Town of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
Source: Town of dover-Foxcroft Website
Dover-Foxcroft from above
Dover-Foxcroft is the largest town in Maine’s Piscataquis County with about 4,000 residents. This county seat town is smack dab in the center of Maine, making it an optimal setting for promoting its proximity to Maine’s vast wilderness with its unique recreational opportunities. Along with that, the town has a rich tradition of merging old ways with current interests and institutions.
Some of these are associated with one of the town’s natural features, the Piscataquis River, which flows east, going right through town, from its beginnings 20 miles west in Blanchard. The Piscataquis, meaning “branch of the river” in Abenaki, is a major tributary of the Penobscot River which it joins in Old Town to the southeast.
I bring all of this up as Maine rivers are tied to the state’s current heritage as much as they to that of the past. Here in Dover-Foxcroft, the river continues to be a part of daily life, just as it was when loggers used it to drive wood to downstream mills.
An institution that’s been around since those early years is Foxcroft Academy that was founded in 1823 and promotes the vision of global citizenship. Others are related to education and health care such as Penquis Higher Education Center, a setting of Eastern Maine Community College, and Northern Light Mayo Hospital.
Exploring Dover-Foxcroft Maine
The 2015 restoration of The Mill in the center of Dover-Foxcroft is a shining example of how the entrepreneurial spirit thrives in places that some consider close to being remote. The beauty of a place like this is being able to work remotely while looking out at the Piscataquis River. That means you can do so while staying at the Mill Inn or working from your office or apartment.
Another beauty of the mill is its attention to detail with its mingling of repurposed materials and artifacts with contemporary conveniences and comfort. Amidst this, you get to step into a wide expanse of nearby wilderness with all its peace, beauty, and whatever adventures you choose. There are plenty of those that you’ll get to read about shortly!
Before that, I want to fill you in on local lodging and where to grab some good grub as we have plenty of both. On a practical side, Dover-Foxcroft has a good variety of grocery, hardware, and auto parts stores, plus places to top off your tank before racking up more country miles. While you’re out and about you can use this handy walking map to pick a route and track your steps. Yup, we’re happy to help you stay fit!
When it comes to lodging, you can stay at the Freedom House Bed & Breakfast where you can rent a kayak or canoe to paddle the river. Other options are Peaks Kenny Lodge and the Covered Bridge Motel, each with their own advantages, including some dog-friendly rooms.
I happen to like a good hearty breakfast when I’m out adventuring. Peace, Love & Waffles is just the place to get ready for a delight-filled day. Charlie’s is another place that’s ready to serve up good homecooked food from breakfast to dinner. It’s nice to know it’s handy in the center of town. Also nearby are some appetizing pizza places and the Mill Café. Bears Den Restaurant, Motel and Tavern offers all that plus live entertainment on the weekend, something to add to your upcountry memories.
Source: Freedom House Bed and Breakfast
Freedom House Bed and Breakfast
Let the Fun Begin
Alrighty then. Now that we’ve covered those important particulars, it’s time to set the stage for all there is to do around here. Right down the road, or river, whichever you prefer for reaching your destination, there’s Lowes Covered Bridge. Granted, it’s a replacement of the original, though its length and structure make it well worth the visit.
At that point you’re in Guilford that’s about four miles west of here, so you can try Flying Dutchman Paintball out if you’re traveling by vehicle. Iron Art Forge is a super place to visit as it displays more of the area residents’ creativity. If you happen to be here during maple sap season, be sure to stop in at Bob’s Sugarhouse to pick up some for yourself and for gifts. Toward the end of summer you can take in the Piscataquis Valley Fair with its pulling competitions, demolition derby, and displays galore.
Moving on to serious fun, get ready for time on, in, or near Sebec Lake as it’s included on the top-60 list of Maine’s largest lakes and ponds. Remember too, this is a super place for ice-fishing! Sebec Lake Association is devoted to the lake’s quality with information about that and other info you’ll find helpful.
Bear Point Marina is only a half hour away, offering you camping, cabins, and ATV and hiking trails on Sebec Lake. If you like being outside and surrounded by all kinds of woods and water, it’s time to try Four Seasons Adventure Trail. It has an access point in Dover-Foxcroft so it’s easy to enjoy this 30-mile trail all year! Peaks-Kenny State Park is located at the lake’s South Cove, where there’s a beach for sunning and swimming, plus lots of gorgeous scenery.
By now you’ve likely noticed that a lot of what I’ve shared has to do with warm weather fun. Well, it’s good you’re thinking about the Dover-Foxcroft area for a getaway or place to put down roots as it’s a genuine four-season locale. Foxcroft Golf Club is a 9-hole course that provides seven-days-a-week pleasure for those of all abilities.
If you visit here for hunting or trapping, it’s best to know the laws and rules. You can access those about all your other activities too.
A lot of people come here for some winter magic. The joy of riding and skiing or boarding goes on for months up here! The Piscataquis Valley Snowmobile Club is a good place to learn about all of the trails around here and their particular safety recommendations. Big Squaw Mountain is an hour away, over by Greenville, offering you skiing and boarding.
Browns Mills Park has boat access and also has cross country and snowshoe trails that run along or near the river and right in town.
As you can tell by now, the fun and adventure up here in Dover-Foxcroft flow from one month into the next, just like our beautiful Piscataquis River.
