Presque Isle Highlights Itinerary

Presque Isle 10

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.  


9:00 AM – Our recommended breakfast at Riverside Inn Restaurant

399 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME 04769

Start off your day at the Riverside Inn Restaurant for breakfast.

0 min drive to Riverside Park

10:00 AM – Riverside Bicentennial Park 

36 Riverside Drive, Presque Isle, ME 04769

Sit on the grass and watch the water, hang out at the park, or begin the 4-mile long bike and walking trail beginning at the park. The park also hosts the town’s farmer’s market so be sure to check out their Facebook page for up to date information on it. The park hosts other events including “Rocking on Riverside” and “Movies in the Park”, so be sure to check out these as well. 

Or, try out this self-guided walking tour around the historic city. 

5 min drive to Solar System Model

11:35 AM – Solar System Mode

Explore the start of the second largest scale model of the solar system in the world, and the largest model in the western hemisphere. The model is about 40 miles long and begins in Presque Isle along Route 1. Here are the ones along our itinerary: 

The Sun at the University of Maine at Presque Isle in the second-floor entryway of Folsom Hall

Mercury at Burelle’s Garden, 0.4 miles from the Sun

Venus at the Budget Traveler Motor Inn, 0.7 miles from the Sun

Earth at Percy’s Auto Sales, 1.0 miles from the Sun

Mars at the Welcome to Presque Isle sign, 1.5 miles from the Sun

5 min drive to Irish Setter Pub

12:10 PM – Lunch at Irish Setter Pub

710 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME 04769

Head over to the Irish Setter Pub for lunch, the only Irish restaurant in northern Maine. 

10 min drive to Double Eagle II 

1:20 PM – Double Eagle II Balloon Site

123-143 Spragueville Road, Presque Isle, ME 04769

Hot Air Balloon in Presque Isle
Double Eagle II

The next stop is the Double Eagle II Balloon Site, which marks the launch site of the first manned hot air balloons to cross the Atlantic Ocean, launched in 1978, and traveling from Presque Isle to Miserey, France.

5 min drive to Aroostook State Park

1:35 PM – Aroostook State Park located on Echo Lake

87 State Park Road, Presque Isle, ME 04769

Aroostook State Park
Aroostook State Park

Popular activities at Aroostook State Park including hiking Quaggy Jo Mountain, fishing, bird watching, bike riding, hanging out on the beach, having a picnic, or canoeing and kayaking (rentals available at Perception of Aroostook)

15 min drive to Mainely Mexican

6:15 PM – Dinner at Mainely Mexican

6 State Road, Presque Isle, ME 04769

Finish off your day at Mainely Mexican.

7:15 PM – Houlton Farms Dairy

792 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME 04769

If you’re looking for dessert after your meal, be sure to stop at Houlton Farms Dairy for a sweet treat.


Fun Facts

In 1978, the Double Eagle II hot-air balloon was launched from a field in Presque Isle and was the first successful transatlantic balloon crossing. 

The city was also chosen as the take-off spot for planes traveling overseas in World War II, since northern Maine is the closest location in the US to Europe.

Packing Checklist

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.

Hotel Alternatives