life in northern Maine. Collections include photographs, documents, tools, and everyday items that tell the story of this frontier community.
12. Fort Kent Blockhouse
HISTORIC MILITARY STRUCTURE
The Fort Kent Blockhouse is a historic military structure built during the Aroostook War border dispute in 1839 and is the only remaining fortification from that conflict. This two-story wooden blockhouse has been preserved as a State Historic Site and stands as a reminder of the region's border history. Visitors can explore this unique piece of Maine's past and learn about the boundary disputes that shaped the area.
13. Dolly's Restaurant
LOCAL ACADIAN CUISINE
Dolly's Restaurant is a beloved local dining establishment serving traditional Acadian and American cuisine in Madawaska. The restaurant is known for its homestyle cooking, including regional specialties like ployes (buckwheat pancakes) and other Acadian favorites. Dolly's offers visitors an authentic taste of local culinary traditions in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
14. Acadian Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Acadian Village is an open-air museum consisting of historical buildings that recreate the life of early Acadian settlers in the St. John Valley. The village features 16 buildings including homes, schools, and a church, all dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can step back in time and experience the authentic lifestyle of the Acadian pioneers who shaped this region's unique cultural identity.
15. Marden's Surplus & Salvage
DISCOUNT SHOPPING DESTINATION
Marden's is a popular Maine-based discount store chain with a location in Madawaska that offers a wide variety of merchandise at bargain prices. The store features constantly changing inventory including clothing, housewares, furniture, fabrics, and more. Shoppers enjoy hunting for unique finds and great deals at this quintessential Maine shopping destination.