Town of Fort Fairfield, Maine
Source: Town of Fort Fairfield, Maine Facebook
Fort Fairfield Town Office
Fort Fairfield is a northern Maine town located in eastern Aroostook County and a mere 15 minutes from Presque Isle and even closer to Canada, as the crow flies. Its 3500 residents will tell you how welcoming the town is as they speak about its vibrant agriculture and unique communities.
You’ll hear folks talk about the Aroostook River that flows east through town on its 112-mile journey, heading east and northeast through vast agricultural fields to where it joins the mighty St. John River. The Aroostook is good for fishing and along the way is home to a number of rare plants and animals, plus some unique forms of terrain.
There’s a couple of ways to get here, those being by vehicle or plane. For the former, you follow I-95 to Rt. 1 and head north. If you prefer, you can fly in to the Presque Isle International Airport via United and have a rental or shuttle ready for when you arrive. That’s what’s called northern Maine hospitality and service!
Exploring Fort Fairfield Maine
Once here, you’ll come across turns in the road, plus those in the river and other nearby waterways. Trafton Lake, 10 miles away in Limestone, has a hard boat ramp that is 20 feet wide and 36 feet long.
With that, you’re able to get on this lovely lake under one kind of power or another, human or engine. The lake, also known as Moody Pond, is small in acreage yet big on peace, including the trails there that can be used year round.
There’s no better way to enjoy golf and international relationships than at the Aroostook Valley Country Club. Yup, you can enjoy 18 holes of golf preceded by a robust breakfast or an appetizing lunch or snack. Added to that, this beauty of a course is less than four miles from town and open to guests as well as members!
Speaking of guests, you’ll be one when you visit the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge where the full-time ‘members’ are a wide array of wildlife. This gift to the area is only a ½-hour north and open year round, basically sunup to sundown. In fact, this place is so special, you can read more on another website, the Friends of Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge.
For a number of years we have had a community of Amish settlers living here, just as there are other Amish settlers in other Maine towns. They’re known for their ability to farm, build, and otherwise apply past ways of living and skills to the current era. Reading up on Amish settlements you come across, or hope to visit, will give you an idea if they welcome visitors.
The general Fort Fairfield area offers you lots of four seasons activities. Now that you’ve read about some, take a look at Caribou and Presque Isle to see what interests you that’s just minutes away.
Source: Fort Fairfield Website
Fort Fairfield Library
Lodging & A Bite to Eat
Now that you know there’s plenty to do in this fine area, it’s time to look at where to stay and go out for a meal. Trafton Lake Campground is just 15 minutes away in Limestone. You can call their town office for more information and to make a reservation. With a quick online search you may even find some private rentals nearby. The key to getting the lodging you want is to plan ahead if your timing permits.
Another option is to stay at the nearby Arndt’s Aroostook River Lodge & Campground. It’s one of those places that has it all as far as country lodging goes! Why, you can camp with an RV or tent, stay in a cabin, or have your whole gang together in the Homestead. Plus, the setting includes year round options and activities! Word has it this outfit has some remote cabins in addition to their main setting in Presque Isle.
When it comes to eating, please do yourself a favor and take a good look at the menu at Boondock’s Grille as you’ll find some gastronomic gems along with solid New England fare. And, don’t forget that you can find breakfast, lunch, or a snack at the local country club too!
A Bit About Life’s Necessities
You can rest assured that Fort Fairfield and nearby larger towns have the sort of services you may need, such as health care for you or your pet.
There are two health centers here in town, plus Cary Medical Center less than 20 minutes away in Caribou, and Northern Light AR Gould Hospital a 15-minute drive to Presque Isle. If you’re traveling with a pet, there’s a vet here in town who serves large and small animals. There’s also an animal hospital in nearby Presque Isle.
It’s a pretty sure bet you’ll need to pick up some provisions while staying here, especially if you’re planning on a trip down the river or going all in on a bivouac experience in nearby wilderness areas. Hillside IGA, right in town, has about everything you could want. If you don’t find quite what you need, then head northwest to Caribou or southwest to Presque Isle to find what you’re looking for. Both places are also good for folks who long for a little retail therapy while here in northern Maine.
As you travel around, remember that sometimes life beckons you to live someplace new, different, and peaceful, yet with everything you need to be happy and healthy. It could be that life sends you the message that Fort Fairfield is just the place for you!
