Presque Isle is the commercial and cultural hub of Aroostook County — The County — Maine’s vast northern frontier. Set amid rolling potato fields and bordered by the Aroostook River, Presque Isle is a welcoming small city with an authentic Maine character that’s increasingly rare. The University of Maine at Presque Isle anchors a surprisingly active arts and events scene, while the surrounding landscape offers world-class snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and ATV riding. In summer, the region’s farm stands overflow with some of the finest produce in the state.
Highlights
- University of Maine at Presque Isle
- Aroostook State Park
- Nordic Heritage Center
- Crown of Maine Balloon Festival
- Aroostook River Trail
Best Restaurants in Presque Isle, Maine
Presque Isle has a solid dining scene for a small northern Maine city. Pat’s Pizza is a beloved Maine chain with a location in Presque Isle — a go-to for casual dining. The city also has a growing selection of local restaurants and cafes reflecting the diverse community that the University of Maine at Presque Isle brings to the region.
Best Hotels in Presque Isle, Maine
Presque Isle offers comfortable accommodations for visitors to Aroostook County. The Hampton Inn offers reliable chain hotel accommodations with modern amenities. The Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center is the largest full-service hotel in The County, with comfortable rooms and a convenient downtown location.
Things to Do in Presque Isle, Maine
Aroostook State Park is Maine’s first state park and one of the gems of the region, with hiking on Quaggy Jo Mountain and swimming and canoeing on Echo Lake. The Nordic Heritage Center is a world-class cross-country skiing and biathlon facility that hosts national competitions and offers exceptional skiing through the rolling Aroostook landscape. The Aroostook River Trail offers cycling, walking, and skiing along the scenic river valley. Each summer the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival fills the skies with colorful hot air balloons.
Presque Isle in Winter
Aroostook County is a winter wonderland and Presque Isle is at its heart. The region receives heavy snowfall and the Nordic Heritage Center maintains exceptional groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The ITS snowmobile trail system runs through the area with hundreds of miles of groomed trails connecting communities across The County. Ice fishing, hunting, and dogsledding are all popular winter pursuits in the Presque Isle area.
Aroostook County Agriculture
Presque Isle sits in the heart of one of the most productive agricultural regions in the northeastern United States. Aroostook County produces the majority of Maine’s famous potato crop, and the rolling fields stretching to the horizon are one of the defining landscapes of northern Maine. In summer and fall, local farm stands offer exceptional produce including potatoes, broccoli, and grain. The agricultural heritage of The County is celebrated at numerous local events throughout the year.
Getting to Presque Isle
Presque Isle is served by the Presque Isle International Airport with flights connecting to Boston. By car, it is approximately 3.5 hours north of Bangor via I-95 and Route 1. The drive north through Aroostook County offers stunning views of the rolling potato fields and forests of Maine’s vast northern frontier.
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