Town of Skowhegan, Maine
Source: Skowhegan State Fair Facebook
Skowhegan State Fair.
Skowhegan, with its population of about 10,000 residents, is the Somerset County Seat. One item of interest is that the town’s name is from the Abnaki language and is reported to mean “watching place,” likely in relation to fishing, or “Falls by the Pine Plain Lands.” Either is true, as the terrain passing through town is varied, with a river and falls right there in the midst of the business district.
There, the Kennebec River narrows and rushes through the impressive Skowhegan Gorge that can be viewed from the Coburn Park trail. The river then broadens, turning and flowing southerly on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s in Skowhegan that Route 201 runs side-by-side with the river, later passing through Augusta, Maine’s capital.
Exploring Skowhegan Maine
A Monument to Native History
The original inhabitants of Kennebec and the Skowhegan area were the Norridgewock tribe of Abenaki. They relied heavily on the nearby Kennebec River for fishing, and they planted crops as well. The Skowhegan Indian Monument, which retains its original name in line with the linguistic choices of the time, was commissioned for Maine’s 150th year of statehood in 1966, and construction was completed in 1969.
On its plaque is a dedication to the Native American tribes who had originally resided in Skowhegan, specifically addressing them as “the first people to use these lands in peaceful ways.” It’s 62 feet tall atop a 20 feet tall platform. This monument, created by Bernard Langlais, is specifically the world’s tallest statue of a wooden Native American sculpture. This technical distinction is because the statue is actually made of wood hanging on a metal frame, not solid carved wood. It’s truly a sight to behold, and tourists and residents alike enjoy visiting it and especially taking their photos with it. It’s also a great landmark to use when you can spot it while driving.
Business & Beyond
Skowhegan is one of those towns that respond to regional and national economies of scale while maintaining its unique character. Testimony of this statement is that the award for the longest continuously running state agricultural fair goes to Skowhegan! That’s right the Skowhegan Fair has been running since 1818 without interruption!
That sort of solid reputation is noted too in local businesses, such as New Balance that’s been around since 1906, although it was founded in Boston. Yup, what started out as an arch support business now has about 5,500 worldwide employees.
Another renowned business that started locally is Gifford’s Ice Cream that really goes way back to the late 1800s. Their factory of “HomeMaine” delights is located in Skowhegan, the site of their first ice cream shop. So, you ask, how’s the ice cream taste? The awards Gifford’s has racked up tell the story, including at the World Dairy Expo. It is very good and new flavors keep coming, making a stop at one of their stands a special treat in several ways. They’ll even serve your pup!
We’ll come back to some of the local going’s on in a bit. For now, it’s time to talk about Skowhegan as one of Maine’s gateway towns. You know, those places you pass through on the way to someplace else. Here though, it’s best to look around, get a bite to eat, and stock up as you’ll be headed where there’s lots of outdoors things to do with not many big stores.
Outdoor Activites
With Skowhegan being a Whitewater Rafting Gateway and all, you’ll get to the adventures up Route 201 in only 30 to 60 minutes. The outfitters up there can take you on thrilling trips down the Kennebec and Dead Rivers. Now don’t take the name of that last one to heart even though it’s the longest continuous run of its kind in the U.S. Northeast. These guides know what they’re doing and have everything needed to keep you safe and sound. Yes, you will get wet! They can help out with that, as some of the places have lodging plus other adventures in store for you, like ATVing.
Snowmobile, ATV, and hiking trails offer plenty of scenery and adventures, including the occasional close encounter of the moose variety. They tend to like to have their space, so it’s a smart idea to let them have their way!
Peaceful hiking trails and boat launches abound in and around Skowhegan. Or be an early bird and head to Sugarloaf for big mountain skiing and boarding, including snowfields and an awesome vertical drop! The place is a year round destination that offers up mountain biking, hiking, and golf. All of this with magnificent views and an easy 35-mile country drive from town.
Maybe you’ll even be here for a fairly new winter event. The Somerset Snowfest features skijoring, a thrill-packed event to watch, while sipping on some hot chocolate on something else for warming your innards.
Local Goin’s On
I told you back along that we’d get into some of Skowhegan’s special features to read about and visit if any suit your fancy. While you’re out and about, take some time to tune into HooSkow, the local radio station at 98.1 FM. You could say it’s as unique as it gets as you never know what music you’re likely to hear. One thing is guaranteed; it beats those boring stations by a country mile, and then some!
Right in town in the municipal building you’ll find the Skowhegan Opera House, a special setting for plays, concerts, dance recitals, and other events. It’s one of those places that combines a bygone era with contemporary living.
Just outside of Skowhegan in the Hinkley neighborhood of nearby Fairfield, you’ll find the Goodwill-Hinkley School, a charitable organization with a long history of providing education and a home for Maine youth who will benefit from this unique educational setting. On the grounds you’ll find the L.C. Bates Museum that has an arboretum, nature trails, and butterfly garden, along with all kinds of exhibits indoors, including those you might be able to touch!
Right next door is the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences, Maine’s first public charter high school.
Food & Lodging
Let’s touch on some self-care, as in getting nourishment and sound sleep. Skowhegan has an array of dining options, from Chinese to brewpubs with locally crafted beer and places for seafood or a good piece of beef. There’s family style and quiet dining here.
You can also go to Heritage House for an upscale American food dining experience in an old-fashioned dining room. Reservations are required here, but you can also order takeout. You’re not required to dress to the nines, but you probably won’t want to be wearing shorts and a t-shirt, either. This spot is best for a date night or dinner with a good friend.
If you’re looking for somewhere to take the whole family, try Ken’s Family Restaurant. There they serve traditional pub food with plenty of meals for kids like chicken fingers and fries in a more casual environment. If you like Thai food, try M Thai Restaurant for some delicious and authentic dishes. They have great reviews with most of them noting the excellent waitstaff service.
Other restaurants to check out in Skowhegan are The Miller’s Table at Maine Grains, Brick House Kitchen, High Tide Low Tide Seafood, and Alice’s Restaurant. If you’re a visitor here in Skowhegan, it’s worth it to make another trip to try more of the town’s great restaurants!
A quick online search will show you all the places there are to stay nearby, including campgrounds with RV parks and special fun things for the kids. You’ll also find cabins you can rent as well as cottages and homes, some with water frontage or the peace of being in the woods. A lot of the rental in this area are easy on the budget too!
