Fort Fairfield, Maine Vacation Guide
Fort Fairfield, Maine sits on the banks of the Aroostook River.
Attractions | Events | Recreation | Lodging & Dining | Directory | Map
Fort Fairfield, a town of just over 3,000 people, is found on the eastern border of Maine abutting New Brunswick. The town features breathtaking scenery with rolling hills and lush farmland. In addition to its interesting historical and cultural attractions, Fort Fairfield is a popular destination for outdoor recreation.
Attractions
Many visitors to Fort Fairfield enjoy the opportunity to learn more about Amish culture. Horse-drawn carriages are a common sight on backcountry roads as the Amish community extends from Fort Fairfield to nearby Easton. These Amish families produce handmade furniture and woodcrafts of unparalleled quality, which are available for sale at several specialty stores in the area. They also sell fresh organic produce at the Fort Fairfield Community Market as well as small roadside stands throughout the area.
Military history buffs will enjoy a trip to the Blockhouse Museum. The museum is a 1976 replica of the original blockhouse structure. It contains memorabilia and artifacts from the 1839 Aroostook War, a nonviolent conflict between the United States and the United Kingdom over the Maine-Canada border. Although the disagreement was settled before blood was shed, it was an important event in Aroostook County history. The museum is open seasonally; call 207-472-3802 for more information about hours and availability.
The Railroad Museum features a vintage locomotive and railcars. Located at the old Bangor and Aroostook yard in Fort Fairfield, the museum offers rides on its motor cars. Visit the museum to look at the recently refurbished sleeping and dining car, where passengers would sit to eat gourmet dinners as they travelled through the Maine countryside. A historic machinery display near the museum demonstrates the horse-drawn equipment used in local agricultural production during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
In 1904, there were 26 small schools listed in the public registry. The only remaining schoolhouse is the McIntosh School, constructed in 1848. The building was originally used as a school, meeting house, church, and venue for social gatherings. The original blackboards are still in place at the front of the classroom, and small privy compartments remain. The school building was relocated from its original site to a position near the Railroad Museum.
Major Events
One of Fort Fairfield’s biggest claims to fame is its annual Potato Blossom Festival. Held in mid-July, the festival celebrates the blossoming of local potato plants. The nine-day festival features a variety of fun events, from Farmer Olympics to road races, river races, and mashed potato wrestling. The highlight of the festival is the enormous parade, held on the third Saturday in July. Founded in 1937, the Potato Blossom Festival is one of the oldest festivals in Maine. Watch the crowning of the Maine Potato Blossom Queen or the antique tractor pull before enjoying the fireworks show over the Aroostook River. There are dozens of events to enjoy at this festival, which many consider the best in the state.
Outdoor Recreation
The International Appalachian Trail passes through Fort Fairfield on its way from Mount Katahdin to Crow Head in Newfoundland and Labrador. Whether you want to enjoy a short day hike or a longer backpacking journey through the rugged wilderness, this trail offers incredible landscapes and breathtaking scenery.
During the winter months, Aroostook County becomes bitterly cold and receives large amounts of snowfall. This weather provides the perfect conditions for snowmobiling enthusiasts, who come in droves to the northern part of Maine. The Fort Fairfield Snowmobile Club maintains dozens of miles of local trails and can provide more information about snowmobiling opportunities in the area. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hikes are other popular outdoor recreational opportunities.
Lodging & Dining
Dining and lodging options in Fort Fairfield are limited, although some motels and vacation rentals are available. Presque Isle, located just 11 miles away, offers more extensive options for accommodations.
Fort Fairfield Area Directories
Visit the following directories to find lodging, dining, attractions, shops, services and recreational activities in the Fort Fairfield, Maine area.