Town of Standish, Maine

For folks looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Portland, a half-hour northwest on ME Route 25 is the scenic village of Standish. The rural feel of Standish is very appealing for those wanting to experience a slower pace of life close to nature and outdoor activities but still within proximity to the coast and Portland.

Next to Lake Sebago, the second largest lake in the state, Standish includes the villages of Steep Falls, Standish Corner, Sebago Lake Village, and four localities. It is the home to Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, a private, liberal arts school on the shores of Sebago, many historic buildings, and excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Residents and visitors alike remark on the wonderful sense of community they feel in this lakeside town.

Standish Corner and Other Historical Cornerstones

Standish, also known as Standish Corner, is where Routes 25 and 35 intersect. These crossroads are an important landmark and the first colonial meeting house site, where civic activities were conducted. The meeting house is no longer standing, but Standish Corner still serves as a reminder of the area’s history, with a well-kept collection of early homesteads.

Standish Corner is home to five historic farmhouses that date from the late 18th to early 19th century. The oldest, Marrett House, was built in 1789 and occupied by generations of the Marrett family well into the 20th century. The home is a prominent example of Greek Revival architecture. Its decor remains mostly unchanged, and the home is beautifully appointed with family heirlooms. Marrett House and its surrounding gardens are open seasonally for tours.

The Old Red Church, built between 1804-06, was initially called the First Parish Meeting House and has served the community in various ways since its inception. However, the church got off to a rocky beginning in 1804 when a gathering of soldiers “overcome with excitement and spirits at an annual muster, demolished the church.” After its rambunctious start and subsequent rebuild, the Meeting House persevered and has since been used for religious services, the town high school (several times), and local events and meetings. Today, it is the home to the Standish Historical Society, and the tradition of community use continues with craft fairs and gatherings.

For information on Standish events and services available for all residents, the Standish Parks and Recreation department is an excellent resource. Learn about youth sports, summer camps and childcare, senior enrichment programs, and special community events on the site. The Town of Standish website has local government information, a map and guide to the area, and a list of local activities for the entire family.

There’s a Lot of Outdoors to Explore in Standish Maine

Standish is on the southernmost point of Sebago Lake. Sebago is the second largest lake in Maine, at 45 square miles, with a depth of 316 feet and a shoreline that stretches 112 miles. Sebago is a year-round recreational area for southern Maine.

Not only does Sebago Lake provide summer fun in the sun and a haven for winter sports, but it’s also the source of water for Portland and ten surrounding communities. So important is Sebago Lake that the Natural Resources Council of Maine and a group of Maine breweries called the Maine Brewshed Alliance recently partnered to help protect this precious resource.

Sebago Lake State Park and Campground are on the north shore, between Naples and Casco. There are endless opportunities for lodging and camping around the lake: rental cottages, lodges, B&B’s cabins, and campgrounds abound.

Residents and visitors with a pass can launch boats (and park) at the Sebago Lake Station Landing. Standish offers discounted passes for residents. but keep in mind there’s no swimming at the launch area. To jump in the water or hang out on the sand, head to Rich Memorial Beach, open to residents in the summer and available to everyone for winter ice-fishing (both links have information about pricing and permits).

Another unique outdoor destination is Steep Falls on the Saco River, in, you guessed it, the village of Steep Falls. The falls span 75 feet of the Saco River and pour into a broad basin framed by large boulders, rocks, and sandy beaches. Even though Steep Falls has only a six-foot drop, the water flow, originating in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, is strong and consistent year-round. Steep Falls is a great place to cool off on hot, lazy summer days, and like all river falls, it offers a peaceful and scenic environment all year round.

Nearby Lake Watchic is a smaller, spring-fed body of water with a public beach called Kiwanis Beach on Route 25. The lake is excellent for fishing, canoeing or kayaking, and wildlife watching opportunities. To everyone’s delight, several resident loon families return each spring. Lake Watchic is Sebago’s smaller and quieter sibling.

Shopping and Dining in the Village

Just because Standish offers a slower pace of life doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of excellent options for shopping and dining. You can start your day out right with a “cup of joe” from Aroma Joe’s Coffee and not even leave your vehicle at the drive-through near Standish Corner. Reasonably priced and locally owned, Percy’s Table serves up breakfast, lunch and creates special fare for holidays. If you love homemade hash, check out the four creative versions on their breakfast menu—you won’t be disappointed.

A lively and popular pub near Lake Watchic is the Outpost Public House. The Public House was established in 2019 as a gathering place as comfortable as hanging out in your living room. With an extensive tap selection and equally extensive menu, and excellent neighbor vibe, you’ll soon be stopping by to greet old friends and make new ones.

Standish Hardware is your one-stop-shopping spot with everything from animal feed
(and hay) to knife sharpening services—and they offer advice on any fixer-up or household issue you are trying to solve—who doesn’t love a store whose motto is “We’re the Problem Solvers.” Hometown Furnishing Co has vintage items and local arts and crafts; they also hold evening DIY workshops with wine. Sunrise Corner is housed in three separate and historic buildings with thousands of items—crafts, ice cream, fudge, penny candy, year-round decorations, birdhouses—all American Made.

These are just a few of the many unique and locally-owned shops and eateries, don’t let this limited selection fool you, though; there are plenty more to explore!

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