Van Buren MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Van Buren, Maine.
1. Acadian Village
HISTORIC CULTURAL SETTLEMENT
Acadian Village offers a glimpse into the lives of Acadians who settled in the St. John Valley during the mid-1700s. The village features 17 buildings overlooking the St. John River, including both replicas and original structures that showcase the daily customs and cultural heritage of the Acadians. Visitors can explore a reconstruction of an early 18th-century log church, an original schoolhouse from 1875, and the Morneault House, one of the oldest homes in the St. John Valley.
2. Maine Tribute Moose
ICONIC LOCAL MONUMENT
The Maine Tribute Moose is a notable local monument in Van Buren that pays homage to Maine's wildlife heritage. This attraction serves as a popular photo opportunity for visitors exploring the town. The monument represents the importance of moose in Maine's ecosystem and cultural identity.
3. Bottomz Up Bar & Grill
LOCAL DINING HOTSPOT
Bottomz Up Bar & Grill is a popular dining establishment in Van Buren offering hearty meals and drinks to locals and visitors alike. The venue provides a casual atmosphere where guests can enjoy traditional American fare and local specialties. Visitors appreciate the friendly service and opportunity to mingle with locals while experiencing authentic small-town Maine hospitality.
4. Notre Dame de L'Assumption Chapel
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS SITE
Notre Dame de L'Assumption Chapel is a historic religious site that showcases the spiritual heritage of the Acadian settlers in Van Buren. The chapel features traditional architectural elements and serves as an important landmark in the community. Visitors can admire the craftsmanship and historical significance that reflects the region's French-Acadian roots.
5. St. John Valley Cultural Byway
SCENIC CULTURAL ROUTE
The St. John Valley Cultural Byway is a picturesque route passing through Van Buren that offers travelers panoramic vistas and historical landmark sightings. This scenic byway follows the St. John River, creating a path through the rolling hills of Aroostook County. Visitors traveling this route can experience the rich cultural heritage of the region while enjoying the natural beauty of northern Maine.
6. Fish River Scenic Byway
NATURE AND HISTORY DRIVE
The Fish River Scenic Byway provides a beautiful driving experience near Van Buren with opportunities to enjoy stunning natural landscapes. This scenic route takes travelers through parts of Aroostook County with views of rivers, forests, and farmland. Visitors can stop at various points of interest along the way to appreciate the area's history and natural beauty.
7. Blacksmith Shop
HISTORIC TRADE DEMONSTRATION
The Blacksmith Shop in Van Buren offers visitors a chance to step back in time and witness traditional metalworking techniques. Located within the Acadian Village, this historic establishment showcases the tools and methods used by early settlers in the region. Visitors can learn about the importance of blacksmithing in early Acadian communities and its role in daily life.
8. Old Schoolhouse
19TH CENTURY EDUCATION
The Old Schoolhouse in Van Buren is an original structure from 1875 that has been preserved to show educational practices of the era. Visitors can see authentic period classroom settings with desks, books, and teaching materials used in the 19th century. The schoolhouse provides insight into the educational experiences of children in rural Maine communities during this historical period.
9. Acadian Country Store
LOCAL CRAFTS AND GOODS
The Acadian Country Store in Van Buren sells local arts and crafts that showcase the region's cultural heritage. The store offers visitors an opportunity to purchase authentic souvenirs and handmade items created by local artisans. Browsing through this establishment provides insight into traditional Acadian craftsmanship and supports the local creative community.
10. Aroostook State Park
MAINE'S FIRST STATE PARK
Aroostook State Park, located near Van Buren in Presque Isle, holds the distinction of being Maine's first state park. The park features Echo Lake, Quaggy Jo Mountain, and offers year-round recreational activities including hiking, swimming, camping, and cross-country skiing. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from the summit of Quaggy Jo Mountain on clear days.
11. Northern Maine Museum of Science
EDUCATIONAL SCIENTIFIC EXHIBITS
The Northern Maine Museum of Science in nearby Presque Isle offers interactive and educational exhibits focusing on various scientific disciplines. Located on the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus, the museum provides engaging learning experiences for visitors of all ages. Exhibits cover topics ranging from astronomy and geology to biology and physics, making science accessible and fun for everyone.
12. Fort Kent Blockhouse
HISTORIC MILITARY STRUCTURE
The Fort Kent Blockhouse is a historic military structure built during the Aroostook War border dispute between the United States and Great Britain in 1839. This wooden fort stands as the only remaining fortification from this conflict and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can explore this well-preserved piece of Maine's border history and learn about the tensions that helped shape the state's northern boundary.
13. Madawaska Four Corners Park
NORTHEASTERNMOST POINT MONUMENT
Madawaska Four Corners Park marks the northeasternmost point of the United States and serves as a popular destination for long-distance motorcyclists completing the Four Corners Tour. The park features monuments and informational displays about this geographical significance and the region's history. Visitors often stop to take photos at this unique location before exploring other attractions in Maine's northernmost town.
14. Caribou Historical Society & Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Caribou Historical Society & Museum preserves and displays artifacts related to the history and development of Caribou and the surrounding Aroostook County region. The museum's collection includes items from the area's agricultural past, military history, and everyday life in northern Maine. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring vintage photographs, tools, household items, and documents that tell the story of this northern Maine community.
15. Potato Blossom Festival
ANNUAL AGRICULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Potato Blossom Festival is an annual celebration held in Fort Fairfield that honors Aroostook County's agricultural heritage, particularly its potato industry. The week-long event typically features a parade, potato picking contests, live music, craft fairs, and various family-friendly activities. Taking place each July when potato plants are in bloom, this festival has been a beloved tradition in the region since 1937 and attracts visitors from throughout Maine and neighboring Canada.