From the sparkle of sun on the blue waters to the brilliance of autumn woods, many thousands of visitors come to central Maine to experience the wide variety of outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, boating and rafting, exploring the scenic back roads, or just plain relaxing, Skowhegan is the gateway to so many of nature’s splendors. The Kennebec River is a choice destination for river trips, and offers both the adrenaline pumping excitement of Class IV and V rapids and the serenity of a leisurely float through rural countryside as it travels more than 165 miles from its origin in Moose Head Lake down to the waters of the Atlantic.

Others come to appreciate Skowhegan as a slice of "Old-time America," with a peaceful and centered way of life that has been lost in our fast-paced world. The Skowhegan Fair (the nation’s longest continually running agricultural fair) is Maine’s largest outdoor event, and regularly draws tens of thousands of enthusiastic visitors. Held each year in early August, the Skowhegan Fair features horse shows, harness racing, agricultural exhibits and exciting midway rides. Other hometown activities (including horse competitions, Fourth of July celebrations, and a host of other fun events) delight visitors and draw crowds from all over the region.

Visitors enroute to other Maine destinations stop here to enjoy a stroll through Skowhegan’s historic district, noting the architecturally significant homes (some of which have been preserved as businesses). Scenic vistas begin right in downtown Skowhegan. A swinging footbridge leads to an island in the middle of the river, offering spectacular views of the Kennebec River and nearby falls. Antique lovers are drawn to the Skowhegan History House, a treasury of everyday items from the past. History buffs also enjoy a visit to the Margaret Chase Smith home and library, located on 15 acres overlooking the Kennebec River. Smith, a native of Skowhegan, was the first woman elected to both houses of Congress and served with distinction from 1940 until 1973. Her former home, now a museum, includes an extensive collection of books and memorabilia from her more than 30 years as a distinguished public servant.

No trip to the area is complete without a visit to the many unique shops and galleries of local artists and craftspeople. Skowhegan is also home to the world-renowned Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, which offers an intense summer program for aspiring artists. And visitors can’t miss the world’s largest Indian sculpture, a tribute to the early Maine tribes who plied the waters of the Kennebec and grew crops on nearby banks.

Breathtaking Scenery

Running from Solon to Quebec, the Old Canada Road (Route 201) offers some of the most breathtaking views of the river and the great prime forests. Parts of this scenic route have been designated as a National Scenic Highway.

Once a center for logging, residents in central Maine now tap into the resources of their magnificent forested areas to produce Maple Syrup. Somerset County, of which Skowhegan is the county seat, is the largest maple syrup producing county in the U.S. Local farmers are glad to demonstrate the time-honored methods of making maple syrup or provide tours of their woodland production.

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