7 Best Lakeside Towns in Maine
Do you wish you could kick back and enjoy a nice lakeside view while letting all that work stress melt away? The northeastern state of Maine is known for having some of the best lakeside views across the United States. The Pine Tree State has always been one of untamed natural beauty, but before that, the territory that is now Maine was originally inhabited by Algonquian-speaking Wabanaki peoples. Summers are quite pleasant in Vacationland, though Maine is usually on the cooler side. Nowadays, travelers can enjoy places like Acadia National Park, visit Maine's lighthouses and coastal towns, and indulge in the state's infamous lobster and seafood. You will not find a better getaway than these towns and their tranquil lakes!
Belgrade Lakes
You can find Belgrade Lakes between Great Pond and Long Pond and what a spot it is! The town hosts a seasonal farmers' market and is known for having one of the best golf clubs in the U.S. The real treat, however, is Belgrade Peninsula Park, which is absolutely worth a picnic. However, the entirety of the town is its own lakeside park. From the east of town, you can see Hersom Point and Long Point, and it is highly recommended to go boating if you are to truly experience the beauty here. If not, the Belgrade Lakes Historical Society, located south of town, can provide insight into the region’s early settlement. Belgrade Lakes also offers many great spots around the coast, making it an ideal destination for anglers at every turn.
Rangeley
Surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, Rangeley is situated near Rangeley Lake, a gorgeous place for boating and fishing. The town hosts the annual Rangeley Blueberry Festival to celebrate the town’s agricultural history every August, and it also has its timber industry. Visitors can check out the Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum for more information if that is of interest. There is also a museum dedicated to the late doctor Wilhelm Reich—the Wilhelm Reich Museum. The Saddleback Mountain ski resort is just 15 minutes away, but you would be remiss if you did not explore the Kennebago 3000 Conservation Area. This town also features several ponds, including Quimby Pond and Round Pond, where visitors can rest and relax.
Greenville
If you were looking for the biggest body of water, Greenville is near the largest lake in all of Maine! This town rests on the southern tip of Moosehead Lake and is home to the Katahdin steamboat. That means you can book seasonal cruises around the lake or enjoy this attraction at your own pace. If swimming is more your speed, however, Red Cross Beach is a convenient way to do it. On land, there are also many options if you're only interested in the view. The Moosehead Marine Museum, for instance, keeps the region’s steamboating history.
Naples
Naples is perfectly placed near two lakes brimming with seasonal events: Long Lake and Sebago Lake. These lakes are connected via the Songo River, and the best way to learn about this incredible landscape is aboard the Songo River Queen II, a paddle-wheeler replica that offers narrated cruises! The area is part of Maine’s Sebago Lake State Park network. Indeed, there are many bodies of water here, including Trickey Pond, which is perfect for either boating, fishing, or just good old-fashioned picnicking. Make sure not to miss the Naples Causeway. Taking a cruise there guarantees you’ll see the iconic “Bridge on Naples Causeway,” along with nearby local restaurants like Beacon Bar & Bistro and others.
Harrison
Long Lake is a famous name in these parts; it is a great spot for rest and relaxation. Harrison is just on the eastern shore of Long Lake and offers excellent boating and fishing opportunities. The Memory Lane Event Center LLC, south of the Gateway Marina, is where all the major events take place, and the marina itself is great for renting boats and exploring all the options for maritime recreation. This town is also home to Scribner’s Mill, a preserved sawmill offering demonstration tours. Passing by Crooked River Forest - Intervale is also an excellent stop to check out along the way.
Winthrop
On the shores of Maranacook Lake sits the town of Winthrop. As massive as it is majestic, this community also borders Annabessacook Lake and offers a wide range of options to visitors. There is nothing quite like lakeside parks; Norcross Point should be your first stop, followed by a visit to Sully's Tavern. If it is a bit of history you are interested in, however, the Bailey Public Library dates back to 1916 and currently serves as a community hub. Speaking of culture, the Monmouth Theater is just 10 minutes away, and you are in for a treat if you enjoy Shakespearean performances! Finally, some fresh produce can be found at Annabessacook Farm—a nearby working farm offering tours.
Bridgton
A good deal of lakes and ponds surround Bridgton. Located along Highland Lake with some incredible mountain views in the distance, this small town is a great destination for hikers, campers, and anglers. You could enjoy some peace and quiet at Highland Lake Beach, or, if you are feeling adventurous, try camping near Woods Pond. There is a children’s camp and a small dock nearby, and Woods Pond Beach is always a safe option, but the number of places where you could set up your own camp is as numerous as the rivers here. The famous Pondicherry Park is also a great option if 66 acres of walking trails near the downtown area is something that interests you.
Maritime recreation always holds a special place in every tourist’s heart. There is just something about the seas and lakes that exudes a sense of peace and calm. Nowhere is that feeling more true than in Maine; the largely untouched wildlife and vast landscape feel roomy and welcoming, much like the towns and their great seafaring people and maritime communities. Whether you like the fast-paced action of a jet ski or the gentle paddles of a fishing boat, Maine has something for everyone, holding a diverse range of water- and land-based activities to suit your preferences.
