Fort Kent Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Fort Kent, Maine. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Fort Kent
- List of Places to Visit in Fort Kent
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Fort Kent
- Kineo Trail
- Fort Kent Outdoor Center Trail System
- Best Things to Do in Fort Kent: Activities and Tours
- Canoeing the St. John River
- Acadian Festival
- Week-Long Itinerary for Fort Kent
- Food and Drink Scene of Fort Kent
- Where to Stay in Fort Kent: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Fort Kent: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Fort Kent
- Best Time to Visit Fort Kent
- Do’s and Don’ts of Fort Kent
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Fort Kent: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Fort Kent
- Where to Go Next from Fort Kent: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Fort Kent
Fort Kent is a charming town located in Aroostook County, Maine, in the heart of the St. John Valley. Named after Fort Kent, a military blockhouse built in 1839, the town has a rich history with a blend of French Acadian and Native American cultures. Fort Kent is famous for its outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, and unique local food and drink scene. In this travel guide, we will take you through the top attractions, food and drink, accommodation, and essential information you’ll need to plan your upcoming trip to Fort Kent.
List of Places to Visit in Fort Kent
Fort Kent has a lot of attractions that cater to different interests. From natural attractions to culturally significant historical places, here’s a list of top-notch attractions that you shouldn’t miss when you visit Fort Kent.
Culturally Important Attractions
Fort Kent Historical Society
The Fort Kent Historical Society is a non-profit group dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Fort Kent. Their museum has a collection of artifacts, antiques, and historical documents that tell the story of Fort Kent’s past, from the early Native American inhabitants to the present day.
Acadian Village
Acadian Village is a living museum that lets you experience the life of early French Acadian settlers in the St. John Valley. Here, you’ll find restored historic buildings, including a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and farmstead, that give you a glimpse of the lifestyle and traditions of Acadian farmers.
Natural Attractions
Fish River Falls
Fish River Falls is one of Fort Kent’s hidden gems. Located on the Fish River, this scenic waterfall is an excellent place to relax, hike, and picnic. Visitors can take a short hike to reach the base of the falls and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding forest.
Fort Kent State Historic Site
Fort Kent State Historic Site is a preserved military fort built during the Aroostook War in 1839. The fort is situated on a bluff overlooking the St. John River, offering sweeping views of the valley and surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the fort’s barracks, storehouse, and armory and learn about the fort’s role in Maine’s history.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Fort Kent
Fort Kent is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With its beautiful scenic views and miles of hiking and biking trails, it’s the perfect destination for those who love to explore nature. Here are some of the best hiking and biking trails you can check out when you visit Fort Kent.
Kineo Trail
The Kineo Trail is a 19-mile trail that follows the Fish River and offers stunning views of Fort Kent and the surrounding area. The trail is suitable for both hiking and biking and is accessible year-round.
Fort Kent Outdoor Center Trail System
The Fort Kent Outdoor Center Trail System consists of over 25 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails that are also great for hiking and biking. The trails are open year-round, but skiing is the main activity during the winter months.
Best Things to Do in Fort Kent: Activities and Tours
Apart from natural attractions and scenic hikes, Fort Kent offers various activities and tours for visitors. Here are some of the best things to do in Fort Kent.
Canoeing the St. John River
The St. John River is one of the best places in Fort Kent for canoeing. Visitors can rent a canoe from local outfitters and enjoy a peaceful paddle through the river’s calm waters.
Acadian Festival
The Acadian Festival is a three-day celebration of the town’s French Acadian heritage. The festival features live music, cultural exhibits, food, and drinks.
Week-Long Itinerary for Fort Kent
Here is a sample week-long itinerary to help you plan your Fort Kent trip.
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hiking at Kineo Trail |
| 2 | Canoeing on the St. John River |
| 3 | Visit Acadian Village and Historical Society Museum |
| 4 | Explore the Fort Kent State Historic Site |
| 5 | Participate in Acadian Festival activities |
| 6 | Biking on the Fort Kent Outdoor Center Trail System |
| 7 | Relaxing at Fish River Falls |
Food and Drink Scene of Fort Kent
Fort Kent has a unique food and drink scene that you won’t find anywhere else. From local craft beer to traditional Acadian dishes, here are some must-try foods and drinks in Fort Kent.
Must-Try Dishes
- Ployes: A traditional Acadian dish made with buckwheat flour and served with maple syrup or molasses.
- Cote a la Flamme: A classic French Canadian dish featuring pork chops cooked over an open flame.
- Fiddleheads: A wild vegetable that is harvested along riverbanks and served as a side dish.
Local Beverages
- Maple Syrup: Maine is known for its maple syrup production, and Fort Kent is no exception. Make sure to try some on your pancakes or waffles.
- Fort Kent Beer: The Bigelow Brewing Company brews a range of delicious beers that are brewed right in Fort Kent.
Where to Stay in Fort Kent: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Fort Kent offers various accommodation options that cater to different travelers’ needs, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some of the best places to stay in Fort Kent.
- Northern Door Inn: One of the best hotels in Fort Kent, Northern Door Inn offers spacious rooms, complimentary breakfast, and an indoor pool.
- Hostelling International: Located in downtown Fort Kent, this hostel offers affordable accommodation for travelers on a budget.
- Gagnon’s Rentals: These vacation rentals offer comfortable and cozy cabins with stunning views of the St. John River.
What to Buy in Fort Kent: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Fort Kent has several shops and markets where you can pick up unique souvenirs and local products. Here are some items you should consider buying when in Fort Kent.
- Maine Maple Syrup: You can’t go wrong with buying a bottle of Maine’s famous maple syrup.
- Moosehead Traders: This shop offers local handcrafted gifts and souvenirs, including jewelry and pottery.
- Ployes Mix: Take some Ployes mix home and make this traditional Acadian dish whenever you please.
Local Culture and Customs of Fort Kent
Fort Kent has a unique culture that blends its French Acadian and Native American heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in the town’s rich history and traditions by attending local events like the Acadian Festival.
Best Time to Visit Fort Kent
The best time to visit Fort Kent is during the fall season, when the leaves on the trees turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange. Temperatures are comfortable, and the weather is perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.
Do’s and Don’ts of Fort Kent
Do:
- Respect the town’s history and culture.
- Take advantage of the town’s outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Try traditional Acadian dishes and local beverages.
Don’t:
- Litter or damage natural attractions.
- Ignore traffic laws when hiking or biking on public roads.
- Ignore local customs and traditions.
Safety and Health
Safety in Fort Kent
Fort Kent is a safe town, and visitors can feel secure during their stay. However, visitors should take the usual precaution measures such as keeping personal belongings secure and following traffic rules.
Health in Fort Kent
Fort Kent has access to medical facilities and emergency services, and visitors can receive adequate medical care if needed. Visitors should also take precautions to protect themselves against tick-borne diseases, especially during the summer months.
Getting to Fort Kent: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Fort Kent
The nearest airport to Fort Kent is Northern Maine Regional Airport in Presque Isle, which is approximately 55 miles away.
Bus Stations Near Fort Kent
Concord Coach Lines offers a bus service that runs between Boston and Bangor, which is approximately 150 miles away from Fort Kent.
Other Options
Visitors can also opt for car rentals or private transportation services to reach Fort Kent from nearby towns and cities.
How to Get Around in Fort Kent
Visitors can get around Fort Kent on foot, by bike, or by car. If you are looking for more adventure, local outfitters offer canoe rentals for exploring the St. John River.
Where to Go Next from Fort Kent: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Fort Kent is close to several nearby destinations and excursions that visitors can explore. Here are some options to consider.
- Acadia National Park: Roughly a 4-hour drive from Fort Kent, Acadia National Park offers stunning coastal views, hiking trails, and scenic drives.
- Baxter State Park: Baxter State Park is known for its scenic beauty, miles of hiking trails, and diverse wildlife and is approximately 2 hours away from Fort Kent.
- Montreal: A 4-hour drive from Fort Kent, Montreal is a bustling cultural hub with renowned museums, art galleries, and shopping districts.
Conclusion
Fort Kent is a charming town that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and cultural significance. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a food lover, there’s something for you in Fort Kent. This travel guide will help you plan your upcoming trip to Fort Kent and ensure that you make the most of your visit.
