Waterboro, Maine Vacation Guide
Early fall day just below the Lake Arrowhead Dam in Waterboro. Photo courtesy of Jason Baldwin, SharedPerspectivesPhotography.zenfolio.com.
Attractions & Places of Interest | Events | Recreation | Lodging & Dining | Directory | Map
Waterboro, comprised of North, East and West Waterboro as well as the Lake Arrowhead Community, sits nestled in the southern corner of Maine. Originally known as Massabesic, or “the place of much water,” residents in the 1700s eventually renamed the town after Colonel Joshua Waters, one of Massabesic Plantation’s first proprietors. In this tranquil community, wildlife, forests and water enthrall both seasonal visitors and native residents who relish Maine’s scenic views and relaxing atmosphere.
Attractions & Places of Interest
Two historical treasures attract visitors to Waterboro. The Johnson Mill processed millions of board feet of lumber before closing in 1963. The Waterboro Historical Society completed minor repairs and eventually plans to restore the building into a working mill museum as a memorial to a historically important industry. The James Leavitt House features mid 1800s Greek Revival architecture with intricate, interior design and fine wood graining. The outbuildings extend a glimpse of life in the 19th century.
In nearby Newfield, discover the area’s history with a visit to Willowbrook Museum Village. Within a thirty-minute drive, Palace Playland in Old Orchard Beach boasts a seaside amusement park with Maine’s only wooden roller coaster and largest waterslide.
Major Events
After hiking through the colorful foliage in the fall, cheer on the local high school football game or watch the drama club’s semi-annual performance. Watch basketball games in the winter after a day of snowshoeing. In the spring, watch lacrosse games or the drama club’s spring performance. Residents enthusiastically plan Old Home Days, set for a weekend every summer.
Outdoor Recreation
Various outdoor sporting events draw visitors to Waterboro throughout the year. Guests join the locals in biking or golfing. Friendship Park provides areas for picnics, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other outdoor sporting activities. You can shop for artificial turf soccer shoes and other sporting equipment online to prepare you for your visit. Likewise, winter precipitation brings snowmobile and snowshoe adventurers to Waterboro.
In addition to these sports, biking and hiking trails abound. With the ATV club centered in Waterboro, riders find trails throughout the area. Ossipee Mountain hiking trail leads to a fire tower. Listed on the National Historic Lookout Register, the tower offers clear views of Mt. Washington. Bob Fay Memorial Park offers tranquil walks on trails that lead to islands in Little Ossipee Lake. Waterboro Barrens Preserve, 2,140-acres of reserved pitch pine barrens, serves as a nature lover’s paradise. In addition to the pitch pine trees, hikers and photographers observe rare butterflies and moths, nesting birds and a variety of flora on the many trails throughout the Preserve.
Little Ossipee Lake anchors the town’s center. Sun bathe on the beach, boat on the lake in a canoe or kayak, or swim in one of Maine’s cleanest lakes. The campground offers sites for seasonal or short-term campers. Gobeil Park Picnic Area includes a roped off swimming area and boat launch. For anglers, brook trout, lake trout, landlocked salmon, perch, crayfish, mussels and pickerel provide year round prey. This site offers popular ice fishing throughout the winter.
In the Lake Arrowhead community, Mousam River calmly meanders and flows. Guests canoe and paddle on the river and its many channels. Lake Arrowhead, an artificial lake, offers additional fishing opportunities for beginning and seasoned anglers.
Lodging and Dining
Near Little Lake Ossipee, several rental units, vacation homes and camping sites provide seasonal accommodations. Camping facilities near Waterboro include Walnut Grove in Alfred and a Blackburn’s, a winterized campground with dock and beach in East Waterboro. Additionally, nearby towns offer additional rental homes and hotel accommodations.
Visitors find several quality dining establishments in and around Waterboro. In addition to restaurant meals, campers and hikers find grocery facilities that enable them to cook their own meals over an open fire or grill.
Whether guests choose to tour historical sites or a nature hike, Waterboro offers multiple activities. Relax along the Little Ossipee Lake or on a trail in the Waterboro Barrons Preserve. Enjoy water sports or sporting events. Return to nature and the great outdoors in Waterboro, Maine.
Waterboro Area Directories
Visit the following directories to find lodging, dining, attractions, shops, services and recreational activities in the Waterboro, Maine area.