Town of Wilton, Maine

Wilton is a southern Franklin County town with about 4,000 residents. The center of town is right around the corner from the intersection of U.S. Route 2 and Maine Route 4 that extends from Mooselookmeguntic Lake in the north to the New Hampshire border in the south. Wilton has a number of features, including beautiful Wilson Lake with its year round activities, and quick access to all sorts of adventures and unique places to visit.

You could say that Wilton’s attractions are one of the best kept secrets of the area. That includes everything from opportunities for the kids to those open to businesses. Plus, there are wonderful things to do right in town or within a short, scenic drive. Let’s do a rundown of what’s right in town and then go from there!

Wilton includes the unincorporated villages of East Wilton and Dryden, each of which contribute in their own ways to the town and the area in general. For instance, Western Maine Community Action Agency, with its main offices in East Wilton, administers housing and social service programs that serve many individuals and families in and beyond Wilton.
The stretch of Routes 2 and 4 that runs through East Wilton, Dryden, and Wilton is the location of real estate, manufacturing, property management, restaurant, and varied retail enterprises. That drive alone reveals the area and economic scope the town encompasses.

Take a Walking Tour of Wilton

It really is a good idea to get out of your vehicle and stretch your legs with a walk through Wilton! Why, going from one end of town to the other is maybe a hair over a half mile, flat, and quite interesting. You can venture into the Western Maine Play Museum and then mosey along past the grocery store and Post Office until you decide it’s time for coffee and a treat. Cross the street and you can go over the Wilson Stream bridge and up the stairs to the Wilton Free Public Library that prides itself in being a Family Place Library.

As you continue on through town on your way to Wilson Lake (also known as Pond) you’re likely to notice roads going up hills in either direction. Some have stately old homes that date back to when Bass Shoe was a main employer in the region. Others lead to fun things to do that we’ll get to shortly.

If you’re into the good old days and things related, be sure to stop in at the Farm and Home Museum. Right next door is an amazing multi-story wood frame building that once housed Bass Shoe, and now is home to a number of businesses. From upstairs those places have beautiful views, good for giving the brain a rest. The building itself could tell lots of stories…oh, if the walls could talk! They’d likely let you know that there’s water that flows from Wilson Pond (or Lake, if you prefer) into Wilson Stream that helped to power shoe-making back in the day.

Now you’re over by Wilson Lake where there boat launch is easy to access and mere minutes from Route 2. We’ll come back to the lake after we satisfy your appetite a bit more.

Outings, Eateries, and Lodging in Wilton

On the lower level of the old Bass Building there’s a dandy restaurant that features Italian cooking and other delectable options. You can get takeout from there too, though it’s great when you can eat in as the interior tells more stories. Back in the center of town there are other places to eat including Chinese and the usual pizza and burgers that are so good. Seasonal places like one out on the highway have antique car nights for auto enthusiasts.

Seasonal outings abound in Wilton, from pick your own apples that you get to up the hill from East Wilton to blueberries right there outside of the village. It’s best to call ahead to these family-owned places so they can let you know their hours and such.

Wilton is fortunate to have a variety of lodging options, some in nearby Farmington and those that are right handy by. Those are Wilson Lake Inn and Bass Point Cottages. Out of town in Weld and just a short drive is the Kawanhee Inn that’s on the shores of Webb Lake. It’s a good idea to check in with these places before you show up as they may be seasonal or full.

Four Season Fun

I hope you’re still reading as I’ve left the best for last! There’s a lot of four season fun to be had in Wilton and right nearby. Here’s what to look forward to whenever you come to visit:

• Kineowatha Park is just ½ mile from the center of town and is on the shore of Wilson Lake. As you’ll see, there’s a beach and play area. There’s also an ice skating rink in the winter; time to pull your skates out and see if they still fit!
• Wilson Lake Country Club is 1½ miles from the center of town on the Weld Road. It’s been there a long time, is quite popular, and beautifully maintained.
• You already know there’s a public boat ramp. If you don’t have your own you can go over to Kineowatha Park and check on what they have for person-powered watercraft.
• The Whistlestop Trail can be accessed in E. Wilton for four-season adventures.
• Mt Blue State Park and Webb Lake are a scenic ½-hour drive. Out there you can hike, camp, swim, kayak, and cookout in a really pristine spot. Just like at Wilson Lake, be sure to keep an eye out for eagles, heron, and osprey!
• Tumbledown is for serious hikers who know how to handle real mountains and all they can bring on. The real treat about this mountain is there’s a pond at the top! You can reach base from Wilton in about a half hour drive. Good idea to go early!
• Sunday River is a four season destination known best for its ski and board slopes. It’s about an hour west of Wilton.
• Sugarloaf is just over an hour north and features golf as well as wintry things to do.
• Mt. Abram Ski Area & Bike Park is just over an hour to the west and is a sweet treat for family fun, especially if your kids are starting out on the slopes.

Well, there, you’ve now got lots to look into and think about what’s waiting for you in Wilton! Remember, there’s a bunch of scenery to relax with in between being busy.

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