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The ULTIMATE Guide to Presque Isle, Maine (2025) | Top Things to Do, Eat & Explore in Aroostook County

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • Aug 8, 2025
  • 5 min read


The ULTIMATE Guide to Presque Isle, Maine (2025) | Top Things to Do, Eat & Explore in Aroostook County

🌲 The ULTIMATE Guide to Presque Isle, Maine (2025) - Things to Do, Restaurants, Lodging & Local Attractions in Aroostook County

Looking for an unforgettable getaway off the beaten path? The ultimate guide to Presque Isle, Maine — is the "Hub of Aroostook County" — and it delivers a unique mix of stunning natural beauty, quirky roadside attractions, cozy local eateries, and four-season outdoor recreation.

Located just miles from the Canadian border, Presque Isle is Northern Maine's hidden gem and the perfect stop for a weekend trip or extended vacation. Whether you're chasing fall foliage, winter snow adventures, or summer lakeside serenity, Presque Isle welcomes you year-round.


🚴 Top Outdoor Things to Do in Presque Isle, ME


🌞 Maine Solar System Model

Explore the largest 3D scale model of the solar system in the Western Hemisphere. Start with the Sun and Jupiter installations right in downtown Presque Isle.


🌲 Aroostook State Park

Maine’s first official state park, featuring:

  • Hiking, biking & snowshoe trails

  • Campgrounds & picnic areas

  • Winter skiing and sledding

  • 📍 87 State Park Rd, Presque Isle, ME | (207) 768-8341


🎈 Double Eagle II Balloon Site

This peaceful 1-acre park honors the site of the first successful transatlantic hot air balloon flight in 1978.


⛷️ Nordic Heritage Outdoor Center

  • 20+ miles of cross-country skiing & biking trails

  • 25+ miles of hiking paths

  • 18-hole disc golf course

  • 📍 450 Fort Fairfield Rd, Presque Isle, ME | (207) 762-6972


🏌️‍♂️ Presque Isle Country Club

  • 18-hole championship course

  • Lounge, pro shop, restaurant

  • 📍 35 Parkhurst Siding Rd, Presque Isle, ME | (207) 764-0430


☃️ Indoor Attractions & Family Fun


📚 Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library

  • Local art galleries inside a historic Carnegie library

  • Sculpture, marble, and paintings on display

  • 📍 39 2nd St, Presque Isle, ME


🎳 Northern Lanes Bowling Alley

Classic candlepin bowling with 12 lanes and an old-school vibe.

📍 27 Chapman Rd, Presque Isle, ME | (207) 764-0130


🎬 Braden Theater

Retro-style theater with modern movies and charming character.

📍 33 North St, Presque Isle, ME


🦖 Northern Maine Museum of Science

Located at UMPI, this museum features dinosaur bones, bird displays, and a nature trail.


✈️ Presque Isle Air Museum

Small museum at the airport dedicated to local airfield history.

📍 650 Airport Dr, Presque Isle, ME


🍽️ Best Restaurants in Presque Isle


🦞 Governor’s Restaurant & Bakery

Home of the Maine lobster roll and all-day breakfast.

📍 350 Main St, Presque Isle, ME | (207) 764-3331


Diner classics, fresh baked goods, and a hearty Maine-style brunch.

📍 36 North St, Presque Isle, ME


Authentic, family-run Mexican food spot with unique weekly specials.

📍 157 Main St, Presque Isle, ME


Best known for giant breakfast platters and deli-style lunch.

📍 20 Riverside Dr, Presque Isle, ME


🥩 Rodney’s at 436 Main

Upscale dining inside the Northeastland Hotel, perfect for brunch or date night.


BBQ lovers will find pulled pork, brisket, and smoked turkey to die for.


🏕️ Where to Stay in Presque Isle


🏨 The Northeastland Hotel

Upscale, downtown hotel with modern rooms, pet-friendly floor, co-working space, and Rodney’s Restaurant.

📍 436 Main St, Presque Isle, ME


🌲 Arndt’s Aroostook River Lodge & Campground

Cabins, bunkhouses, and RV sites with kayak rentals, fishing, and winter snowshoeing.

📍 95 Parkhurst Siding Rd, Presque Isle, ME | (207) 764-8677


Budget-friendly, clean, and quiet. Microwave, fridge, cable TV & Wi-Fi

.📍 500 Main St, Presque Isle, ME


🏡 Vacation Rentals (search “Presque Isle, ME”)

Great options for families or long stays — from lakeside cabins to whole-home rentals.


🧭 Quick Facts About Presque Isle, Maine

  • 📍 Location: Central Aroostook County, Northern Maine

  • 👥 Population: ~9,500

  • 🛫 Airport: Presque Isle International Airport

  • 🎓 College: University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI)

  • ❄️ Climate: Snowy winters, mild summers, stunning fall foliage


🕰️ A Brief History

  • Settled: 1820s, originally called Fairbanks Mills

  • Incorporated: 1859 as “Presque Isle” (“almost an island” in French)

  • Economy: Known for potato harvesting, timber, and past railroad trade

  • Historic Events: Played a role in the Bloodless Aroostook War (1838)


🧳 Plan Your Visit to Presque Isle ME Today!

Whether you're a foodie, hiker, history buff, or just need to unwind in a peaceful, scenic town, Presque Isle offers everything you want from a Maine vacation — without the crowds.


✅ 4-season outdoor recreation

✅ Family-friendly museums and indoor fun

✅ Local eats and cozy inns

✅ Easy access to the Canadian border


Start planning today — and explore the true heart of Aroostook County.

🔗 Local Tourism Info: VisitAroostook.com

📍 Google Maps: Presque Isle, ME


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? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:

  • 🛶 Boating & paddling routes

  • 🎣 Fishing hotspots

  • 🏕️ Wilderness camping sites

  • 🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks

  • 🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations


  • 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!


Looking at a moose at the top of Mt Kineo from Moose River









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