Local Area Attractions Near Houlton, Maine

Whether venturing on a quick Northern Maine weekend getaway or planning an extended camping trip, Aroostook County is home to many Maine attractions the whole family will enjoy. Known as THE COUNTY, Houlton, Maine is filled with miles of potato farmland and beautiful views, or cross the Canadian border and explore their beautiful land. When you stay at Houlton/Canadian Border KOA Journey, you have easy access to trying all these new experiences and more in Maine and Canada right from your tent, glamping tent, or RV .

Why Visit Houlton, Maine and Aroostook County
While many people travel to Southern Maine to get a taste of the state, Northern Maine offers even more to see. There are many places to go in Northern Maine to experience nature's beauty and learn about the area's rich history. Aroostook County's expansive spread allows visitors to see various attractions. There are many things to do in Houlton, Maine, whether you want to take advantage of the beautiful outdoors, stay inside, or stay at the campground for any one of our numerous family activities in Northern Maine and themed weekend celebrations.

 Family Activities In Northern Maine
You and your family can go on adventures in the Houlton community while hiking through Baxter State Park and visiting Mount Katahdin. Houlton also has several museums you can visit, like the Aroostook County Historical & Art Museum of Houlton. You could also see the Quoddy Head Lighthouse in Lubec, right on the Canadian border. Additionally, New Brunswick is a short drive away if you want to venture into Canada. You could spend the day exploring New Brunswick, then return to Houlton for a relaxing night.

Why Stay at Houlton KOA During Your Northern Maine Vacation
You need a place to rest between traveling and the fun things to do in Houlton, Maine. For a comfortable and relaxing experience, camp with Houlton/Canadian Border KOA Journey. The campground has everything you need for a fun camping trip, from various RV and Tent Sites to communal amenities every camper can enjoy.

You can enjoy camping in your RV at one of the grass Pull-Thru or Back-In RV Sites. Most sites have full hookups with several others just having water and electric. Each RV Site is pet-friendly, so your pets can also experience Northern Maine.

Our Tent Sites and Glamping Sites are another way to stay comfortably. Sleep under the stars and cook over a fire while having a traditional camping experience. Many individual sites have water and electric hookups, helping campers remain comfortable. You could stay at one of the sites without hookups for a truly rustic trip.

Book Your Campsite Today
Be sure to check if any local events, like the Houlton Agricultural Fair, Black Fly Brew Fest, or the Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race, are going on during your visit. Enjoy the convenient lo

Aroostook County Historical & Art Museum of Houlton

Aroostook County Historical & Art Museum of Houlton

The Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum was founded in 1937 by Ransford W. Shaw.  We are located in the Historic White Memorial Building at 109 Main Street in Houlton, Maine. Our mission is dedicated to preserving the history and artistic heritage of Aroostook County's shiretown and the surrounding area.

109 Main Street

Houlton, ME 04730

207-532-4216

Website

Houlton Riverfront Park

Houlton Riverfront Park

The non-motorized trail is a wide, graveled path running parallel to Meduxnekeag River. Hikers can walk for a round trip, or use it as a one-way connector trail connecting Highland Avenue Bridge. The park has a large, sheltered picnic area. A statue of a bear, sculpted by Forest Hart, sits next to the parking lot, greeting visitors to the park.From the park, hikers can walk across the Meduxnekeag River via the Gateway Crossing Footbridge, to Houlton's historic downtown Market Square. Around the Market Square, one can find many little boutiques and shops to stop in and make a purchase, have a latte, a snack, or just look around. The Gateway Crossing Footbridge also provides access to the park and the trail from downtown Houlton.In the park and along the length of the trail are a number of installed, educational plaques that have graphic illustrations and narrative explanations of local history and local wildlife and plants.Pets are allowed but their wastes must be removed. The park provides dog waste bags without charge.

The Temple Theatre

The Temple Theatre

The anchor of the historic Houlton downtown district, the Temple Cinema offers the latest first-run films in a nostalgic atmosphere. Enjoy big screen, family fun five days a weekSPECIALS

  • Wednesday night is Free Popcorn when you bring your own bowl.
  • Thursday is bargain night. All seats $6
  • Matinee price (shows starting before 4 pm): $7 for all ages
  • We have capability for video projection, so keep us in mind for birthdays, business, or other functions.

Website

The Pioneer Place - Amish General Store

The Pioneer Place - Amish General Store

Stocked with everything from jams to tools, Pioneer Place is a true general store — and a community anchor for Amish and non-Amish residents alike. (From DownEast.com)

2539 US-2 Smyrna Mills

Smyrna Mills, ME 04761

207-757-8984

Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail

Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail

At nearly 40 miles long, the Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail follows an old railway line and is open to bikers, runners, walkers, and hikers.  It winds its way through some of the region's most beautiful areas, and since it follows a rail line, it's relatively flat and appropriate for those of most ages and levels of fitness.  Most of the multi-use trail lies between Houlton and Phair Junction and connects Monticello, Bridgewater, and Presque Isle.  Open year-round, it's not uncommon to see a variety of animals, especially during the low light morning and evening hours when they're most active.

Website

World's Largest Scale Model of the Solar System

World's Largest Scale Model of the Solar System

Built on the staggering scale of 1 to 93 million, the world's largest model of the solar system runs through the small town of Houlton and begins with the sun at the University of Maine's campus at Presque Isle. Many of the planets radiating out from that center can be visited from Route 1.  It's an interesting activity idea, especially for those with kids interested in stars, planets, and the cosmos. There'll be lots of exciting things to see and do along the way.  The model stretches over 40 miles and through some of the region's most quaint towns and beautiful scenery.

Website

Mt. Katahdin

Mt. Katahdin

Take a beautiful 50 mile drive to Baxter State Park - home to Mt. Katahdin.  Hike up any of the many scenic trails of Mt. Katahdin.  You may even see some wildlife like a Moose.  You won't regret it.

Website

Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum

Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum

The showcase of Aroostook County farming memorabilia

1664 US Highway #1

Littleton, ME 04730

207-538-9300

Website

The Maine Wine Trail - Hidden Spring Winery

The Maine Wine Trail - Hidden Spring Winery

The Maine Winery Guild invites you to travel along the Wine Trail, visit our tasting rooms, and sample wines and spirits we so proudly produce.  Also, look for Maine wines in select specialty stores

Open Thursday and Fridays - noon to 7:00 pm
Full Food Menu
Pizza on the grill
Wine and Beer

Please make a reservation in order to ensure we have adequate staff on hand.

1057 White Settlement Road

E. Hodgdon, ME 04730

207-532-0753

Website

Gifts from Maine

Gifts from Maine

Our gift shop is filled with unique one-of-a-kind gifts made from Maine crafters, antique sugaring and beekeeping displays.  Plus, Maine books for adults and children, lots of Maine food items and a few antiques.  A visit might have you sampling some freshly made maple candies or viewing how they are made from our viewing window.

Hours - Monday thru Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
             Saturday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

3315 US Route 2

Smyrna, ME 04780

207-757-7373

Website

Meduxnekeag River Trail

Meduxnekeag River Trail

Walkers, birders, fisherman, bicyclers, picnickers,skiers & explorers are welcome!  Get some exercise, enjoy nature and tread a riverside path used for thousands of years.  You may see eagles, moose, deer, osprey, bears and all manner of some game.  Motorized wheeled vehicles of any kind are prohibited.  Trail loop from Riverfront Park Trailhead is 3 miles.  Trail loop from Lincoln Street Trailhead is 2.2 miles.

Riverfront Park

Houlton, ME 04730

Black Fly Brewfest

Black Fly Brewfest

The New England States are home to an incredible number of microbreweries that have exploded onto the ever-popular beer scene in the last few years. If you'd like to have access to many of them in one convenient location, you'll want to check out the Black Fly Brewfest. Put on by Houlton's Chamber of Commerce, it is the perfect way to spend a few spring days sampling some of the tastiest beer around. Many of the fest's beer vendors are from Maine, and there is a huge variety to choose from, so there will be something that agrees with everybody's taste buds. The fest takes place on Randall Avenue in Houlton.

Website

Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race

Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race

For nearly four decades, the Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race has been a Houlton institution that takes place in early May. Featuring nearly 100 oar-wielding paddlers, the race's course spans almost 10 miles – from the riverfront in Houlton to New Limerick. To enjoy the pre-race festivities, follow the crowds and head to Riverfront Park on Main Street in Houlton. In addition to the race, there will be other activities, games, and giveaways; you'll definitely notice the town pride and sense of tradition in the air. The festivities usually last most of the day, and there are plenty of relaxing restaurants nearby too.

Website

Take a Canadian Micro-Brew Tour

Take a Canadian Micro-Brew Tour

Not to be outdone by their arrogant American neighbors to the south, the industrious beer lovers of Canada have created quite a microbrew scene in recent years that rivals that in the States. Rural Fredericton was for years the exclusive domain of mega-brewery produced beers that many found lacking in flavor, but those days are gone; now, the area is home to a large variety of craft brewers that churn out an astonishing variety of tasty beers. For those visiting for just a day or two, consider checking out The Snooty Fox, The Lunar Rogue, Graystone Brewing and James Joyce Pub.

Garrison District

Garrison District

Located in Fredericton's scenic and historic riverfront area, the Garrison District is home to a public park that's known for its outdoor summer concerts, movies, and historic tours.Another unique bit of history of the town is that it's the birthplace of the Canadian Army; the changing of the guards is one of the most impressive spectacles you're ever likely to see.The town of Fredericton is pedestrian-friendly and is filled with historic buildings, homes, shops, and eateries that are worth a look.It's the kind of town you could spend a day or two in and not get bored.

Maine Visitor Information Center

Maine Visitor Information Center

For such a rural area, many visitors find there are quite a lot of things to see and do; one of the best places to learn about many of them is at the Maine Visitor Information Center in Houlton.Located just off Interstate 95 Exit 302 on Ludlow Road, it's full of maps, brochures, and travel magazines that are full of ideas and coupons for activities, dining, and lodging.During the warm summer months, the area around Houlton comes alive with more activities than most visitors expect; many of them have been going on for years and are family friendly.

28 Ludlow Street

Houlton, ME 04730

207-532-6346

Fredericton City Hall

Fredericton City Hall

For those with a sense of adventure, a valid passport, and a relatively crime-free background, heading into nearby Canada is a great way to take your Maine vacation to a different level.Just across the border, the town of Fredericton's City Hall was built in the 1870s and is the oldest of its kind in the eastern portion of the country.Its traditional and stalwart design is similar to what you'll see in American cities and towns, and it lies on the scenic St. John River. The downtown area is fun and safe to explore and is home to other attractions, so read on.

Fredericton Lighthouse

Fredericton Lighthouse

Though young by scenic lighthouse standards, the Fredericton Lighthouse makes up for in beauty what it lacks in age.It was built in the late ‘80s with private money, was taken over by the municipality for a time, and is now run by a local hotel.In addition to its stunning design and location on the St. John River, it's one of the area's most visited and photographed icons, and one that's convenient to see.There's a café on site that's the perfect place to relax with an ice cream, beer, or cup of coffee appreciating the area's splendor.