Town of Winthrop, Maine
Source: Winthrop, Maine Facebook
Maranacook Lake in Winthrop, Maine
Though defined by the lakes and ponds, Winthrop is anything but isolated. It’s a 20-minute drive from the state capital of Augusta and about a half hour drive from Lewiston, Maine’s second-largest city and a service center for healthcare, education, and shopping. Winthrop’s website describes the town as “one of Maine’s best commuter towns.”
Winthrop’s Neighborhoods
Though it is one town, Winthrop has villages and distinct neighborhoods within its bounds. East Winthrop bounds Manchester and Readfield, welcoming visitors from the Augusta area as they drive in on Route 202. The northern neighborhood is around Maranacook Lake and the southern neighborhood is around Annabessacook. The area around Mt. Pisgah and Wilson Pond is western Winthrop. When you get to the downtown area, you might hear that area referred to simply as The Village.
Exploring Winthrop Maine
When you’re in Winthrop, enjoyment of the outdoors is never far away. Lake Maranacook, Lake Annabessacook, Echo Lake, Cobbosseecontee Lake, and Parker Pond are just a few of the numerous bodies of water in and around the town. You’re never far from an opportunity to relax on the lakeshore, take a swim off a dock, put the kayak in the water, or even ice fish in the winter.
Dotted with both seasonal and year-round homes, the lakes are also home to sites of historic interest. The Ladies Delight Light, a lighthouse set on a small island in Cobbosseecontee, is of particular note; it’s even been added to the National Historic Register.
The lakes aren’t the only way to enjoy the outdoors in Winthrop. Mt. Pisgah is a local treasure, valued by locals for the trails as well as the blueberry picking. Head up to the summit and you’ll find a Maine Forest Service Fire Tower. Though the tower went out of service in 1991, you can still climb it to enjoy views of the surrounding area. And, if the weather cooperates you can see all the way to Mt. Washington. If you’re walking the trails during hunting season, wear your blaze orange: hunting is allowed in some parts of the Mt. Pisgah conservation area. If you don’t mind the cold, get your snowshoes out and enjoy the peacefulness of a winter hike on the Mt. Pisgah trails.
For indoor recreation or organized youth sports and other programming, residents can count on the Winthrop Rec Department and the local YMCA to keep them active. Making the most of the town’s natural resources, they also offer swimming lessons at the town beach during the summer.
Source: van der Brew Facebook
van der Brew is located in Winthrop, Maine
Shopping & Dining
Winthrop’s downtown is home to several eclectic local shops where people looking for just the right unique piece of art or decor can spend hours hunting for treasure. Freckle Salvage Company, Main Street Mercantile, and dharwood Pottery take care of shoppers’ vintage and home decor needs. Becky’s Second Time Around is a consignment clothing shop on the main drag, and just down the road is The Art Walk, a retail art shop and studio.
People and pets alike will have no trouble finding salons in Winthrop. From Wagging Tails Grooming Salon to Vincent Nails to Michael’s Barber Styling, year-round residents and seasonal visitors have plenty of options for taking care of their beauty needs.
Winthrop House of Pizza or My Sisters Pizza are local spots to grab a slice. Pond Town Pub and Grub and Pete’s Roast Beef offer further variety in casual dining. Van der Brew, set right on the lake, is a brewery that frequently features food trucks. With a large indoor space complete with cornhole boards, as well as a good-sized porch with tables, Van der Brew is a favorite spot to relax and enjoy a beverage or two.
Education & Cultural Attractions
Winthrop has three public schools: Winthrop Grade School, Winthrop Middle School, and Winthrop High School. The mascot of all is The Ramblers.
The Bailey Library is housed in a brick building not far from Maranacook Lake. Expanded in 2015, Winthrop’s library is active in the community, hosting numerous programs and even putting on a trivia night at nearby Van der Brew on occasion.
The Winthrop Historical Society opened a new headquarters in 2021; it’s located in the former Key Bank building. They’re an active group, regularly putting on events at which people can learn more about the history of their town.
For other cultural attractions, people can travel to nearby Lewiston, Augusta, or even head to smaller towns like Monmouth, where you’ll find the Theater at Monmouth.
Healthcare & Services
People can access healthcare services right in Winthrop as well as in nearby cities. Winthrop does not have a hospital but does have Winthrop Family Medicine which is part of the MaineGeneral health system. Smile Solutions of Maine offers dental care, and you can pick up prescriptions at the local Walgreens.
Winthrop has both a police department and a fire department. The town does not offer municipal trash and recycling pick-up, but does have a transfer station where residents can dispose of waste and bring their recycling.
