Highlights of Fort Kent Itinerary
Itinerary Note
Note – we put some scheduled times in here just to give you some ideas. You can pick and choose what you want to do. Be sure to look at when they are open and if there are any COVID restrictions. In fact, it would probably be a good idea to call any that you plan to visit just to be on the safe side.
Fort Kent is a gorgeous town located on the St. Johns river directly across from Canada. This town is full of fascinating historical sites and great hiking trails! This itinerary will take you through some of the highlights of this Northern Maine town!
Day 1
9:00 am: Start the day at Rock’s Family Diner
378 W Main St, Fort Kent, ME 04743-1021
This diner just happens to be the first diner on Route 1 and the first stop of our trip!
Open daily from 6:30 AM-7:00 PM.
10:00 am: Begin your hike at Fish River Falls
This is a 0.8-mile hike for all ages that takes you to the Fish River Waterfalls. At the falls there are picnic tables for you to be able to truly take in the sight.
11:00 am: We are off to visit America’s First Mile!
341 W Main St, Fort Kent, ME 04743
This monument marks where US Route 1 begins! It sits next to the bridge from Canada to the United States. Route 1 runs from Fort Kent, Maine, to Key West, Florida!
11:45 am: Head on over to Whistle Stop for lunch
Market St, Fort Kent, ME 04743
They are known for their homecooked dishes along with their delicious baked goods and whoopie pies!
12:30 pm: Head from Whistle Stop on over to the Fort Kent Historic Block House!
The blockhouse was the only building built specifically for what is known as the “Aroostook War” where tensions between the United States and Great Britain/ Canadian border were high. The building is currently a part of the National Park Service and is helped to be maintained by the local boy scouts. The interior of the building is open between Memorial Day and Labor Day from 9 am-5 pm daily!1:30 pm: While you are at the BlockHouse be sure to walk the Island Trail! This is a 0.4-mile loop beginning in the parking lot of the Blockhouse!
2:00 PM: Visit the Riverside Trail system!
This trail system has many of the historical sites in Fort Kent and makes exploring downtown Fort Kent fun! From the trails, you can actually walk “America’s First Mile” aka the first mile of Route 1, see the historical railroad, and visit the train station museum! It is approximately 3.6 miles long.
5:00 pm: Time for dinner! Try out the Swamp Buck Restaurant
250 W Main St, Fort Kent, ME 04743-1119
Situated across from the bridge from Canada to the United States, it is one of the first diners on Route 1!
Packing List
The weather in Maine can be unpredictable. Therefore, here are some ideas to be prepared. Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers, Maine is very casual, so you probably will not find any restaurants that require formal attire.
Spring/Summer/Fall: clothes, comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes for walking, sun hat, sunscreen, sweater or jacket, insect repellent, toiletries, and phone/camera
Winter: clothes (layers), ski pants highly recommended, winter boots, jacket, hats, scarves, gloves, warm socks, toiletries, and phone/camera. Please pack a helmet if you are participating in snowmobiling, skiing, or snowboarding.
Activity Alternatives
Lodging
Fun Facts
Did you know…
- The annual CAN-AM dogsled race begins and ends in Fort Kent? There are three different race lengths, 250 miles, 100 miles, and 30 miles!
- Fort Kent is where US Route 1 begins! There is even a monument for it!