Town of Casco, Maine

Snuggled along the eastern shore of popular Sebago Lake, the town of Casco (made up of the three villages of Casco, South Casco, and Cook Mills) is smack in the middle of Maine’s Lakes Region; nearly 6 of the town’s 36 square miles are made up of recreational lakes and ponds. And while certainly not abundant with lodging, shopping, and dining options, the natural attractions are clearly worth the trip; Casco’s year-round population explodes from around 3,500 to 15,000 during the summer months.

Exploring Casco Maine

One such natural attraction is Sebago Lake State Park; over half of its 1342 acres are located in Casco, and the park is open year-round. Sebago Lake is Maine’s deepest (and second-largest) lake, and while it is an amazing spot for the expected aquatic activities one imagines enjoying during the warmer months, the recreation options don’t end when the snow flies. Ice-fishing, cross-country skiing/snowshoeing (5.5 miles of groomed trails for both activities are in the Casco portion of the park), and snowmobiling are just a few of the wintertime activities to enjoy on and around the lake and in the park.

Hacker’s Hill Preserve—one of Loon Echo Land Trust’s holdings—is a 27-acre property that features a well-maintained access road that is closed to vehicles Tuesdays and Thursdays; this steep lane is open to pedestrians every day, however, and there is no fee, whether you walk or drive. On a clear day, expect utterly amazing views of Sebago Lake and the White Mountain Presidential range. Informative placards are scattered along the easy loop trail, and there is a restroom on-site.

There is also a picnic area—so be sure to stop off at either Casco Village Variety or Kindred Farms Market and Bakery first to gather a few packable noshings. Mayberry Hill Preserve is another LELT property, and its easy, 30-minute loop trail is shady, mostly flat, and family-friendly.

For a more rigorous hiking experience, folks in the know recommend the Bri-Mar trail on Rattlesnake Mountain. Although this hike tends to be heavily populated in-season, the viewpoint ½ mile shy of the summit is worth the trek—although if you go off-season to avoid the crowds, be careful—the viewing ledge can be very slippery in rain or snow.

While Sebago Lake tends to take all the limelight when it comes to the Lakes Region, Casco is lucky enough to have other options for folks looking for a less populated experience. Pleasant Lake is just over 2 square miles—far smaller than Sebago’s 45—and a portion of it lies within Casco’s borders. For many visitors and locals, it is the preferable recreation destination…at least if you are looking for peace and quiet.

If your two legs aren’t thrilled at the prospect of hauling you up hills, why not try four legs? The Carousel Horse Farm has a barnful of options for rides and experiences—everything from sunset guided trail rides and beach rides to the 360-degree view at Quaker’s Ridge. Carousel also offers unique lodging options—for you and your horse. This one-of-a-kind property is located adjacent to Hancock Lumber’s Jugtown Forest, a 5,000-acre public recreation area that provides ample space for you and your equine companion to roam, as well as an extensive ATV trail system.

Places to Stay in Casco, Maine

For Maine lodging options that don’t necessarily involve manes (sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves), Casco has a few to choose from. The clean and comfortable Maplewood Inn and Motel offers 5 bed-and-breakfast-style rooms, an additional 6 hotel rooms, and an outdoor pool, all for affordable rates.

Alyssa’s Motel is another good option for families traveling on a budget; neat and cozy accommodations with basic amenities, right on Thomas Pond in Casco. For a stay that takes amenities to the next level, Migis Lodge provides an all-inclusive experience for guests and offers the option to stay in one of their 8 well-appointed lodge rooms or one of their cabins—all with porches overlooking the lake.

The Point Sebago Resort is an even higher-end spot and offers guests a wide variety of lodging options: tent and RV sites, glamping tents (their platform “tentalows” are a guest favorite), the Island Lodge, cottages, and cabins. Their nationally-recognized 18-hole championship golf course is a big draw, but with a host of other activities on-site (theater productions, volleyball, boating), Point Sebago offers recreation options for all interests.

Dining Options in Casco, Maine

While both of the latter resort-style lodgings offer on-site dining, the others do not—so you’ll need to sally forth into the town at large for somewhere to appease your appetite. Webbs Mills Eats and Craft Brews offers curbside pickup and dine-in service for their delicious lunch-and-dinner sandwich and pizza menu, and their list of craft beer offerings is impressive as well.

Stop at Raymond’s Frozen Custard for a divine dessert experience—if you have any room left in your belly. The family-owned-and-operated Top of the Hill Grille serves breakfast and lunch daily—they bake all of their own breads and muffins—and the prices can’t be beat. Chute’s Café and Bakery is another fantastic breakfast/lunch option for fairly-priced homestyle comfort food. For other dining and lodging establishments, nearby Naples has many other options.

As true with many of Maine’s smaller, non-coastal communities, Casco lacks a retail hub, such as those found in places like Freeport, Kennebunkport, or Camden. But Casco holds an appeal far more lasting and pervasive than any shopping spree can bring: the peace of mind, calmness of soul, and simple serenity that only an intimate commune with nature can create. When you visit this place, be prepared to unplug, first—so that you can truly connect with all these intangible-yet-invaluable gifts Casco is just waiting to bestow.

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