Monmouth, Maine
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The Monmouth Municipal Building
Monmouth has a population of just over 4,000 residents, but the town’s location in the Winthrop Lakes region means that the population grows in the summer months as people move into their seasonal camps.
As a quiet agricultural town, Monmouth gives residents an opportunity to enjoy a slower-paced life. However, it is located between Augusta and Lewiston; either city is just a twenty-minute drive on Route 202. This makes Monmouth an excellent spot for commuters who want an office job, but also want to have more land on which they can grow an expansive backyard garden, raise backyard chickens, or watch their children run around.
Driving along Main Street, it’s easy to see the attraction of Monmouth. Though it may not be spotted with shops and restaurants like larger towns, it has no shortage of impressive views and the ease of access to services in nearby towns makes it an appealing place to settle. Visitors appreciate the mix of natural and cultural attractions.
Exploring The Town
Built in 1900 and referred to as the “gem” of Monmouth, Cumston Hall is home to the town’s public library and the celebrated Theater at Monmouth. A striking structure that stands out in this rural Maine town, Cumston Hall is impressive inside and out. A light pink color, its shape is reminiscent of a castle, complete with a tower. It was built in 1900 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
The auditorium inside Cumston Hall hosts the Theater at Monmouth, the only professional theater company in the region. Their productions include everything from Shakespeare’s plays to productions put on just for children, such as My Father’s Dragon and The Velveteen Rabbit.
Whether you head to Cumston Hall to take in a show, or just to walk around the outside (and perhaps through the historic cemetery next door) it’s worth the visit to Monmouth.
In the summer, people also head to Monmouth for the Monmouth Fair. The fair is a traditional agricultural fair featuring exhibitions, tractor pulls, performances for kids, local music, and animals.
Things To Do In Monmouth
As a rural town in the Winthrop Lakes Region, Monmouth offers quite a bit in the way of outdoor recreation.
Monmouth’s town beach is located on the shores of Cochnewagon Lake. Swimmers can enjoy jumping off the docks or wading into the water, and swimming around peacefully. The area includes a park with a swing set, and in the summer the town offers swimming lessons at the lake.
Monmouth also includes part of Annabessacook Lake, a beautiful spot for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and ice fishing in the winter months.
For an easy but enjoyable hike, head to Whittier Woods. The trails total less than 2 miles, but take you along a path that includes bridges, a vernal pool, and the beauty of several varieties of trees.
Golfers, and those who have never golfed before, will enjoy the Cobbossee Colony Golf Course in Monmouth. A 9-hole public course, it’s great for first-time golfers and beginners, or those who just want an enjoyable and casual afternoon on the links. Though it’s a smaller course, amenities include a driving range, putting green, and a clubhouse with snacks and drinks.
The town also has an active parks and recreation department that offers activities including soccer, basketball, and even alpine and nordic skiing.
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Stevens Farm & Greenhouse
Local Businesses to Explore
In town, you can find shops that carry life’s necessities and those that carry more unique items – and some, like the Monmouth General Store, carry both. Stop into the Monmouth General Store for a freshly made sandwich from the deli, and while you’re there grab a t-shirt or a greeting card, and pick up a propane tank for the grill.
The Monmouth General Store and the Monmouth Kwik Stop are two other spots in town to grab a quick snack or other items you need without heading all the way to Hannaford or Shaw’s in another town.
Apple Valley Bakery on Main Street welcomes people in for coffee and sweet treats, and also bakes and packs up delicious treats to go.
Stevens Farm and Greenhouses offers a place for gardeners to shop and for people to pick up fresh produce. At Chick’s Apple and Berry Farm, you can pick your own raspberries, blueberries, and apples. In the fall, you can find your Halloween pumpkins at either Stevens or Chick’s.
Also on Main Street, you’ll find the Bates Mill Store which offers finely crafted textiles. Products in the store are made by Maine Heritage Weavers, which was founded by former employees of the Bates Mill. The Maine Heritage Weavers manufacturing site is located right next to the Bates Mill Store, so you know the products you buy are made right in Monmouth!
If you love unique handcrafted or vintage items, pop into Four Pence Gallery and pick up something crafted by a local artisan or find the perfect vintage item to spruce up your home decor.
Local Schools
Right off Main Street in Monmouth is Academy Road, down which you’ll find Monmouth Academy. It is a public school – the ‘Academy’ part of the name is a holdover from its founding in 1803.
Monmouth Academy is the town’s four year high school and Monmouth Memorial School welcomes students in grades K-8. Monmouth Memorial School is also located on Academy Road.
