Town of Houlton, Maine
Source: Temple Cinema Facebook
Temple Cinema in Houlton, Maine
Founded in 1807 when Maine was still part of Massachusetts, Houlton was incorporated in 1831. The town is nestled on the Canadian border and is also the county seat of Aroostook County, earning it the moniker “The Shiretown.”
Exploring Houlton Maine
If you’re interested in the great outdoors, Houlton has plenty to keep people busy. The Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail is a multi-use trail for snowmobiling and ATV riding as well as non-mechanized activities, such as horseback riding, off-road biking, and hiking.
The 37-mile long trail runs from Houlton, through Monticello, Bridgewater, and Mars Hill, ending at the southern tip of Presque Isle. When using this trail, it’s important to keep in mind that motorized vehicles have the right of way, and that this trail system is occasionally shared with logging trucks.
For those who don’t want to venture too far, and just want a shorter hike or walk, you might want to consider the Meduxnekeag River Trail.
This trail is a beautiful, three-mile-long trail situated beside the Meduxnekeag River, giving plenty of opportunities to enjoy the plants, birds, and small critters in northern Maine. Plans are underway for a 1.7-mile trail extension on the other side of the river, and will take an estimated two to three years to complete.
For now, though, walkers can access the trail from Lincoln Street, or the Gateway Crossing Footbridge, a unique bridge located at Riverside Park.
For those who just want to enjoy a relaxing day beside the river, the park has a picnic area, free wi-fi, and is watched over by a large, 17,000-pound bronze moose.
Source: Sewall Architecture
Gateway Bridge Pedestrian Crossing
Shopping in Houlton
If hiking is not to your liking on a particular day, the Gateway Crossing Footbridge also brings people into the quaint Market Square Historic District.
Impacted by fires in 1884 and 1902, the Market Square buildings that stand now are primarily constructed of brick and masonry, in an amazing cacophony of architectural styles popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries from Greek to colonial styles.
The major exception in building materials is the historic First National Bank of Houlton, the only building with a granite façade in the square.
Houlton’s Market Square has many amazing places to shop. And if you enjoy farmers’ markets, the Houlton Community Market is a destination unto itself. According to their Facebook page, the Houlton Community Market is there every Saturday, from Memorial Day weekend through October.
But as any die-hard Mainer (or lover of all-things-Maine) is aware, there are always exceptions to that rule, and some vendors bundle up and offer their wares into the holidays.
Of course, there is more to Houlton’s Market Square than shops. Temple Cinema is one of the state’s longest-running movie theaters without interruption, opening in 1919. Although it has undergone several renovations over the years, its owners have given a nod to it’s long history by keeping features like lighting fixtures.
Living in Houlton
Houlton’s town motto is “Worth a visit, worth a lifetime.” As is the third-largest town in Aroostook, Houlton truly has something for everyone, no matter their interest.
As with so many facets of the town, the Houlton Community Golf Club is steeped in history as well. Developed in the early 1900s, the course is technically in New Limerick, with its clubhouse offering beautiful views of Nickerson Lake. The dining area isn’t the only gem at the club; the 18-hole course boasts unique greens and fairways over well-manicured hills.
If skating is more your speed, The John A. Miller Civic Center has ice skating on a large refrigerated ice rink, and in the off-season, is the venue for many trade shows, events, and conventions.
If you happen to need medical assistance while staying in town, the Houlton Regional Hospital is a 25-bed acute care facility that also provides a variety of services, including surgeries, emergency services, and outpatient medical procedures.
Houlton’s Dining Options
No matter what your foodie needs, Houlton likely has a solution for every craving. Close to the interstate is the Houlton Big Stop Restaurant with all-day breakfast as well as other diner fare such as haddock burgers, fried chicken, and a variety of hamburgers.
In the mood for pizza? TNT Takeout is the place to go for delicious, hot pizza. If you’re not in the mood for a good pie, though, they have a considerable menu, including hot sandwiches, cold subs, Mexican foods, and several types of poutine. The friendly service at TNT Takeout makes this place a must when visiting Houlton.
If you’re more in the mood for pub-style food, Bastion’s Tavern has 8 different beers on tap and amazing, creative sandwiches, such as the Wrecking Ball, made with honey ham, smoked turkey, salami, Monterey Jack cheese, veggies, all brought together with chipotle mayo.
The Downunder Sports Pub often complements their delicious foods with live music, and O’Kelly’s Irish Pub has a variety of American and Irish foods as well as a full bar.
Staying in Houlton
If you happen to be stopping at O’Kelly’s Pub, you’ll find it attached to Ivy’s Motor Lodge is a smoke-free hotel with 50 rooms. Whether you need to park your truck or charge up your electric car, they can accommodate any traveler, with clean rooms and complimentary breakfasts.
The Shiretown Inn and Suites is another option when staying in Houlton. With a pool and fitness room—which may be temporarily closed due to the pandemic—their rooms also have microwaves and refrigerators. But if you don’t want to eat in your room, it also has a restaurant and bar attached called the Downunder Sports Pub.
For those who like to sleep under the stars, though, the 105-acre Houlton/Canadian Border KOA has full hookup sites for RVs and tent sites, and glamping tent sites that sleep up to five people. There are also walking trails around the ponds, the opportunity to fish, boat, and paddleboard.
No matter if you’re stopping in Houlton on the way across the border, or planning an extended stay, there is plenty to do in the Shiretown!
