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Skowhegan, Maine: Where Fun is Always in Season – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

Eat first. Ken’s Family Restaurant runs the wood-fired oven, the lobster rolls and the fried clams. The Bankery does the cakes and pastries, and Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream will show you round the factory. Bigelow Brewing pours the beer on an outdoor patio. The river, the mountain and the fair are all still there afterwards, and you will walk them a good deal better fed.

Welcome to Skowhegan, Maine. If you want a trip that gives you something back, you have come to the right place. Skowhegan is a small town running plenty to keep you busy. Whether you came for time outdoors, for the food, or for the historical landmarks, Skowhegan has your version.

One of the strongest things to do in Skowhegan is to get onto the town’s water. The Kennebec River runs through Skowhegan and gives you kayaking, fishing and swimming. If you want something slower, take a walk along the river’s edge and let the country do the work.

Key Takeaways

• Skowhegan, Maine offers a variety of activities for everyone.
• Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, delicious food, or historical landmarks, Skowhegan has something for you.
• Don’t miss out on Skowhegan’s water adventures, culinary delights, and unique experiences.

Dive into Skowhegan’s Water Adventures

Are you ready to get onto the water in Skowhegan? With the waterways it runs, this small town in Maine gives you plenty of room for it. Here are our favorite ways to get wet:

Kennebec River Excursions

The Kennebec River draws people for fishing, boating and swimming. But why settle for one when you can take them all on a Kennebec River excursion? Join a guided tour and work the river while casting for trout, bass and other fish. Or, if you want a slower pace, rent a kayak or canoe and paddle your way down. And if you are feeling adventurous, why not try white-water rafting? The Kennebec River runs some of the strongest rapids in Maine, with Class III and IV rapids that get your heart going.

Wesserunsett Lake Escapades

If you want a slower day on the water, head to Wesserunsett Lake. This lake suits swimming, boating and fishing. Pack a picnic and spend the day on the sandy beach, or rent a boat and work the lake’s coves and inlets. And if the day goes your way, cast a line and try for some of the lake’s famous landlocked salmon.

Whichever water day you want, Skowhegan has it. So grab your swimsuit, your sunscreen and your sense of adventure, and get in.

Parks and Outdoor Activities

If you want outdoor time in Skowhegan, you are in luck. There are parks and outdoor activities here to keep you going.

Fun at Coburn Park

Coburn Park works for a picnic or a game of frisbee with friends. The park runs plenty of space to spread out and take the sun. If you want something more active, there is a playground for kids and a basketball court for a game. And bring your dog, because Coburn Park takes them.

Hiking Trails and More

If you are up for a walk, Skowhegan runs plenty of hiking trails. Head over to the Kennebec River Rail Trail for a walk or a bike ride along the river. If you want something harder, take the climb up Eaton Mountain, which opens out over the surrounding country. And if you follow winter sports, the trails at Eaton Mountain take cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Snow Adventures

Speaking of winter sports, Skowhegan suits a snowy day. If you ski downhill, head over to Sugarloaf Mountain for some of the strongest skiing in Maine. And if you want something lower-key, check out the snowmobile trails in the area. There is nothing quite like running the snow-covered woods on a snowmobile.

So there you have it, plenty of parks and outdoor activities to keep you busy in Skowhegan. A slow picnic or something with more edge to it, Skowhegan covers both.

Savor Skowhegan’s Culinary Delights

On food, Skowhegan, Maine runs a great deal. From wood-fired pizza to craft beers, you will find something that settles you. Here are the places to take Skowhegan’s culinary delights:

Pizza and More at Local Restaurants

Looking for a proper slice? Head to Skowhegan’s local pizza joints. You find everything from classic pepperoni to toppings nobody else runs, lobster and bacon among them. And try the wood-fired pizza oven at Ken’s Family Restaurant. The crust comes out crisp under the cheese.

Craft Beers at Bigelow Brewing Co.

If you drink beer, do not miss Bigelow Brewing Co. This local brewery runs a range of craft beers, from IPAs to stouts. Take a cold one on the outdoor patio or tour the facility. You might even meet the brewers themselves.

Snacks and Desserts to Die For

Got a sweet tooth? Skowhegan runs plenty of options. Take a homemade dessert at The Bankery, known for its cakes and pastries. Or stop by Snack Shack for classic American snacks such as hot dogs and fries. And try the fried clams and fried scallops, which are the reason people come back.

Pizza, beer or something sweet, Skowhegan runs it all. So why not take a bit more than you meant to? You will not regret it.

Historical Landmarks and Museums

If you are a history buff, Skowhegan runs plenty. Here are the historical landmarks and museums to check out:

Margaret Chase Smith Library

You cannot talk about Skowhegan’s history without mentioning Margaret Chase Smith. This former senator was the first woman to serve in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Her political papers and memorabilia sit at the Margaret Chase Smith Library, which is open to the public. Tour the archive and learn the life and legacy of this politician.

Skowhegan History House Museum

For a broader look at Skowhegan’s history, head to the Skowhegan History House Museum. This museum sits inside a historic home and runs exhibits on everything from the town’s Native American heritage to its industrial past. You also find artifacts and photographs that put Skowhegan’s history in front of you.

Touring the Historic Downtown

Skowhegan’s historic downtown earns the stop for anybody interested in the town’s past. Take a stroll down Water Street and you see historic homes and buildings. The downtown is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so you know what you are getting. If you want a closer look at the town’s history, consider hiring a tour guide to walk you round.

Politics, architecture, or simply Skowhegan’s past for its own sake, these historical landmarks and museums will settle it.

Nothing here is hard until you get to the river itself. The Kennebec runs Class III and IV rapids, and the gorge trail goes further again than any of that. Eaton Mountain climbs. Coburn Park is flat grass and a basketball court, and the apple orchards ask nothing of you at all.

Skowhegan’s Community Events

Looking for community events to attend in Skowhegan? You are in luck. This town runs plenty through the year to keep you going. Here are our favorites:

Summer Concerts at the Park

If you love live music, do not miss the Summer Concerts at the Park. This series runs every summer in Coburn Park and features local musicians. Bring a blanket and a picnic basket and take an evening of music under the stars. And if you are feeling adventurous, get up and dance.

Skowhegan State Fair Fun

The Skowhegan State Fair is the oldest continuously running state fair in the entire country. This annual event runs every August and features all the classic fair activities you know, carnival rides, live music and fair food among them. But the Skowhegan State Fair also runs activities nobody else has, such as the demolition derby and the horse pulling competition. So come down and take it for yourself.

River Fest Celebrations

Every June, Skowhegan marks the Kennebec River with the River Fest Celebrations. This event runs a range of activities, a canoe race, a fishing derby and a parade among them. But the high point of the River Fest is the fireworks display over the river. So grab a lawn chair and head down to the riverbank for it.

So there you have it, the community events in Skowhegan worth the trip. Live music, fair days or river celebrations, Skowhegan runs all three. So mark your calendar and get ready for it.

Unique Skowhegan Experiences

Looking for something in Skowhegan you will not get elsewhere? Here are the activities that make the trip stick.

A Night at the Skowhegan Drive-In

What is better than catching a movie under the stars? The Skowhegan Drive-In is where to do it. Grab some popcorn, park your car and settle in for the evening. With a range of movies playing, there is bound to be one that suits. And if the timing is right, you might catch a special screening of the classic “Dumbo” movie.

Apple Picking Adventures

Looking for something the whole family can do? Apple picking in Skowhegan is the answer. With plenty of orchards to choose from, you have your pick of the crop. Spend the day picking apples, taking the air and letting the country work on you. And when you are done, take the haul home and make apple pies out of it.

Antique Hunting in Somerset County

If you follow antiques, Skowhegan is where to be. Somerset County holds some of the stronger antique shops in the state. Spend the day working through the pieces and the finds nobody else has. You never know what turns up.

So there you have it, experiences you can only take in Skowhegan. A night out, a family day, or a shopping run, Skowhegan covers all of them.

Accommodations in Skowhegan

If you are planning a trip to Skowhegan, Maine, you will need somewhere to rest your head after a long day out. Luckily, Skowhegan runs a range of accommodation to fit any budget and any preference.

Cozy Stays at Local Motels

If you want something cheaper, Skowhegan runs local motels offering comfortable and affordable stays. The Belmont Hotel is a popular choice for travelers after clean and quiet rooms. With fair rates and an easy location, it works for anybody watching the budget.

Rustic Rentals Off the Beaten Path

If you want something you will not get elsewhere, Skowhegan runs rustic rentals away from the main road. These give you a chance to drop off the grid and take the country of Maine. You can rent a cabin near Lake Wesserunsett where you can fish, kayak and hike. Or you can rent a rustic cottage in the woods where you can sit still in a quiet setting.

Whatever kind of accommodation you are after, Skowhegan runs it. A comfortable motel or a rustic rental away from the road, you will find somewhere to rest your head after a long day out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I experience Skowhegan’s rich history?

Skowhegan is steeped in history, and there are plenty of ways to take it. You can visit the Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center, where you find artifacts, heirloom gardens and period furnishings. You can also take a stroll through the Skowhegan Historic District, which runs well-preserved 19th-century architecture. And if you are feeling adventurous, you can follow in the footsteps of Benedict Arnold and his troops by hiking the Arnold Trail.

What are some hidden gems in Skowhegan that tourists often miss?

While Skowhegan is not the best-known destination in the state, there is plenty here that people walk past. One is Bigelow Brewing Company, where you can take craft beers made from locally sourced ingredients. Another is the Eaton Mountain Ski Area, which runs skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer.

What’s the best way to explore Skowhegan’s natural beauty?

Skowhegan runs a great deal of open country, and the way to take it is on foot. The Kennebec River Gorge Trail is a popular option, opening out over the river and the wilderness around it. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, you can also try whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River, which runs some class IV and V rapids.

Are there any unique cultural experiences to be had in Skowhegan?

Skowhegan holds a working arts community, and there are cultural experiences here you will not get elsewhere. The Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture is an institution known well beyond this state and draws artists from around the globe. The Skowhegan State Fair, held annually in August, also earns the stop, running everything from carnival rides to livestock shows.

Where can I find the best food and drinks in Skowhegan?

Skowhegan may be a small town, but it is not short on flavor. The Bankery is a local favorite for baked goods, while The Miller’s Table is known for its farm-to-table cooking. For a taste of Maine’s famous seafood, head to Ken’s Family Restaurant, where you find everything from lobster rolls to fried clams. And if you want a drink, check out Bigelow Brewing Company or T&B’s Outback Tavern.

What are some fun and unusual activities to try in Skowhegan?

Skowhegan keeps turning things up, and there are activities here you will not have tried. You can tour the Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream factory, where you learn the history of this Maine institution and taste some of their flavors. You can also try your hand at axe throwing at the Maine Axe & Saw Company, or take a scenic hot air balloon ride with Maine Balloon Rides.

Frequently asked questions about Skowhegan, Maine

Where exactly do you go and eat when you are out there in Skowhegan itself, then?

Ken’s Family Restaurant for the wood-fired pizza, the lobster rolls and all the fried clams they run there. The Bankery for the cakes. Farm-to-table. Bigelow Brewing and T&B’s Outback Tavern both handle the whole drinking side of things.

Which one of the Skowhegan museums is actually worth a whole hour of your time?

The Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center, for the artifacts, the heirloom gardens and all the period furnishings held in there. Her political papers are there. The Skowhegan Historic District is 19th-century architecture and it costs nothing at all to walk around it. Water Street.

What is there actually to go and do out on the Wesserunsett Lake itself, then?

Swimming, boating and fishing, with a sandy beach there to lie down on as well. Landlocked salmon are what people cast for out there in that lake. You can rent a boat and go and work the coves and the inlets all over it. The Kennebec River is the harder water, with Class III and IV rapids running the whole way down the length of it.

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