Aroostook County, Maine
Things to Do Near
Presque Isle Hotel
From rugged mountain hikes and world-class Nordic skiing to hot air balloon festivals and Cold War aviation history — Aroostook County has more to offer than most visitors expect. Here are 15 must-see attractions, all within easy reach of the hotel. Flying in? Presque Isle International Airport (PQI) is just 3 miles away.
Outdoor & Nature
Parks, Trails & Outdoor Adventure
Aroostook State Park
~2 mi from hotel
Maine's oldest state park — established in 1938 — is a crown jewel of Northern Maine outdoor recreation. Hike the twin peaks of Quaggy Jo Mountain for sweeping panoramic views over Echo Lake and the surrounding farmland, swim or fish off the dock, or pitch a tent at one of the lakeside campsites. In fall the foliage is spectacular; in winter the trails convert to groomed snowshoe paths.
Learn More
Nordic Heritage Center
~5 min drive
A world-class Nordic sports facility at 450 Fort Fairfield Rd used for national biathlon and cross-country ski competitions. The center features 45+ km of groomed trails for skiing, snowshoeing, and summer mountain biking, plus an 18-hole disc golf course. The biathlon range is one of only a handful in the United States — catch a race, rent gear, or ski the trails yourself any day of the winter season.
Learn More
Aroostook River — Kayaking & Canoeing
Launch points in town
The Aroostook River winds gently through farmland and forest, making it one of Maine's most scenic flatwater paddling destinations. Several local outfitters rent kayaks and canoes. Choose a quick half-day trip from in-town launch points, or select one of several multi-day routes that eventually connect to the legendary Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Bald eagles, great blue herons, and white-tailed deer are common along the banks.
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge
~25 min drive
Carved from the former Loring Air Force Base near Limestone, this 5,200-acre refuge is a remarkable rewilding success story. More than 180 bird species have been recorded here, including rare northern species. Miles of former runways have been converted into wildlife observation drives and hiking trails open year-round. A top destination for birding, wildlife photography, and seasonal hunting and fishing.
Learn More
Big Rock Ski Area
~35 min drive
Northern Maine's premier alpine ski destination sits on Mars Hill Mountain in nearby Mars Hill. Big Rock offers 28 trails across 970 vertical feet of terrain — ideal for families, beginners, and intermediates alike. Snowmaking ensures reliable conditions from December through March. In warmer months, the mountain opens for mountain biking. Night skiing, lessons, and rental equipment are all available.
Learn MoreCulture & History
Museums, Campus & Landmarks
University of Maine at Presque Isle
5-min walk
One of New England's most welcoming liberal arts universities, UMPI sits just a five-minute walk from the hotel — making us the ideal choice for families visiting students, attending graduation, or joining campus events. The 150-acre campus features Gentile Hall recreation center, the Northern Maine Museum of Science, the origin point of the Maine Solar System Model, and a year-round calendar of public lectures, performances, and sporting events.
Learn More
Maine Solar System Model
Starts at UMPI (5-min walk)
The largest 3D scale model of the solar system in the Western Hemisphere stretches nearly 100 miles along US Route 1 from Presque Isle to Houlton. The Sun is represented by a large sphere at UMPI — just a short walk from the hotel — and each planet is placed at precisely scaled distances along the highway. A free, self-guided experience that's educational and genuinely fun for all ages.
Learn More
Presque Isle Air Museum
~2 mi from hotel
Presque Isle Air Force Base was the northernmost military air base in the United States and the site of the nation's first operational ICBMs (Snark cruise missiles, 1958–1961). This museum — located at the PQI airport terminal — preserves that remarkable heritage with restored aircraft, Cold War artifacts, and exhibits documenting the base's pivotal role in transatlantic aviation history. Open seasonally; free admission.
Learn More
Northern Maine Museum of Science
5-min walk (UMPI campus)
Located inside UMPI's Preble Hall, this museum houses rotating exhibits on geology, biology, physics, and astronomy — including pterosaur fossils, hands-on physics demonstrations, and an astronomy gallery. Regional Native American cultural artifacts and mounted wildlife specimens round out the collection. Admission is free, and it makes an excellent half-hour stop before or after visiting campus.
Learn More
Northern Maine Fairgrounds
~5 min from hotel
A beloved Aroostook County institution operating year-round, the Northern Maine Fairgrounds hosts harness racing, livestock shows, 4-H exhibitions, and community events throughout the year — not just during the annual fair. The grounds are just minutes from the hotel and serve as the hub of the region's agricultural heritage. Home to the Northern Maine Fair each late July and early August.
Learn MoreAnnual Events
Festivals & Fairs
Crown of Maine Balloon Festival
At UMPI campus
One of New England's most beloved summer events, the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival fills the Presque Isle sky with colorful hot air balloons every August — commemorating the first successful transatlantic balloon crossing, which launched from Presque Isle on August 11, 1978. In addition to tethered rides and competitive flights, the three-day festival features live music, craft vendors, food, and family activities that draw visitors from across the northeastern United States and Canada.
Learn More
Northern Maine Fair
~1 mi from hotel
Aroostook County's largest annual fair has been a late-summer tradition since 1882. The week-long event in late July features live harness racing, livestock and 4-H competitions, carnival rides, demolition derbies, live entertainment, and all the classic fair food you could want. The fairgrounds are just over a mile from the hotel — walkable for the adventurous, a quick drive for everyone else.
Learn MoreWinter Recreation
Snowmobiling — Gateway to 2,300+ Miles of Trails
Snowmobiling — ITS Trail System
Access near hotel
Presque Isle sits directly on two of Maine's Interconnected Trail System corridors — ITS-83 and ITS-85 — giving riders immediate access to 2,300+ miles of groomed snowmobile trails across Aroostook County and into New Brunswick, Canada. Trail maps are available from the Maine Snowmobile Association. The region receives some of the most reliable snowfall in New England, with many trails rideable from December through March.
Learn MoreLocal Essentials
Shopping & Golf
Aroostook Centre Mall
~5 min drive
Aroostook County's largest enclosed shopping center features national anchor stores, local boutiques, a full food court, and a multiplex cinema. Whether you need to pick up essentials, shop for gifts, or catch the latest film on a rainy afternoon, the mall is a convenient and popular stop for visitors to the region — just a short drive from the hotel.
Presque Isle Country Club
~10 min drive
Play a round at this semi-private 18-hole course open to public guests. Well-maintained fairways and friendly staff make it a favorite for both casual rounds and organized tournaments. Tee times, cart rentals, and a clubhouse with food and beverages are all available. Open from late spring through early fall, when Northern Maine's long summer days provide excellent playing conditions.
Learn More5-Minute Walk from UMPI
The Closest Hotel to the University of Maine at Presque Isle
Whether you're visiting a student, attending graduation, or catching a campus event, the Presque Isle Hotel is a 5-minute walk from UMPI — closer than any other hotel in the area. Complimentary hot breakfast is served every morning so you can fuel up before heading out to explore.
Book Your Stay