Town of Greenville, Maine

When you arrive in Greenville, you’re close to being in the center of Maine. Mind you, not quite, though real close. One thing is for sure, you’re at the southern point of Maine’s largest lake. That’s more than a destination unto itself! Once you start to look around, you’ll see that this part of Maine is wild with its own kind of charm. It also has its own weather, so you want to be prepared!

One thing you can be sure of when you arrive here, even though our year-round population is just over 1000, you’ll be well cared for by our array of services. That begins with our Municipal Airport that’s a mere two miles east of town.

We also offer you the security of knowing that there’s the Northern Light CA Dean Hospital here should you have the need. Greenville has a variety of markets, a full-service grocer, and all the other shops you’d hope to find in a place known for fishing, hunting, and all sorts of happenings.

Now that you have a few of the practical matters handy, let’s get into the real stuff that Greenville means for those who return here year in and year out. Why then there’re those who just pull up stakes and come here for all this place adds to life day-by-day throughout the year!

Exploring Greenville Maine

Moosehead: Over, Around, and Through!

That’s right! Up here you get to be with Moosehead Lake in so many ways. The nifty part of planning for that is that all of your adventure planning is centered right here in Greenville!

Let’s get right down to talking about Moosehead Lake so you get a sense of its expanse. It’s about 40 miles by 10, with a shoreline an incredible 280 miles long! All of those miles ring around the 120 square miles of this massively unique body of water with its 80 islands.

If that’s not enough interesting and amazing facts about Greenville, there’s this to add. Moosehead is the second largest lake in all of New England and the largest mountain lake in the whole of the eastern U.S. with a surface elevation of just over one thousand feet. That gives you an idea of all of the exploring Moosehead and Greenville deliver. That and a heap of peace, quiet, and the allure of wild, open spaces.

Now, mind you, with all that Moosehead Lake is also the source of the mighty Kennebec River that passes through a good portion of the state as it flows 170 miles through central Maine, converging with other rivers to where it meets the Atlantic Ocean in Phippsburg.

Back up here in Greenville, there are at least a couple of businesses that are happy to take you on a seaplane tour. That way you get to fly over Moosehead to see how truly spectacular it is. Or maybe you’d like to be here for the annual International Seaplane Fly-In for all the goin’s on associated with that.

One way to enjoy the lake is with the Katahdin Cruises & Moosehead Marine Museum. The steamboat, affectionately known as “Kate,” was built in Bath, is over 100 years old, and now runs on diesel. Lucky you! There are more than a handful of trip options…you just may want to try a couple for a fun way to get around!

Then, there’s also the option of renting canoes and kayaks or having a guided tour. Northwoods Outfitters here in Greenville can help you out with that plus plans for winter snowmobiling and more!

Yup, that includes going in search of Maine’s sometimes elusive moose! Oh, the stories you’ll hear up here about those magnificent creatures… Plus there are amazing stories of people who’ve shaped some of the lore associated with the area.

One of those is Joe Fowler from Farmington Maine. He swam across Moosehead Lake in 2003 when he was 17 years old. It was only the second time someone swam the lake’s length.

It’s amazing to think that he made his way through over 30 miles of water, emerging from this vast lake’s depths almost 17 hours later on behalf of a fundraiser. Reading his story is a reminder of the power of courage and ability, much the same that has shaped this community for generations.

Nearby Adventures and Such

Well, the “such” we’ll get to shortly, especially giving you some ideas of where to rest your head. After all, a lot of the adventures here are downright rigorous or exciting, meaning you’ll be looking for good, hearty meals and a comfy place to take a snooze.

Along with those tours just talked about, you can enjoy wildlife safaris, whitewater rafting, time in the Appalachian Mountain Wilderness, or a day on the slopes of
Squaw Mountain, all within mere minutes or an hour from town. As you can tell, that means you can come to Greenville anytime and find something to do. Then again, you may just want to slow down a bit, taking in good country air as you create awesome memories.

Part of those come to life by finding just the right place to stay! You’re in luck in these parts as we’ve got everything from camping to lodges with upcountry style and dining as marvelous as you’ll find anywhere!

If you’re into bedding down on the ground, Lily Bay State Park is a super place to camp as it’s right on the shores of Moosehead, giving you hundreds of acres of space, a beach, and place to launch your boat. Why, given the go-ahead, you can even camp there in the winter! Brrr, though a brilliant option if you’re the hardy type.

The area boasts motels, inns, and private cabins and homes to rent by the night or week. With a leisurely search, you’re sure to find something to your liking, including a place where you can bring your dog(s) along. That sure means a lot when you want your buddy to enjoy our fine country air. Or maybe a take a dip in the lake or a nearby stream. After all, a happy dog is a wonder to behold!

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