Fort Kent Activities

America’s First Mile is the most northern and eastern US Highway system in the United States. Route 1 begins in Fort Kent, Maine and travels 2,369 miles southward to Key West, Florida along the East Coast of the United States. If you ever find yourself in Fort Kent, you should take a look at the “Americas First Mile” monument, overlooking the St. John River.

Fort Kent Overview

Fun-Filled Events:

During the second weekend in August, the International Muskie Fishing Derby takes place in Fort Kent. According to a Fort Kent source, “Muskie fishing is considered one of the greatest freshwater sports fish challenges in all of North America. The scenic St. John River has over 225 miles of prime habitat for Muskie fishing.”

If you’re not an avid fisherman, don’t worry! During the same weekend the Bouchard Family Farm, along with the Greater Fort Kent Chamber of Commerce throws their annual Ploye Festival, a festival filled with eating and family fun. This event includes activities like making the world’s largest ploye, local music, and local vendors. Don’t miss your chance to partake in these festivities!

Biking

  • Fort Kent Riverside Trail System Fish River, Fort Kent, ME 04743
    • This 3-mile trail follows the Saint John River and Fish River through downtown Fort Kent and is great for biking, hiking, and walking.
  • St. John Valley Heritage Trail Fort Kent and Saint Francis, ME
    • 16.9-mile long trail along the former Fish River Railroad corridor great for biking, hiking, ATVs, horseback riding, and more.
  • Tour de la Vallee Fort Kent, ME 04743
    • 69-mile bicycle route that goes from Fort Kent through Madawaska, down past the shores of Long Lake and then back to Fort Kent.

Breweries – Wineries

  • First Mile Brewing 28 Market St, Suite 103, Fort Kent, ME 04743
    • According to their website, First Mile Brewing “can be found on the first mile of US Route 1, housed in a converted grain warehouse in the small town of Fort Kent, Maine. It started humbly, as a group of home-brewing club members with a dream; it has since grown into a household name and can be found in restaurants and stores throughout Northern Maine.”

Events

  •  Can-Am Crown Dog Sled Races 65 3rd Ave, Fort Kent, ME 04743 | (207) 543-7515
    • International dog sled races that are great to watch or race in. There are three types of races: 20 miles, 100 miles, and 250 miles. The 250-mile race is a qualifier for entry into the Iditarod and Yukon Quest races.
  • International Muskie Fishing Derby PO Box 222, Fort Kent, ME 04743 | (207) 834-3102
    • During the second weekend in August, this annual event is a large fishing derby for a native fish. The St. John Watershed is a unique muskie habitat, and muskie fishing is considered one of the greatest freshwater sports fish challenges in North America.
  • Ploye Festival Bouchard Family Farms, 3 Strip Rd, Fort Kent, ME 04743 | (207) 834-3237
    • During the second weekend in August (same as the Muskie Derby), the Bouchard Family Farm along with the Greater Fort Kent Chamber of Commerce throws this festival filled with eating and family fun. Activities include making the world’s largest ploye, local music, ploye wrestling contest, and craft show.

Farms

  • Allagash View Farms: |726 Strip Road, Fort Kent, ME 04743 | 1-800-604-0393
    • This family farms sells Christmas trees, wreathes and the unique Haskap berry, which “Exceptionally high levels of antioxidants – up to three times that of a high bush blueberry.”
  • Bouchard Family Farm Ployes 3 Strip Rd, Fort Kent, ME 04743 | (207) 834-3237
    • A family farm specializing in ployes! These are French-Acadian flatbreads or pancakes.

Golf

  • Fort Kent Golf Club 304 St. John Rd, Fort Kent, ME 04743 | (207) 834-3149
    • “Located in the St. John Valley next to the Canadian border, this challenging 9 hole course is nestled in the North Maine Woods.”

Hiking

  • Fort Kent Riverside Trail System Fish River, Fort Kent, ME 04743
    • This 3-mile trail follows the Saint John River and Fish River through downtown Fort Kent and is great for biking, hiking, and walking.
  • Island Trail 6 Dufour St, Fort Kent, ME 04743
    • “This short, scenic trail has attractions with both historic and natural interest points, starting at the Fort Kent Blockhouse and dotted with environment education kiosks along the way.”
  • Saint John Valley Heritage Trail Fort Kent and Saint Francis, ME
    • 16.9 mile long crushed stone trail along the Saint John River with views of forests and farmlands.

Historic

  • America’s First Mile 341 West Main St, Fort Kent, ME 04743 | (613) 333-2233
    • This is the most northern and eastern US Highway system in the United States. Route 1 begins in Fort Kent and travels 2,369 miles south to Key West, Florida. There is a nice monument here overlooking the St. John River.
  • Fort Kent Blockhouse Blockhouse Rd, Fort Kent, ME 04743 | (207) 941-4014
    • Serves as a museum and is maintained by local Eagle Scouts. It is the only fortification relating to the “Bloodless” Aroostook War of 1839-1839 and the border dispute between Great Britain and the United States.

Ice Skating

Skiing

  • Fort Kent Riverside Trail System Fish River, Fort Kent, ME 04743
    • This 3-mile trail follows the Saint John River and Fish River through downtown Fort Kent and is great for biking, hiking, and walking.
  • Lonesome Pine Trails 2 Forest Ave, Fort Kent, ME 04743 | (207) 834-5202
    • Maine’s northernmost ski area with a rental shop and various programs to help you learn the tricks of the mountain.

Snowmobiling

  • Fort Kent Sno Riders P.O. Box 131, Fort Kent, ME 04743
    • Maintains the trails in the greater Fort Kent area. Volunteers drive a groomer around, cut brush on trails, make traffic signs, and handle grant funding. Trails in the area are for recreational use and take from an hour to all day to complete.

Waterfront: Beaches, Swimming, Boating, Fishing

  • Fish River Byway Route 11, Fort Kent, ME 04743
    • 38 mile long river with beaches and swimming holes, canoeing, kayaking, historical landmarks, and wildlife with beautiful scenery and fall foliage.
  • Northern Forest Canoe Trail Runs through New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine ending in Fort Kent, ME 04743 | (802) 496-2285
    • 740-mile waterway great for canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding. The river ranges from flat, slow-moving water, all the way to whitewater sections making it great for all ages. There are also campsites along the river.

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