Madawaska, Maine: Top Things to Do in Northernmost Town
Article by Sam Dostaler
Connected to Canada by the Edmundston–Madawaska Bridge that runs across the Saint John River, Madawaska, Maine holds the distinction of being New England’s Most Northern Town!
During the colonial period, Madawaska and the surrounding area were a meeting place for the Wolastoqiyik. The Wolastoqiyik were an Indigenous people of Canada and the Saint John River valley. Their territory included what today is New Brunswick and Quebec in Canada, and parts of northern Maine. The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, part of the Wolastoqiyik, became the first treaty allies of the United States of America on July 19, 1776.
Not easy to get to, Madawaska was incorporated in 1869 after the bloodless Aroostook War. The Aroostook War was the final border dispute between the United States and the United Kingdom, leading to the 1842 signing of the Webster–Ashburton Treaty. Madawaska was incorporated 17 years later.
Facts About Madawaska:
- Population: 3,867
- Incorporated: 1869
- Madawska is located opposite Edmundston, Madawaska County, in New Brunswick
- 46% of residents 5+ speak French at home
- Madawska is the most northeastern town in the contiguous United States
- Known as one of the Four Corners of the United States
Places to Stay:
A Bed & Breakfast featuring a restaurant and bar/lounge, the DuBois’ Inn is located just five minutes from Four Corners Park and is a short drive from Le Fortin Du Petit Sault (in Canada). Prices start at roughly $120 per night.
Featuring 21 rooms with queen or king beds that feature Egyptian cotton sheets and premium comforters the Inn of Acadia is a first class hotel that fits any traveler. Guests can choose between a deluxe room or a suite. Rates begin at around $150 per night and include contintental breakfast.
With prices starting as low as $65 the Martin’s Motel offers clean and affordable rooms. Martin’s Motel is pet friendly and a good option for snowmobilers. Guests can choose between four room options.
Things to Do:
A park dedicated to long distance motercylcing. Four Corners Park is one of Southern California’s Official Four Corners Tour check points.
Immerse yourself in local history by visiting the Maine Acadian Culture Museum, Martin Acadian Homestead and Learning Center, and the Tante Blanche Museum.
Outdoor Activites, ATV/Snowmobile
For those looking to get outdoors, Madawaska offers numerous trails for hiking, biking, snowmobiling, ATVing, snowshoeing, bird watching, plus more! For more information visit the Four Seasons Trail Association, Madawaska Snowmobile Club, and the Madawaska Valley ATVenture Club.
Travelers can also get out on the water via a boat launch on the the St. John River. People can enjoy canoeing, kayaking or fishing. Visitors to Long Lake can enjoy swimming, boating, and a public beach area at Birch Point on Chapel Road.
Le Fortin Du Petit Sault (in Canada)
Located across the border in Canada and overlooking the city of Edmundston, the Le Fortin Du Petit Sault was a portion of the British defence during the Aroostook Bloodless War that ended in 1842. The original blockhouse was destroyed by fire in 1855 with the replica that stands today being built in 2000.
Places to Eat:
Inn of Acadia Restaurant & Lounge
Open to everyone, the Inn of Acadia Restaurant & Lounge, offers a wide variety of food including pub-style favorites along with gourmet twists on traditional, local cuisine. Dinner guests can enjoy their meal in a cozy, upscale setting. Main courses start at $19.
Opened in 2014, the homey Chez Helen offers American cuisine and pizza at friendly prices.
A local sandwich shop that offers comfort foods that are perfect for before or after any activities from the day.
Events:
Madawska Acadian Festival (August 13-16)
Since 1978, the Madawaska Acadian Festival has celebrated the local Acadian heritage. The fesitval includes a Ms. Acadian Festival Pageant show, a co-ed softball tournament, an art expo, a cornhole tournament, and a Madawaska Maliseet First Nation Cultural demonstration.
For more on Madawska, visit their town website by clicking here! If you are interested in more on Maine travel, click here. Or for more Town Spotlights, click here.
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