Moosehead Lake Area News & Activities

🎣 Moosehead Lake Ice Fishing Derbies 2026: Dates, Prizes & Winter Fun in Maine’s North Woods Moosehead Lake, Maine’s largest lake and one of New England’s premier winter fishing destinations, is set to host two highly anticipated ice fishing derbies in 2026 . From competitive lake trout fishing to community-driven events that celebrate Maine’s outdoor heritage, these derbies offer anglers of all skill levels a reason to head north this winter. Surrounded by pristine wilderne

Big Moose Mountain Ski Area & Winter Adventures in the Moosehead Lake Region, Maine Nestled in the heart of Maine’s North Woods, the Moosehead Lake region delivers some of the most authentic, affordable, and scenic winter recreation in New England. At the center of it all is Big Moose Mountain Ski Area (formerly Big Squaw Mountain), a beloved community-run ski hill that has been offering unforgettable lake-view skiing for more than 60 years . With downhill skiing, snowboardi

New Year’s Eve Near Moosehead Lake, Maine (2025–2026): Cozy Lodge Parties, Live Music & North Woods Celebrations If you’re dreaming of a New Year’s Eve celebration filled with crackling fires, live local music, and classic Maine hospitality , the Moosehead Lake region delivers a refreshingly cozy alternative to crowded city parties. While larger countdowns take place in Bangor and along the coast, ringing in the New Year near Moosehead Lake is all about rustic lodge vibes, p

Maine New Year’s Eve Traditions: Quirky Drops, First Sunrise & Winter Celebrations When it comes to ringing in the New Year, Maine does things differently . Across the state, the traditional Times Square ball drop is replaced with sardines, blueberries, clams, lobsters, and even beach balls—each reflecting the town’s heritage, industry, or coastal culture. Add in polar plunges, bonfires, folk dancing, and the first sunrise in the United States , and it’s easy to see why Maine

Best New Year’s Eve Parties in Northern & Central Maine (2026 Guide) As New Year’s Eve approaches, Northern and Central Maine come alive with festive celebrations that blend small‑town charm, lively nightlife, outdoor winter fun, and family‑friendly traditions. From Bangor’s high‑energy downtown countdowns to quirky coastal drops in Eastport and fireworks at Maine ski resorts, this region offers unforgettable ways to ring in 2026 . Whether you’re looking for DJs and dancing,

The Best New Year's Eve Parties in Maine for 2026: Ultimate Celebration Guide As the clock ticks down to midnight on December 31, 2026 , Maine comes alive with festive energy, snowy landscapes, and some of the most memorable New Year’s Eve parties in the Northeast. Whether you’re craving high-energy nightclub vibes in Portland, family-friendly festivities with fireworks and live music, or a cozy coastal dinner followed by a midnight toast, Maine delivers celebration options f

Winter Adventures in Moosehead Lake, Greenville & Rockwood, Maine: Snowmobiling, Ice Fishing, Dog Sledding, & More Discover the ultimate winter wonderland in Greenville and Rockwood, Maine , located in the heart of the scenic Moosehead Lake region . From snow-covered trails to frozen lakes, these towns offer an unforgettable mix of outdoor adventures, family fun, and adrenaline-pumping winter sports. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature enthusiast, or planning a cozy get

Discover The Magic: Best Winter Towns in Northern Maine for Snowy Adventures Who needs summer? When winter arrives, Maine transforms into a snow lover’s haven—wide-open trails, frosted forests, and welcoming towns built for cold-weather fun. As travel writer Paul Theroux famously noted, “Maine is a joy in the summer, but the soul of Maine is more apparent in the winter.” From snowmobiling and alpine skiing to snowshoeing, dog sledding, and ice fishing, Maine’s winter towns

Top Fat Biking Trails in Maine: Ultimate Winter Riding Guide Fat biking has exploded in popularity in Maine as an exciting way to explore snowy trails, forests, and backcountry during the winter months. With wide tires that float over packed snow, fat bikes allow riders to access trails often shared with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, creating a unique winter experience that blends fitness, adventure, and scenic beauty, so experience the top Fat Biking trails in Maine.

Snow Tubing in Maine: Top Must-Visit Snow Tubing Parks This Winter There’s a reason snow tubing has become one of Maine’s most popular winter activities. Combining the carefree joy of sledding with the heart-pounding rush of a roller coaster ride, snow tubing in Maine delivers high-energy fun for families, friends, and winter adventurers of all ages . With scenic landscapes, groomed lanes, lifts, and winter-ready facilities, Maine offers some of the best snow tubing experien

Top Snowmobiling Destinations in Maine: Trail Towns, Services & Planning Info Snowmobiling in Maine is built around its destination trail towns —communities designed to welcome riders with direct ITS access, fuel, lodging, dining, rentals, and repairs. Each region offers a distinct riding experience, from wide-open wilderness to mountain terrain and frozen lakes. Jackman & Moose River Region Known As: The Snowmobiling Capital of Maine Jackman consistently ranks as one of the

Unleash Winter Thrills: Northern Maine Snowmobiling Guide Trail Itineraries, Rentals, Tips & Legendary North Woods Riding Every winter, snowmobilers from across New England and Canada head north to experience what many consider the best snowmobiling in the Northeast — Northern Maine . With thousands of miles of impeccably groomed trails , deep snowpack, and vast wilderness scenery, Maine delivers an unmatched snowmobiling experience that blends adventure, freedom, and pure w

Rockwood Maine: The Heart of Moosehead Lake for Winter Fun Set along the western shoreline of Maine’s largest lake, Rockwood, Maine is where the spirit of the North Woods truly comes alive. Often referred to as “The Heart of Moosehead Lake,” Rockwood offers unmatched access to iconic landmarks, four-season outdoor adventure, and authentic Maine culture—without the crowds. From dramatic mountain views and historic sporting camps to legendary trails and quirky roadside attrac

Experience the Thrill of Dog Sledding Adventures & Winter Tours in the Maine Highlands Few winter experiences compare to the exhilaration of dog sledding in the Maine Highlands. Picture yourself gliding across a frozen lake or winding forest trail, snow-dusted evergreens towering overhead, while an eager team of huskies powers your sled through Maine’s pristine backcountry. Rooted in centuries of northern tradition, dog sledding—also known as mushing —offers a rare combinatio

Holiday Tours at the Tate House Museum & Gift Shop (Dec 14–20, 2025) A Colonial Christmas Experience in Portland, Maine Step back in time this holiday season at the historic Tate House Museum in Portland, Maine—one of New England’s most extraordinary examples of pre-Revolutionary architecture. From December 14–20, 2025 , visitors can enjoy daily holiday tours , seasonal storytelling, and a charming Colonial Gift Shop filled with unique, locally crafted items. Whether you're

🎅 Santa Sunday 2025 at Sunday River – Maine’s Most Iconic Holiday Ski Tradition Get ready for one of Maine’s most beloved and visually spectacular winter traditions— Santa Sunday 2025 at Sunday River . Every December, more than 250 fully costumed Santas  descend upon the slopes, turning the resort into a magical sea of red-and-white holiday cheer. With stunning mountain backdrops, joyful antics, and a parade of skiing Santas gliding down the mountain, this event has become a

The 40th Annual Wells Christmas Parade (2025) A Beloved Maine Coastal Holiday Tradition The Wells Christmas Parade—one of the most cherished holiday events on the Southern Maine Coast —returns for its 40th anniversary celebration on Sunday, December 14, 2025 , bringing festive magic, glowing floats, community pride, and holiday cheer to thousands of spectators. Hosted by the Wells Chamber of Commerce , this milestone parade promises to be bigger, brighter, and more magical t

Moon Lantern Forest 2025–2026: Maine’s Most Magical Illuminated Trail Walk Returns An Enchanted Lantern Walk Through Hobbit Houses, Elven Villages & Winter Lights — A Family Favorite Event in Lebanon, Maine Looking for a truly magical New England experience this fall and winter? Step into the Moon Lantern Forest 2025–2026 , a dazzling illuminated trail walk where glowing lanterns, whimsical fantasy structures, and holiday lights come to life beneath the Maine night sky. Hoste

🌲 Best Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides in Maine (2025 Guide) - Experience the Magic Winter in Maine feels straight out of a snow-globe—and there’s no better way to experience its timeless magic than with an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh rides in Maine . Picture this: the gentle jingle of sleigh bells, the soft crunch of snow beneath powerful draft horses, and the serene beauty of Maine’s snow-covered forests and rolling fields. Whether you’re planning a romantic winter date, a c

🎄 Maine’s First Ship Holiday Gift Sale & Author Signing 2025: A Festive Local Shopping Event in Bath, Maine Looking for one of the best holiday shopping events in Maine ? The Maine’s First Ship Holiday Gift Sale & Author Signing Event returns on December 13, 2025 , offering a charming, local, community-focused celebration perfect for holiday shoppers, book lovers, and history fans. Conveniently timed with Bath’s Downtown Day and the Bath Farmers Market , this festive morni