Naomi Liz grew up in Maine and has explored many corners of the state–from its iconic places to lesser-known gems. With her breadth of experience and a deep understanding of Maine culture and places, Naomi is a trusted source for insider Maine travel advice. She offers firsthand insights from a lifetime of loving and exploring Maine to help you plan memorable adventures in the Pine Tree State.
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Maine is the best of New England wrapped up into one state—swaths of rural farmland, small towns with general stores and covered bridges, scenic villages nestled into a rugged coastline.
Andmountains.
Whenever I talk to people about what they love about Maine, it always feels like I’ve been let in on a secret that few outsiders know about. Because if they did, Maine’s inlandwould be mobbed with visitors. Perhaps it’s the challenge of the journey that stops most of the crowds—parts of Maine are so remote that theytake hours to reach, even after you’ve arrived in Bangor, which is 3 hours from the New Hampshire border.
But if you’re one of the few craving a slower pace, fresh water, and outdoor adventure, this Maine travel guide is for you. Since the state is fairly large and the roads indirect,I’ve divided these up regionally:western Mainetravel guide, central Maine travel guide (this one), and Downeast & Acadia travel guide (coming soon).
Love #nature and want to get away from the crowds? This central Maine #travel guide is for you!Click to Tweet
In this guide, I’m covering much of The Maine Highlands(view PDF map).Even this portion of the state is pretty big, so some of the places listed will be quite far from each other—you probably won’t be able to do them all in one trip. Bangor is a great jumping off point for this region, and you could easily spend a few days enjoying the growing food and entertainment scene in this small city before heading to more remote areas.
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One of the hardest things about planning a trip to a new areais knowing where to start. What towns should you begin your search in? Search Bangor if you’re looking for “city life” before heading into more remote regions. Heading northwest from Bangor, you’ll find a few options in the small town of Dover-Foxcroft, which is within 45 minutes of Sebec Lake and Moosehead Lake, as well as plenty of hiking. If you want to spend most of your time around Moosehead Lake, start your search in Greenville, a town on the southern tip of the lake. And check out the Millinocket area if you’re planning to head north to Baxter State Park or Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
Here are a few specific lodging options in those areas:
If you really want to enjoy nature in Maine, there’s no better way than to go camping. Lily Bay State Park* is a nice option for waterfront campsites on Maine’s largest lake, Moosehead. (While I haven’t camped at Lily Bay in recent memory, I took a drive around last summer to scout some of the best tent spots. My top picks for views and water access were 33T, 34T, 213t, 214T, and 215T. Note: The only real bathrooms that I saw weren’t within walking distance of campsites. There are outhouses throughout the park, but you’d need to drive for showers and washing dishes.)
The New England Outdoor Center** has a few lodging options near Baxter State Park—from camping to cabin rentals to the more luxurious eco-friendly lodges.
Want to enjoy a quintessential Maine summer experience? Rent a camp (translation: cabin, cottage, or summer home on a lake). Most Mainers I know (myself included) have passed many a summer day “uptah camp”—boating, water skiing, swimming, or just skipping rocks. Check out Spencer Pond Camps**, which are fairly remote, off-the-gridcamps open from May-November.
Some camps are also accessible during the winter and heated, so they’re another option for winter vacations. If you’re looking for a four seasons option, check out Tomhegan Wilderness Camps on Moosehead Lake.
For those looking formore comfort, Maine has plenty of inns and bed and breakfasts. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lucerne Inn is one of the most beautiful places to stay in central Maine.
If you want to travel farther west from Bangor toward Moosehead Lake but still crave comfortable lodging, I highly recommend The Mill Inn*** in Dover-Foxcroft. The Mill Innis a boutique inn that is in a renovated historic mill located in the heart of Maine.A philosophy of sustainability is woven into every element at The Mill Inn—from the mission to revitalize Maine’s economy through renovating a historically significant building, to the locally-sourced products in the cafe, to using reclaimed decor and found objects from around Maine in eachroom.
Looking for more places to stay in central Maine?Find the best deal, compare prices, and read reviews fromother travelers at TripAdvisor.Find bed & breakfasts in central Maine at bedandbreakfast.com. And always a good option for connecting with local life for varying budgets and levels of comfort is booking a room, house, or camp on Airbnb*.
While findingfarm-to-table dining options in rural areas is a bit more challenging than in urban or touristy areas, they do exist. It sometimes takes more digging to find them because it’s not a marketing strategy but simply a way of life. In addition to restaurants using locally-sourced or organic ingredients, I’m also including a few restaurants that are popular with locals.
Coffee Shops, Bakeries, & Ice Cream Shops
Treworgy Family Orchards* is one of my favorite ice cream shops in the Bangor area. It could be because I used to work there in high school, went to school with the Treworgy’s, and had Mrs. Treworgy as my Spanish teacher in high school. But judging by their continued growth and popularity, I’d say that most people love it for the great ice cream (Maine-made Gifford’s brand), creative corn mazes, apple picking in the fall, petting zoo, and overall great atmosphere. If you want to support a working family farm that loves welcoming friends, neighbors, and visitors, check out Treworgy’s. TIP:Grab an ice cream on a summer night around sunset—they’ve got an incredible view.
In downtown Bangor, you can get small batch ice cream made with simple ingredients at Wild Cow Creamery. Try some of their creative flavors like Lemon Heaven, Rhubarb Crumble, or Dark Chocolate Sorbet at their Bangor Waterfront location in the parking lot between Sea Dog Restaurant and the waterfront concert stage. (Check out their Facebook page for the latest updates.)
Another popular ice cream shop in central Maine is ButterfieldsIce Cream* in Dover-Foxcroft, which has been serving homemade ice cream since 1950. Though the ownership has changed a few times, they still use many of the original recipes and haveremained popular throughout generations.
The Mill Cafe* is the place to go in Dover-Foxcroft for great coffee (roasted in Maine) and light seasonalfare like muffins, yogurt parfaits, soups, and sandwiches. They are all about local at The Mill and even have a fun Maine sign that lists the local vendors they purchase from. (Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates.)
Heading up to Moosehead Lake, you’ll see a lot of trees, not very many street lamps, and a few small towns. Abbot Village Bakery is a popular spot in one of those small towns along this route. Stop in if you’re craving a treat because you won’t have many other options until you reach Greenville.
Breakfast & Lunch
The steady stream of customers can’t be wrong about where to find someof the best breakfast and lunch in Bangor: Bagel Central*. And it’s no wonder—their homemade bagels are legit. They offer plenty of other homemade options on the menu, lots of seating inside, and a few tables and chairs outside on thesidewalk.
Another favorite restaurant in downtown Bangor is Giacomo’s*. When I went last summer, I loved the cheeky humor in their signs and menus, and it was an overall great atmosphere with friendly staff. Giacomo’s is currently under renovations with new ownership, but it looks like it will maintain a local commitment—from locally-made furniture to featuring Maine and New England grocery products.
Stone Sparrow Cafe is a small, cozy spot on the outskirts of Bangor that serves homemade breakfast and lunch made from many local products.
Fork & Spoon is a “quirky, conscious eatery” in downtown Bangorthat offers fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and more. They have vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as locally-roasted coffee.
If you’re in Dover-Foxcroft on a Sunday, there is no better place to enjoy brunch than Stutzman’s Farm Stand and Bakery*. Stutzman’s is the kind of place you won’t just stumble across or find in a guidebook. Google them and you’ll find only a Facebook page and some farm listings. But the food is incredibly fresh and made from scratch, and the cafe is packed with locals who come to enjoy the Sunday brunch and live music.
And if you’re in Greenville during the summer months, grab some crepes made with fresh ingredients atClaudine’s Cafe Crepefood truck.
Want to know where the locals go? For breakfast, lunch, or “suppah,” check out Governor’s in Bangor or Dysart’s in Hermon.
Governor’sRestaurant* has been around for more than 55 years and now has 6 locations throughout Maine. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for homestyle food, reasonable prices, and friendly local faces.
Dysart’s* may be a truck stop on I-95, but it’s it’s not just for truckers passing through. If you live in the Bangor area, you know where Dysart’s is, and you’d be a bit of an anomaly if you hadn’t eaten there at least once. In addition to getting a glimpse of local culture, you’ll also get good homestyle cooking and local Maine food:“We have always pushed serving local way before serving local was fashionable.”(You may have heard of Dysart’s if you saw theblooper reel that went viral a couple of years ago with an older couple trying to say “buttery flaky crust” for one of their commercials.)
Dinner & Drinks
The Fiddlehead Restaurant in Bangor is uniquely Maine–in both name and cuisine. Anyone who grew up in Maine knows about fiddlehead season–a short time in spring when edible ferns (called fiddleheads before they unfurl) pop up everywhere.Mainers are known to pull over to the side of the road to pick them for dinner whenever they spot a great patch (ahem, speaking from experience). Aside from the locally-inspired name, The Fiddlehead Restaurant offers local food, such as produce grown on their own farm in season,local cheese, local and sustainable seafood, and produce from other farms throughout Maine and New England.
In Greenville, enjoy fine dining accompanied by a spectacular view at Blair Hill Inn & Restaurant, which sits on top of a hill overlooking Moosehead Lake and the surrounding mountains. The menu at Blair Hill Restaurant is seasonal, and much of the food is grown in their own garden or come from local farms.
A sunset at Moosehead Lake from the bottom of the hill below Blair Hill Inn & Restaurant. (View it in HD by clicking the gear icon next to the volume.)
Looking for more places to eat in central Maine? Find the best deal, compare prices, and read reviews fromother travelers at TripAdvisor.
This region is full of spectacular scenery, incredible hikes, and outdoor adventure. But there are also plenty of ways to explore history, enjoy live entertainment, and connect with local culture.
Hiking & OutdoorActivities
Central Maine has some of the best hiking and outdoor adventure in the state. Remember the Leave No Trace principles whenever you’re enjoying creationso that we can preserve itfor others to enjoy.
Growing up in central Maine, “going to the beach” meant we were heading to the closest lake. One of my childhood favorites is Peaks-Kenny State Park* on Sebec Lake–a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch and some freshwater swimming. (TIP: On really nice summer days, you may want to get there early because once the parking lot is full, you can’t enter the park.)
Take the Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit–a 6-mountain hiking challenge in the Moosehead Lake region. Or go at a more leisurely pace and just hike one or two of the summits. Mount Kineo* is a great half-day hike that offers panoramic views of wilderness and mountain ranges in the area. It sits on a peninsula on Moosehead Lake but has no road access, so it’s virtually an island. Head to the Kineo Public Dock in Rockwood to take a ferry ride across the lake (run by the golf course with a fee charged). Grab a trail map at the golf course clubhouse, and head out on the waterfront trail. The views from Indian Trail get better as you ascend, but be prepared to climb the fire tower at the top if you want to see anything from the summit(it’s challenging but completely worth it). If it’s hot and you’ve worked up a sweat, head down North Trail to go for a swim at Hardscrabble Point (there are several campsites here, but you can walk past them to a small peninsula with a pebble beach).
If you’re looking for some of the best waterfalls in central Maine, head to Gulf Hagas*,an 8-mile waterfall trail that is part of the 100 Mile Wilderness section of the Appalachian Trail and a national natural landmark.History lovers will also enjoy the Katahdin Iron Works state historic site that you will pass by as you drive to the trail head.
For easy hiking in the Bangor area, check out the trails at Bangor City Forest and Orono Bog Walk.
The truly ambitious hikers will want to tackle Maine’s highest peak and the northernmost point of the Appalachian Trail, Mount Katahdin* in Baxter State Park. I hiked it when I was 9 years old (including Knife’s Edge), but don’t let that fool you. The trails arechallenging, the hike will take all day, and you should be in good physical shape to hike Katahdin. TIP: don’t plan to just show up on the day you want to hike Katahdin. You’ll need to make reservations for parking, and do so far in advance in the summer, especially weekends.
Looking for things to do in the #MaineHighlands? Check out this #responsibletravel guide!Click to Tweet
In 2016, Maine gained another nationally-recognized outdoor recreation area about an hour north of Bangor. Though not technically a national park (the only one in Maine is Acadia National Park), the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is maintained by the National Park Service. A bit remote without any public facilities (currently), it’s a great area to explore Maine’s wilderness year round. Though there are no welcome centers in the monument itself, two visitors centers have been created in nearby communities.
If you want to try outdoor activities like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, fishing, backpacking, or kayaking, but you’re nervous about going out on your own, consider hiring a registered Maine guide.
Winter Activities
Heading to central Maine in the winter? With snow during about a third of the year, Mainers know how to have fun in the winter months. Enjoy a favorite Maine winter activity by renting a snowmobile* and heading out onto thousands of miles of groomed snowmobile trails in Maine.Find more information about snowmobiling in Maineand get a few snowmobiling tips here. Or head out on designated trails with a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis.
How to Spot a Moose
Most visitors coming to Maine want to see a moose before they head home, and central Maine is prime moose scouting territory. Here are a few tips on how to see a moose when you’re in Maine:
- Dusk and dawn are the best times to spot them.
- Mid-May through July and again in the fall are the best times of year to see moose.
- Mooselike to hang out in swampy, boggy areas, but they can be seen pretty much anywhere. They’re also great swimmers, so if you’re lucky, you might spot one in or near a body of water.
- A few good areas to explore: Route 6 from Dover-Foxcroft to Greenville, all around Moosehead Lake, Baxter State Park
- Be very careful driving the roads in this part of the state, especially at night. Because moose are so tall, you may not see the reflections from their eyes as you would deer. And they’re painfully slow-moving at times, so sometimes they just stand in the middle of the road. I’m certain that most Mainers I know have either hit a moose or know someone who has (I have 2 family members who had accidents).
- Don’t ever approach moose or try to chase them. Although they’re not carnivorous, they are still dangerous due to their massive size and power, and they may charge if provoked. Bull moose may be more aggressive during the fall mating season.
History
Looking for a little history and cultural insight to the area? Check out a piece of Maine’s history in the Underground Railroad by visiting the North to Freedom statue in Chamberlain Freedom Park just across the bridge from Bangor.
Head north fromBangor to Old Town (yes, the canoe) to get a glimpse of the region’s Native American heritage at the Penobscot Nation Museum. Or stop off at the Hudson Museum on the University of Maine campus in Orono to see thousands of Native American artifacts and over 900 from around Maine.
If you feel like you’re seeing nothing but trees while you’re in Maine, you’re right. Maine is 90% covered by forest, and all those treesplayeda prominent role in Maine’s economic history—from logging on the Kennebec River to Bangor as a major lumber port to the paper mills that once employed many Mainers. (My father included—anyone from central Maine knows the distinct smell of a paper mill well, and probably knows someone who worked at one.) Explore thisheritage at the Maine Forest & Logging Museum near Bangor, which has nature trails, a reconstruction of a logging and millingpioneer community, and more.
If you venture up to Greenville and Moosehead Lake, check out the Moosehead Historical Society* tolearn about the role of logging, Native Americans, aviation (including information about the nearby B-52 crash site), and more in the region.
Arts, Entertainment, & Shopping
The Mill Inn + Cafe in Dover-Foxcroft has live music and open mic nights at various times throughout the year–follow their Facebook or Instagram accounts for details.
Bangor offers everything from professional theater performancesto the Bangor Symphony Orchestra to a summer concertseries on the waterfront. Throughout the year, catch live music or trivia nights at the downtown pub Paddy Murphy’s, or go to Sea Dog Brewing Company for Thursday karaoke nights. Explore the local brewery scene on the Growler Bus Tour in the Bangor area. Check out this link formore arts and entertainment in Bangor.
If you’re heading north towards Moosehead Lake, stop into Indian Hill Trading Post* for…a very Maine shopping experience. Carrying everything from camping and hunting supplies to clothes and boots to souvenirs, along with a grocery store next door, Indian Hill Trading Post is your best introduction to the Moosehead Lake area. It’s definitely the place to go for those last-minute supplies you forgot, or just to get your fill of Maine accents. Greenville also has lots of local shops in town, such asGallery on the Lake*. When I stopped in last summer, gallery owner Becky enthusiastically shared about various Maine artists that were featured in the store.
I’m a big fan of not just researching things to do and places to eat, but getting to know more about a location’s history and culture (Read:3 Reasons Everyone Should Learn History Before Traveling). One great way to do that is to read some books before and as you travel. Below are various recommendations for the practical research as well as books about Maine life or set in Maine.
—Maine 101* by Nancy Griffin: this compactbook is packed with interesting facts about various aspects of Maine life and history. It’s a fun way to gather Maine trivia and get the background on common and less well-known Maine facts. It has sections on Maine speak and place names, which I find especially interesting as a language nerd.
—Explorer’s Guide Maine (18th Edition): As usual, the bulk of this Maine guide bookcovers coastal areas, but there are about 45 pages covering The Maine Highlands.
—The Maine Woods by Henry DavidThoreau: “Over a period of three years, Thoreau made three trips to the largely unexplored woods of Maine. He climbed mountains, paddled a canoe by moonlight, and dined on cedar beer, hemlock tea and moose lips. Taking notes constantly, Thoreau was just as likely to turn his observant eye to the habits and languages of the Abnaki Indians or the arduous life of the logger as he was to the workings of nature. He acutely observed the rivers, lakes, mountains, wolves, moose, and stars in the dark sky. He also told of nights sitting by the campfire, and of meeting men who communicated with each other by writing on the trunks of trees. In The Maine Woods, Thoreau captured a wilder side of America and revealed his own adventurous spirit.”
—The Wildest Country: Exploring Thoreau’s Maine: FollowThoreau’s famed excursions in the Maine’s wilderness, many of which were in The Maine Highlands, with modern commentary by J. Parker Huber.
–To read true life accounts of living deep in the woods of Maine, read A Year in the Maine Woodsby Bernd Heinrich or We Took to the Woodsby Louise Dickinson Rich.
–Enjoy a compilation of essays about life in Maine from writer Sarah Smiley, who moved her family from Florida to Bangor, Maine, inGot Here As Soon As I Could: Discovering the Way Life Should Be.
–For fictional tales set in rural Maine, check out The Cider House Rulesor Empire Falls.
Get more help planning your trip from the tourism boards:
—Get a DeLorme Atlas, and don’t depend on your GPS—you probably won’t have a signal. The DeLorme Atlas is one that every Mainer who ventures north of Portland keeps in his car. We had several copies in our family growing up, and we never went on adventures without one. In addition to very detailed information about roads and their conditions, you’ll find trail head locations, campgrounds, and lots of other outdoor recreation labeled in the atlas.
–Only 7 digits listed in a business phone number? The area code is 207 for the entire state of Maine.
–If you’re traveling in Maine during the fall hunting seasons, stay safe and make sure you wearbright clothing—preferably hunter orange—for outdoor activities (and don’t forget a bright collar or vest for your pets!).
–Don’t try to fake an accent, but feel free to throw in a “wicked” here or there in place of “really.” “Wicked awesome” is one of my favorites.
–Don’t refer to what you know as a cabin on a lake as a cabin, summer home, or cottage—unless you want to be pegged as an “outta-statah.” It’s a camp. It may feel weird at first, but Mainers will know exactly what you’re talking about.
–If someone says, “You can’t get there from here,” it may or may not be literal. It’s just a saying in Maine about how hard it can be to get from one place to another—the punchline to an old joke from Maine humorists Bert and I (Which Way to Millinocket?).
You might also like:
- Responsible Travel Guide: Western Maine
- 8 Places to Visit in Maine that Will Make You Forget About the Coast
- Things to Do in Vermont: Burlington Edible History Tour
Feel free to open up this Google My Map and make a copy into your own Google account. Access it on the web or via the My Maps app (Android app|iPhone app), and you can make your own notes and itinerary in your copy!Never usedGoogle My Maps? Check out my guide to planning a trip with Google My Maps formore info!
Eachtravel guidethat I create is an in-depth resource that includes dining, lodging, and things to do in a particular city or region. All while embracingthe philosophy of responsible travel–a mindset of traveling to connect, learn, and share experiences across cultures, andseeking to minimize our negative impact on the local culture, economy, and environment.
As much as I would love to personally visit every one of these locations, time and resources don’t allow me to do so. This guide is a blend of personal recommendations and a curated list based on in-depth research and recommendations from locals. I want it to be clear which is which, as I would never want to recommend something I haven’t had personal experience with, so all of the items marked with an asterisk* are ones that I have visited. If it’s not marked with an asterisk, it’s something that I think is worth including but haven’t visited myself. The info provided here is a starting place for your planning and research—make sure to visit the website or call a location to find out about hours, fees, reservations, and other details. Also keep in mind that many restaurants and small shops close for the winter months.
*Visited or used this service and personally recommend
**Maine Environmental Leader Certification (self-assessment process that is certified by Maine DEP) and/or TripAdvisor GreenLeaders Gold Level or above
***I received a media discount during my recent stay at The Mill Inn. I was not required to give a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
