City of Caribou, Maine
Source: City of Caribou, Maine Facebook
Caribou Municipal Building
Exploring The County
It’s not just about potatoes, though. If your tastes turn more toward blueberries, check out Circle B Farms, where they offer highbush blueberries and apples, either picked and ready for purchase, or for you to pick yourself. And, for even more produce options, Micmac Farms has a variety of vegetables, when in season. A great time to visit is during the Open Farm Day in the summer where you can learn more about their farm, and visit their fish hatchery with more than 40,000 Maine Brook Trout.
Another local favorite is Goughan’s Berry Farms, with something do to every season, from maple syrup production in the late winter to Christmas trees and wreath production during the holidays. Hands down, one of its most popular times is when the strawberries are in season and ripe for the picking; come for the berries, but stay for the other offerings, like their homemade ice cream, snack wagon, and mini-golf.
When in town during the warmer months, stop by Houlton Farms Dairy’s Caribou Dairy Bar for the ice cream loved by generations. Just look for their classic orange and black logo, with a long line of anxious customers. After all, when the long winter season gives way to warmer months, people are always ready to celebrate with ice cream.
For a fun treat to take home or back to your hotel, reserve a charcuterie board through NV Boards. From small mini-board treats to boards for special events, NV Boards combines artistry with delicious foods for every occasion.
Of course, if you want a heartier meal, check out Northern Maine Brewing Company (NMBC). If in the mood for pub food, look no further for mouthwatering burgers, chicken, and steak dishes. With a nod to surrounding communities, NMBC also brews their own beer with barley and hops sourced locally from Mapleton and Westfield, respectively.
For a trip down memory lane, it’s worth a stop at two of Caribou’s iconic restaurants. Fredrick’s Southside Restaurant is a longstanding favorite in the city, with delicious pizzas, seafood dishes, and fried foods. Another favorite for generations is Burger Boy, with a variety of different burgers, fries, and shakes.
Source: Caribou Parks and Recreation Department
Caribou Wellness and Recreation Center
A True Aroostook County Experience
Armed with full bellies, it might be time to head outside and enjoy the rich, clean northern Maine air. For hikers and biking enthusiasts in warmer months, Caribou hosts part of the 62-mile Bangor & Aroostook Trail. The same trail system is also part of the Interconnected Trail System (ITS), which connects snowmobile and ATV trails throughout the state. It also permits snowshoeing and dogsledding, so trail conditions may change, depending on the weather.
In the heart of the city is Collins Pond Park, with a picnic area, playground, and a 1.5-mile walking trail system. There is also a maintained, 4-season trail on Cary Medical Center’s 795 acres.
If cross country skiing is more your speed, Caribou has several miles of trails available. There are five miles of trails maintained behind the Caribou Country Club. Open 24 hours a day, keep in mind that the trails are not light. There are also trails near Caribou High School that are automatically lit through the evening hours.
Also, new in the last year or so, the Caribou Rec Department turned a basketball court at the Teague Park into an outdoor ice skating rink in the colder months. The rec department also has a large facility with a multipurpose room, a gymnasium, a game room, and a walking track; convenient year-round, but ideal when the weather turns inclement.
When the Weather Drives You Indoors…
Caribou’s average snowfall is just over nine feet. With this in mind, the city has plenty of indoor activities to enjoy as well. Melody Roller Rink is open from October through May, and the Caribou Bowl-A-Drome offers candlepin bowling. Both places provide fun opportunities for adults to relive their childhoods, and for kids to make new memories.
The Caribou Theater is a small theater that offers three different movies. Although the theater, like so many other businesses—took a hit when it had to close during the pandemic, Dow Theater Company (which owns the Caribou Theater and the Braden Theatre in nearby Presque Isle) recently received a grant from the SBA to help it recoup the revenue that was lost last year.
For natural history buffs, check out the Nylander Museum. Named for self-taught naturalist Olof Nylander, the museum offers butterfly and taxidermy exhibits, as well as selections in the paleontology, geology, and archeology realms.
There are a handful of hotels in the Caribou area, including the Crown Park Inn and the Caribou Inn and Convention Center. Or, if you’re looking for something a little different, check out Caribou Cabins, which has four cabins on ITS 83, with a balance of rustic interiors with all the comforts of home.
Caribou, Maine: Stay for a Day or a Lifetime
Whether you’re planning to stay in Caribou to connect with the outdoors, connect with family, or just to explore more of Aroostook County, this small city has plenty of opportunities for everyone and every adventure.
