Monson Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Monson, Maine. Learn about local culture, customs, safety and transportation options.


Introduction to Monson

Monson is a small town situated in Highlands, Maine, New England, United States of America. It is an ideal tourist destination due to its scenic beauty, adventure activities, and cultural heritage. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, complete with beautiful lakes, rivers, forests, and mountains.

List of Places to Visit in Monson

Here are the top places to visit when in Monson:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Monson Historical Society Museum: a place that takes you back in time and lets you explore the history of Monson.
  • Blanchard House Museum: an 1836 Federal mansion that showcases period decoration, paintings, and furniture.

Natural Attractions of Monson: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Moosehead Lake: one of the most beautiful and scenic lakes in Maine, where visitors can go boating, fishing and take part in other water activities.
  • Borestone Mountain: an ideal destination for hikers, showcasing breathtaking scenery atop its 1605 ft summit.
  • Gulf Hagas Trail: This 8.9-mile trail is a place of extreme natural beauty with plenty of places to go dip in the water.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Monson

Some of the most popular hiking and biking routes in Monson include:

  • Appalachian Trail: Monson is situated along the trail, between two of its famous huts – the White House Landing Hut and the Monson Gateway Center.
  • Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit: This route takes you up six different mountains, which provide you with breathtaking views of Monson and the surrounding areas.

Best Things to Do in Monson: Activities and Tours

Monson offers a wide variety of options to choose from for its visitors, including:

  • Whitewater rafting: The nearby Kennebec River is a famous destination for whitewater rafting.
  • ATV Riding Trails: Explore the forests that Monson is famous for on an ATV.
  • Fishing: Monson has one of the richest natural resources for fishing in the state of Maine.

Week-Long Itinerary for Monson

Day 1: Arrival in Monson; check-in at lodging. Day 2-3: Hiking or ATVs in the Borestone Mountain Nature Reserve. Day 4: Enjoy a day of water activities on Moosehead Lake. Day 5: Visit the Monson Historical Society Museum and the Blanchard House Museum. Day 6: Go fishing on the Kennebec River. Day 7: Departure from Monson.

Food and Drink Scene of Monson

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lobster Roll: A staple of Maine cuisine, lobster rolls in Monson are exceptional.
  • Blueberry Pie: Maine is famous for its blueberries, and Monson makes some of the best blueberry pies in Maine.

Local Beverages

  • Mainiac Hard Cider: An authentic, local cider that is famous in Maine.
  • Moosehead Lager: A traditional Lager, this is one of the most famous local beers in the state.

Where to Stay in Monson: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Lake Shore House: This 1908 Inn boasts scenic views of the Moose River.
  • Monson Motor Lodge: An affordable, yet comfortable lodging option in Monson.
  • The Quarry Inn: A historic hotel from the early 1900s, this is a great option if you want an experience.

What to Buy in Monson: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Hand-crafted Pottery: Monson has several shops that sell locally made pottery.
  • Maple Syrup: Maine is famous for its maple syrup, and Monson produces some of the state’s finest maple syrup.

Local Culture and Customs of Monson

Mainers are warm, friendly, and helpful by nature. They take pride in their state and welcome tourists with open arms. One custom that tourists should know is that Maine locals pronounce “lobster” as “lobstah.”

Best Time to Visit Monson

The best time to visit Monson is between late spring and early autumn when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. However, Mainers are also proud of their winter temperatures and offer plenty of winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

Do’s and Don’ts of Monson

Do:

  • Explore the local culture and traditions.
  • Take time to appreciate the natural beauty of Monson.
  • Try the local cuisine.

Don’t:

  • Litter in public areas.
  • Ignore the importance of respecting the natural beauty of the area.
  • Disrespect the local customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Monson

Monson is a safe town, and there are no major safety concerns for visitors. Please take precautions while going on outdoor activities, such as hiking and ATVing.

Health in Monson

Visitors should be watchful of Lyme disease from ticks when hiking or performing any outdoor activities.

Getting to Monson: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Monson

  • Bangor International Airport: located 74 miles from Monson.
  • Portland International Jetport: located 161 miles from Monson.

Bus Stations Near Monson

  • Bangor Bus Station: located 68 miles from Monson.
  • Portland Bus Station: located 159 miles from Monson.

Other Options

Visitors can rent a car and drive to Monson.

How to Get Around in Monson

The best way to get around Monson while visiting is to rent a car. Bike rental is also an option.

Where to Go Next from Monson: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some nearby destinations for visitors include Greenville and Moosehead Lake.

Conclusion

Monson is a beautiful tourist destination offering exotic natural scenery, adventurous outdoor activities, cultural heritage, and local traditions. This comprehensive guide will help visitors make the most of their trips to Monson and enjoy all the town has to offer.