Top 15 Things to Do in Presque Isle, Maine - The Crazy Tourist (2023)

Although Presque Isle has a population of just 9,000, it is the largest city in Aroostook County, Maine, and is also a major commercial center for the region.

Home to the University of Maine at Presque Isle and Husson University, this beautiful little town is home to many students. It also has an international airport that allows tourists and residents to travel easily and arrive from anywhere in the world.

The first people to live here were British settlers in 1819. The founder of the first official settlement was Dennis Fairbanks in 1828. It was incorporated as Presque Isle in 1859.

Here are the top 15 things to do on Presque Isle.

1. Camping at Aroostook State Park

Top 15 Things to Do in Presque Isle, Maine - The Crazy Tourist (1)Those:Aroostook State Park / Facebook

This is a Maine gem and allows for countless outdoor activities including camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, skiing, or snowshoeing. It's a great destination for anyone who enjoys outdoor fun.

The campsites are clean and well-maintained, with all the amenities you need to enjoy yourself. There are also many trails to admire the natural beauties of this area.

2. Admire the model of the Maine solar system

Top 15 Things to Do in Presque Isle, Maine - The Crazy Tourist (2)Those:thepiper351 / Flickr

Whether you are passionate about astronomy or simply want to learn something new, visit this park with scale replicas of the planets in our solar system.

In addition to the large models on display outside, there are also photographs and information panels of each of the planets inside. The park where the exhibitions take place is also beautiful and has many benches to relax in the open air.

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As mentioned above, the planets are scale replicas, so you can better understand the size of each planet in comparison to Earth. Challenge yourself and see if you can spot them all.

3. Visite el globo Double Eagle Site II

Top 15 Things to Do in Presque Isle, Maine - The Crazy Tourist (3)Those:de.wikipedia.org

As you tour the solar system, be sure to stop and admire the monument dedicated to the first humans to cross the Atlantic in a balloon.

They were Ben Abruzzo, Larry Newman, and Maxie Anderson, and they left Presque Isle on August 11, 1978. They finished the trip 6 days later, landing somewhere near Paris.

While not an impressive sight, it is a nice little monument to spend a few minutes admiring and taking some photos.

4. Read a good book at the Mark and Emily Turnet Memorial Public Library

Top 15 Things to Do in Presque Isle, Maine - The Crazy Tourist (4)Those:Biblioteca Memorial Mark & ​​Emily Turner / facebook

Not only is it a typical small town library, but it also has a large collection of books from the classical and renaissance periods. The purpose of the library is to enable learning and personal growth for all stakeholders.

They also have comfortable seating, good lighting, and a cafeteria, so you could easily spend a few hours here lost in a good book. They also house several art galleries and events. So if you like culture and art, you should definitely go there.

5. Eat well at the Mai Tai Lounge

Top 15 Things to Do in Presque Isle, Maine - The Crazy Tourist (5)Those:Mai Tai Hall / facebook

This is a popular place for both locals and tourists and offers a wide variety of food and drinks. As the name implies, here you will also find great Asian dishes and many tropical cocktails that you have never tried before.

The staff is friendly and polite and most of the customers were very happy with this place. Proof of this is that the Mai Tai Lounge has been in operation for more than 30 years. Give it a try and you won't regret it.

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6. Rent a kayak at Perception of Aroostook

Top 15 Things to Do in Presque Isle, Maine - The Crazy Tourist (6)Those:Aroostook Perception – What's yours? / Facebook

The Aroostook River offers many options for those who enjoy kayaking or canoeing, and Perception of Aroostook is here to help.

They sell and rent kayaks and canoes along with all the necessary equipment and supplies. The team is very knowledgeable and experienced in the area and can help you with everything you need to know.

You can then enjoy a wonderful experience, with many beautiful sights to admire while kayaking or canoeing.

7. Shop at the Aroostook Center Mall

Top 15 Things to Do in Presque Isle, Maine - The Crazy Tourist (7)Those:Aroostook Shopping Center / Facebook

Open since 1993, this mall is the third largest mall in the state of Maine at 525,000 square feet. It has been updated and modernized several times throughout its history and is now a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.

Inside you will find numerous clothing and shoe stores, boutiques, a JC Penney store, a Kmart, an amusement center and many other stores. And of course there is also an eating area with lots of great food to choose from.

8. Play tennis at Mantle Lake Park

Used for centuries as a picnic spot, it officially became a park in 1952. Located at the east end of Pine Street, it has numerous picnic tables, picnic shelters, benches, walking trails, playgrounds, and restrooms.

In addition, there are also 3 tennis courts for lovers of this sport. This beautiful park is a popular place for class reunions, birthday parties, and other events...and, of course, for relaxing, fishing, and outdoor fun.

9. Have a coffee at Café Sorpreso

Top 15 Things to Do in Presque Isle, Maine - The Crazy Tourist (8)Those:Surprise Coffee / facebook

Located in the center of Presque Isle, this cute little European-style cafe offers a wide variety of coffee, drinks, and food. Stop in for a quick coffee or stay longer and enjoy lunch or dinner.

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There are many dishes to choose from, some of which are European recipes, while others are purely American. The food is very good and highly rated by locals and tourists alike, and the service is excellent.

If you need a special meal that is not on the menu (for example, gluten free or dairy free), please reach out via phone or Facebook Messenger and they will be happy to help.

10. Take a guided tour with the Presque Isle Historical Society

Top 15 Things to Do in Presque Isle, Maine - The Crazy Tourist (9)Those:Presque Isle Historical Society / Facebook

This association strives to promote local history through a variety of tours, as well as exhibitions, conferences, publications, and more.

Among their many tours, you'll find one with Molly the Trolley that takes you around town and some of the surrounding area, a tour of the Vera Estey House Museum, downtown tours, Fairmount Cemetery historical tours, a history tour mysterious, a haunted tour, a geocaching history tour, and also a narrated history tour of the entire city.

The tours are very fun and informative and are available at very affordable prices.

11. Catch a baseball game at Bishop's Island Ballfield

Top 15 Things to Do in Presque Isle, Maine - The Crazy Tourist (10)Those:Presque Isle Parks and Recreation / facebook

This field was rebuilt in 2016 and hosts baseball and softball games. Baseball games are for the city's youth team, while softball games are for the adult league.

The venue has all the necessary facilities including two good player shelters and good seats for spectators to watch the games. Parking is available across the street, while drinks and snacks are available during games.

So if you are around, go to this stadium and support the home team.

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12. Or a basketball game at the Sargent Family Community Center

Top 15 Things to Do in Presque Isle, Maine - The Crazy Tourist (11)Those:Troy Nichols/facebook

In addition to 3 basketball courts, this facility offers many other activities. First, they have William Bill Haskell Memorial High School, which, as mentioned above, hosts basketball, volleyball, and pickleball games and has a three-lane track for walking or jogging.

There is also the Senior Center, which has pool tables, board games, televisions, and a full kitchen for seniors to have fun and relax. The Teen Center offers lots of fun for the little ones, while the multipurpose room hosts various dance classes and activities for children and adults. The place can also be rented for birthday parties.

13. Ride a bike or run on the bike path

Top 15 Things to Do in Presque Isle, Maine - The Crazy Tourist (12)Autor: RacheeLynn / Shutterstock

This paved trail is 4 miles long and offers locals and tourists a great place to bike, run, or just stroll. It was built in 1981 based on an old Canadian Pacific Railway plan and has been lengthened at both ends over time.

With the support of the City Council and the local population, it now connects the University of Maine at Presque Isle with Riverside Bicentennial Park and all surrounding areas.

14. Take the kids to Riverside Bicentennial Park

Top 15 Things to Do in Presque Isle, Maine - The Crazy Tourist (13)Those:www.pirec.org

This area is approximately 10 hectares and includes many swings and children's games, ideal for spending a relaxing day with the children.

There are also 20 water sprinklers, and of course plenty of benches, walking paths, and picnic areas.

15. Skateboard or attend a forum event

Top 15 Things to Do in Presque Isle, Maine - The Crazy Tourist (14)Those:www.pirec.org

The forum can be used in many ways and there is always something to do here at any time of the year. Here all kinds of shows, exhibitions and events are held (such as the Anah Temple Shrine Circus, McCluskey's RV & Trailer Show or the Trash & Treasures Sale) and in winter it becomes an ice rink.

Hockey games and ice skating demonstrations are held here, but local clubs also offer courses for people of all ages and experience levels.

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FAQs

What is Presque Isle famous for? ›

The folks of the County got together and built the world's largest scale model of the Solar System, stringing it along 40 miles of Route 1 from Presque Isle to the town of Houlton. The model of the Sun is inside a building at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.

Is Presque Isle Maine worth visiting? ›

Presque Isle is a city in Maine, United States. It has many popular attractions, including Maine Solar System Model, Aroostook State Park, Double Eagle II Balloon Site, making it well worth a visit.

Is Caribou Maine worth visiting? ›

There is plenty do to in Caribou! Enjoy 28-miles of multi-purpose trails at Aroostook Valley Trail, or go hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in nearby Limestone. Don't miss the Nylander Museum of Natural History and Caribou Historical Society either.

Why is it called Presque Isle? ›

The French name Presque Isle means “almost an island.” The park area has been a real island several times. Storm waves have broken through the neck to isolate the main section of the spit at least four times since 1819.

Are drinks free at Presque Isle Casino? ›

no. the only free drinks are fountain,water and coffee.

What is the prettiest coastal town in Maine? ›

Wiscasset is the place to be. This historic seaside town is known by many as the prettiest village in Maine. It's easy to see why with such breathtaking views of Sheepscot River and other outdoor adventure spots. Take a stroll through downtown Wiscasset where you'll find lots of charming historic homes.

Where do the wealthy vacation in Maine? ›

Bar Harbor has long since been a draw for tourists. From the mid-1800s and right through the 1930s, it was a summer haven for the rich and famous, attracting the Astors, Fords, Morgans, Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Carnegies. Today, it's a vacation destination for everyone, especially families.

Are there bears on Presque Isle? ›

Here are a few of many short pieces of information about Presque Isle State Park compiled over many years. 1. The winter of 2007-08 saw the return of a winter visitor to the park for the first known time since the early 1900s. A 200-plus-pound black bear made himself at home in the park.

What does Presque Isle mean in English? ›

Presque-isle (from the French presqu'île, meaning almost island) is a geographical term denoting a piece of land which is closer to being an island than most peninsulas because of its being joined to the mainland by an extremely narrow neck of land.

How long does it take to drive around Presque Isle? ›

Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, fishing, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November.

What is the best family beach on Presque Isle? ›

Beach 11: The most sheltered beach on Presque Isle with shallow water, Beach 11 is regarded as the best beach for young kids. The large beach features a beach house with changing areas, restrooms and concessions, and is adjacent to a playground and picnic pavilion.

Can you drink alcohol at Presque Isle? ›

Don't: Drink alcoholic beverages on the park. If you have any questions during your stay at Presque Isle, you can find both the park rangers and lifeguards at the ranger station.

Does Presque Isle have a boardwalk? ›

Presque Isle Boardwalk - Erie, PA. Presque isle state park, Long weekend trips, Cool places to visit.

Can you smoke at Presque Isle casino? ›

Presque Isle Downs & Casino offers both a smoking and non-smoking gaming experience. The air within the casino is 100% replaced with fresh air three times per hour, and we have several banks of machines and an entire section of the floor designated as non-smoking areas.

Can you drink your own beer at the casino? ›

Yes, there is no law forbidding people from bringing their own alcoholic beverages into Las Vegas casinos.

Can you drink at slot machines? ›

Play Slots and Table Games. Free drinks are still generously distributed at Las Vegas slot machines and table games. Cocktail waitresses make the rounds and take orders from those actively playing in the casino.

What is the prettiest village in Maine? ›

The historic town of Wiscasset is fondly known as the prettiest village in Maine. Situated just under 45 miles from Portland, it overlooks the Sheepscot River and spans roughly 28 square miles.

What is the most underrated town in Maine? ›

According to Love Exploring, the Maine town of Stonington is the most underrated town in the entire state. For those who are unfamiliar, the Town of Stonington is located on the southern coast of the island of Deer Isle.

What is the best month to visit Maine? ›

September is probably the best month to visit Maine. After Labor Day, the crowds get smaller, but the weather is still balmy. The ocean is usually warm enough for swimming and water sports, and the fair season kicks off, with lots of craft and agricultural fairs.

What are the cutest shopping towns in Maine? ›

Some of our favorite shopping towns in Maine include Bangor, which might be the largest town/city on this list, followed closely by Bethel and Bath. There's also Hallowell, Kittery, and Castine; other favorite places to go shopping in Maine include Wiscasset, Rockland, and Portland.

What celebrities have homes in Bar Harbor Maine? ›

Summer Residents of Bar Harbor

For instance, prominent figures and famous celebrities include Martha Stewart, David Morse, Susan Sarandon, Edward C. “Ned” Johnson and his daughter Abigail Johnson, Robert Bass, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Fred Savage, and Roxanne Quimby.

What is the most affluent town in Maine? ›

Cumberland Foreside is a small portion of Cumberland. It bears the distinction of being the wealthiest town in Maine with a median household income of about $100,000 among its 1,200 residents. The "foreside" in its name indicates its proximity to the Fore River. It is ranked #184 of the richest towns in America.

Where do the Rockefellers live in Maine? ›

The property in Seal Harbor, which is part of the town of Mount Desert, features a granite swimming pool and circular rose garden. Rockefeller was the son of philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. He was 101 when he died in 2017 in Pocantico Hills, New York.

What is the hottest city in Maine? ›

Maine
  • Hottest city: Orono.
  • Number of days per year w/ temperature above 90℉: 8.
  • Number of days per year w/ temperature above 100℉: 0.
  • Average summer maximum temperature: 78.9℉
  • Average summer minimum temperature: 56.7℉

Where do the hippies live in Maine? ›

Unity, Maine is a small town of about 2,000 residents located in Waldo County. The town was originally settled by Quakers, and it went by the name "Twenty-Five Mile Pond Plantation." Today, it might be best known as the home of the decidedly hippie Unity College.

What is an artsy town in Maine? ›

So where are the top art destinations in Maine? Portland, Rockland, Kennebunk/Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Bar Harbor, Boothbay, Camden are all thriving art destinations, for art creators and art-lovers!

What town in Maine can you see the Northern Lights? ›

Northern Maine's Aroostook County (or just the county to locals) offers the perfect conditions to see the Northern Lights in Maine. A few of the places that people generally report having good luck seeing the Northern Lights are the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, Moosehead Lake, and the New England Outdoor Center.

What is the most visited national park in Maine? ›

Acadia. Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 4 million visits a year, it's one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States.

What is the main dish in Maine? ›

Food Maine is Known For Most: Lobster Rolls

The other thing you see everywhere is Maine lobster rolls! Or “Lobstah Rolls,” if you're local and have an accent! There's not much to them: they're simply lobster meat on a brioche bun (a short hot-dog bun style).

Who is the most famous person from Maine? ›

Famous People From Maine
  • Percival Baxter.
  • James Blaine.
  • George Bush.
  • Joshua Chamberlain.
  • William Cohen.
  • Dorothea Dix.
  • Melville Fuller.
  • Hannibal Hamlin.

What food is the state of Maine known for? ›

Iconic Maine Foods - Lobster, Chowder, Baked Beans, Moxie | Down East.

What animals live on Presque Isle? ›

Presque Isle State Park, US, PA Land Feature
  • C. Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) ...
  • CC. Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) ...
  • CC. Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) ...
  • CC. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) ...
  • CC. Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) ...
  • CC. Star-flowered Lily-of-the-Valley (Maianthemum stellatum) ...
  • CC. ...
  • CC.

Where are most bears in Maine? ›

In Maine, black bears are found nearly statewide, but are most common in northern and eastern Maine and are rarely found in the heavily settled southern and central-coastal regions.

Can you sleep on Presque Isle State Park? ›

Presque Isle Passage offers a full range of campsites. Whatever your style of camping, size of RV, and size of family (including pets!), we have a campsite that is perfect for you.

What is Presque Isle known for? ›

As Pennsylvania's only “seashore,” Presque Isle offers its visitors a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and in-line skating. Presque Isle is a day-use park that provides year-round recreational opportunities.

How much does it cost to go to Presque Isle? ›

No admission. Free to the public.

Can you find sea glass at Presque Isle? ›

Dig for Hidden Treasure at Presque Isle

Bring a bag for beach glass hunting on the sandy beaches of Presque Isle State Park! Our friends at Relish Inc. tell us that the best beach glass can be found at Beach 1, located near the entrance to the Park.

Can you take rocks from Presque Isle? ›

You can pick up stones on the beach that wash up. That is it for the rocks.

Can you swim at Presque Isle? ›

The sandy beaches, washed by the clear waters of Lake Erie, provide visitors with the only surf swimming within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Beaches are open daily from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. The regular hours are 12:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.

What is Erie PA most known for? ›

Erie is Pennsylvania's only port on the St. Lawrence Seaway and is a strategic shipping point for industrial coke, iron ore, steel, salt, stone, and scrap metal. It is the seat of Gannon University (1925), Mercyhurst College (1926), and the Behrend College campus of Pennsylvania State University (Penn State Erie).

Why is Erie Pennsylvania famous? ›

It is known as the "Flagship City" because of its status as the home port of Oliver Hazard Perry's flagship Niagara. It is also known as the "Gem City" because of the lake's sparkling appearance caused by the daylight. Erie won the All-America City Award in 1972.

What does Presque Isle mean in French? ›

Presque-isle (from the French presqu'île, meaning almost island) is a geographical term denoting a piece of land which is closer to being an island than most peninsulas because of its being joined to the mainland by an extremely narrow neck of land.

What do you call people from Erie PA? ›

Erieite: Someone who resides in the city; an Erie resident.

Are there any famous people from Erie PA? ›

Birth Place Matching "Erie, Pennsylvania, USA" (Sorted by Popularity Ascending)
  • Laura Kightlinger. Actress | Curb Your Enthusiasm. ...
  • Allison McAtee. Actress | The Haves and the Have Nots. ...
  • Marilyn Burns. Actress | The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. ...
  • Christine Estabrook. ...
  • Kay Williams. ...
  • Nick Adams. ...
  • Billy Blanks. ...
  • Pat Monahan.

What is the meaning of Erie? ›

Etymology. From an Erie word rendered in French as Erieehronon, Eriechronon, and Riquéronon and said to mean “long tail” or “long-tailed”, in reference to the Eastern cougar (Puma concolor cougar).

What is the Erie tribe today? ›

The Erie are a no-longer-extant American Indian tribe whose descendants may be included among today's Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma. The Erie were an obscure group that lived south of Lake Erie during the 1600s. No known European visited an Erie village, and the tribe's language was not recorded.

How deep is Lake Erie? ›

About the Lakes

Measuring 241 miles across and 57 miles from north to south, the lake's surface is just under 10,000 square miles, with 871 miles of shoreline. The average depth of Lake Erie is only about 62 feet (210 feet, maximum).

What does presque mean in English? ›

[pʀɛsk ] adverb. positif) almost ⧫ nearly.

What does Belle Monde mean? ›

noun. the fashionable world; high society.

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