Town of Madison, Maine
Source: Visit Madison Maine Facebook
Madison, Maine from above
This area was once the territory of the Norridgewock tribe and was known as Norridgewock. In 1773 English colonists settled here, and in 1804 the town officially became known as Madison, named for President James Madison.
This lovely area along the Kennebec River had a lot to offer early settlers. It became a thriving mill town during the 19th Century as many sawmills and woolen mills popped up and utilized the water power from the Kennebec River. These factories produced carriages, window sash and blinds, doors, and coffins.
Exploring Madison Maine
Today Madison has two Historical Societies to help preserve its rich history. And each has a small museum that is open to the public. The East Madison Historical Association is located across from the Fire Station and the other, The Madison Historical Society and Genealogical Society, is located at 108 Old Point Ave. This location houses a variety of historic items including clothes, photographs, tools, and housewares that have been used over the centuries.
Somerset Abbey is a popular community performing arts center that is housed in one of the oldest and best-preserved structures in the state. It’s worth a visit just to see the beautiful architecture, woodwork, and stained glass inside this stunning building. Also worth a peek is the 100-year-old pipe organ on site. A very picturesque venue to hold your wedding or other events at.
Source: Lakewood Theatre Website
Lakewood Theatre in Madison, Maine
Places to Visit
Another landmark of Madison is the Lakewood Theater and Restaurant. Also known as the Maine State Theater, it’s the oldest (since 1901) continuously operating theater in the state. Since 1967 it has been the official summer theater of Maine with performances by John Travolta, Carol Channing, and Phyllis Diller, amongst others.
The theater and restaurant operate on a seasonal basis. If you’re planning a visit to Madison this is a stop you won’t want to miss, but be sure to make reservations ahead of time. Both the theater and restaurant book up quickly due to their popularity.
The Lakewood Golf Course is located on Rte 201 and dates back to the 1920s. It was originally built as part of the Lakewood Colony Summer Resort for vacationers wanting to escape to the Maine countryside for some rest and relaxation. Come enjoy the beautiful scenery while you try your hand at this challenging golf course. And stop by to ski and snowshoe during the winter months.
Outdoor Activities and Places to Stay
North Star Orchards is located on Rte 43 and is open year-round. They have a gift shop, their own maple syrup and you can pick your own apples in season. Definitely worth a visit!
Historic Pines Trail is a beautiful scenic area located off of Father Rasle Road and on the Kennebec River offers much to do during the warmer months: an easy one-mile trail along the river, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Yonder Hill is the place you’ll want to stay while visiting Madison. This campground and RV park is situated on 55 acres of wooded land. Each site is roomy and somewhat private and there are also cabins that you can book, including a treehouse cabin. This is a great place to stay for families and larger groups. And conveniently located minutes from nearby shopping centers.
This location features a full activity schedule daily from June through August and weekends in the Spring and Fall. Also on site are a pool, arcade, laser tag, basketball and volleyball courts, and playgrounds. Some of the activities include gem mining, ceramics, and other art projects, and wagon rides.
If you’re looking for something a bit less busy and more tranquil then you’ll want to check out the charming The Colony House Inn bed and breakfast on Lake Wesserunsett. A great location for a peaceful stay!
Madison is a great family town with many year-round activities. You’ll discover something new whether you’re here visiting during the summer or winter.
