Explore Houlton, Maine: The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Adventures, Small-Town Charm & Borderland Travel
- Gerry Caron
- Jun 22
- 5 min read
🌲 The ULTIMATE Guide to Houlton, Maine: The Gateway to Aroostook County & Endless Adventure
Welcome to Houlton, Maine – affectionately known as “The Shiretown” and “The End of the Road” at the northernmost point of I-95. But here, the end is just the beginning of year-round outdoor adventure, small-town charm, rich history, and international access to New Brunswick, Canada—just 4 miles away.
If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Aroostook County, whether you're into hiking, snowmobiling, paddling, or just soaking up small-town vibes, this is your sign to add Houlton to your Maine bucket list.
🚴♀️ Outdoor Things to Do in Houlton, Maine
🛶 Meduxnekeag River Trail & Race
Follow the serene 3-mile Meduxnekeag River Trail through lush forests, riverbanks, and into downtown via the Gateway Crossing Bridge. In May, paddle the 9-mile Meduxnekeag River Canoe & Kayak Race—a beloved springtime tradition!
🚜 Southern Bangor & Aroostook Trail
This 40-mile four-season trail begins in Houlton and stretches to Presque Isle. Join the Aroostook Riders ATV Club to explore scenic snowmobile routes in winter or foliage rides in fall.
🪐 Maine Solar System Model – Visit Pluto
Did you know Pluto lives in Houlton? The Maine Solar System Model stretches 100 miles and ends here with a to-scale version of Pluto. It’s the largest 3D solar system model in the Western Hemisphere.
🚣 Nickerson Lake & Crescent Park
Launch your boat, hike the forested trails, or go ice fishing in the winter at Nickerson Lake, just minutes from town. It’s a favorite for generations of Mainers and newcomers alike.
🍎 Sunnyside Family Farm
Just 10 miles from town, Sunnyside Family Farm offers U-pick wild blueberries, apples, raspberries, and more. Discover local maple syrup farms and Christmas tree farms throughout the region.
🏙️ Indoor Attractions & Local Culture
🖼️ Aroostook County Historical & Art Museum
Uncover fascinating stories of Houlton's past, from devastating fires to POW camps. The museum is a treasure trove of regional history and WWII facts.
🎭 Temple Theater
Since 1919, this historic theater has shown the best of cinema. A true local landmark, Temple Theater has survived the decades and still thrives today with the latest movies.
🛍️ Market Square & Community Market
Stroll the quaint streets of Market Square where shops, eateries, and seasonal markets await. From crafts to produce, this is the heartbeat of Houlton’s downtown.
💧 Boy with the Leaking Boot Statue
Only about two dozen of these statues exist worldwide, and Houlton is home to one! Visit Pierce Park and snap a photo with this mysterious and philanthropic symbol of local pride.
🌄 Nearby Natural Wonders
🏞️ Baxter State Park
Just 1.5 hours away, Baxter offers 209,000+ acres of wilderness, waterfalls, and the iconic Mt. Katahdin—Maine’s highest peak and the northern end of the Appalachian Trail.
🌌 Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument
Neighboring Baxter, this 87,000-acre International Dark Sky Park is a prime spot to view stars, auroras, and untouched Maine wilderness.
💦 Gulf Hagas – Maine’s Grand Canyon
A rugged hike rewards you with waterfalls, gorge walls, and pristine swimming holes. Gulf Hagas is a bucket list item for any serious adventurer.
🇨🇦 Visit Woodstock, New Brunswick
Just 12 miles from Houlton, cross into Canada to explore Woodstock, NB – the oldest town in the province, with riverside beauty, shops, and walkable historic streets.
✅ Tip: Bring your passport to cross into Canada. Even minor infractions on your record can delay entry.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Houlton, Maine
🥩 The Vault Restaurant
Fine dining in a renovated bank. Try the Vault Burger, local seafood, or desserts like the Strawberry Bomb.
🍕 Market Pizza
A local staple for pizza lovers! Order by the slice or go all in on a Reuben Pizza or BBQ Chicken Nacho Pie. Don’t forget the whoopie pie for dessert!
🐖 ShireWood Smokehouse Southern BBQ
Smoked low and slow, the BBQ at ShireWood will have you coming back for seconds. Think burnt ends, brisket, and Southern sides.
🥓 Big Stop Restaurant
Fuel up with Canadian-style bacon lover’s poutine or classic diner breakfasts at this beloved truck stop eatery.
🍦 Houlton Dairy Bar
You can’t visit Houlton without stopping here. Try a thick shake, maple walnut hard ice cream, or the iconic Shiretown Cooler.
📍 Fun Facts About Houlton, Maine
Population: ~6,000
Incorporated: 1831
Native Land: Originally home to the Maliseet Tribe
Transportation Hub: Junction of U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 2
WWII History: Houlton Army Air Base served as a POW Camp
Nickname: “The Shiretown” of Aroostook County
📞 Plan Your Trip to Houlton, Maine
Town of Houlton21 Water Street, Houlton, ME 04730
📞 (207) 532-7111
Explore more things to do, places to stay, and travel guides at
🔖 Final Thoughts
Whether you're paddling the Meduxnekeag, hiking remote trails, or simply enjoying a cone from the Dairy Bar, Houlton, Maine is a place where the rugged beauty of the north meets small-town hospitality.
What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions
Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.
Want more insider tips?
Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.
🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure
Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:
Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7
Free WiFi & TV
Backup Generator
Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs
Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails
Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports
Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.
Ultimate Outdoor Getaway
With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.
Book Your Stay
Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
It's not just “the end of the road”—it’s the start of your next Maine adventure.
