Uniquely Maine

Maine winter activities & events for January 2016

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Looking for some fun and adventure this winter in Maine?  January brings tons of ways for people of all ages to “go outside and play!”   Ice fishing derbies, winterfests, snowfests, fireworks, parades, ice skating, sledding, skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding and more!  Check out the list below for starters, then visit our online calendar for the complete list!

Starting New Year’s Day 2016:

Portland Press Herald 2012JANUARY 1st:  Ring in the New Year in a refrehsing Atlantic Ocean kind of way with a Penguin Plunge in Boothbay or a Lobster Dip in Old Orchard Beach.  After that head to one of the four state parks for a Maine State Parks First Day Hike!

JANUARY 4th – 8th:  Sunday River hosts College Week,  jam packed with parties and events galore.  Red Bull Frozen Rush returns, and enjoy four holiday-themed days including Fourth of July, Cinco de Mayo, Saint Paddy’s Day, and Halloween.  Each day features different entertainment and events.  The entertainment isn’t just limited to college students, but if you are one, you will definitely get better deals!

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Ride a Train in Maine

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Maine has several passenger trains which offer a great way to see our beautiful wilderness as well as our quaint inland and ocean communities.  We also have many locomotive museums which offer a view into Maine’s railroad past, as well as the chance to take a ride on a piece of history!

THE DOWNEASTER

This train is operated by Amtrak and runs the following route in Maine:  Wells – Saco – Old Orchard Beach – Portland – Freeport – Brunswick.  The Downeaster offers many deals including Seniors Half Price, Children Half Price, and Kids Ride Free Tuesday and more.

MAINE EASTERN RAILROAD

This train operates seasonal passenger excursions covering 56.6 miles of midcoast Maine.  It travels Brunswick – Bath – Wiscasset – Newcastle/Damariscotta – Rockland.  This line features coach cars and a buffet lounge car, and children under 3 ride free.

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Explore Maine’s Islands!

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If you love the coast, small town life or exploring the wild side of Maine you’ll love visiting Maine’s unique islands.  Maine has over 4,600 coastal islands with their own unique character and charm.  Visiting an island by ferry makes for a fun day trip anyone will enjoy.

Below is a list of ferry services that will bring you to 18 of our beautiful islands along the Maine coast.  In the Downeast & Acadia region you can visit Great Cranberry Island, Little Cranberry Island (the town of Islesford), Sutton Island, Frenchboro, Isle au Haut and Swan’s Island.  In the Midcoast region you can visit Islesboro, Matinicus Island, Criehaven Island, Monhegan Island, North Haven and Vinalhaven.  In the Southern Maine region you can visit Peaks Island, Little Diamond Island, Great Diamond Island, Long Island, Chebeague Island, and Cliffs Island.   Several of the ferry services listed below also offer scenic cruises, and many allow passenger cars, bicycles, and pets on board.

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Big Eddy, Lower West Branch of the Penobscot River, Maine

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This video shows a beautiful view of a section of the Lower West Branch of the Penobscot River known as “Big Eddy.” It is located just below Ripogenus Gorge off the Golden Road in T3 Rii WELS, not far from Baxter State Park. This is a great example of the untamed beauty of Maine!

Maine Dog Parks- Listed By County

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pupGive your dog a break and a place to run in Maine!  Visit one of the many dog parks and off leash dog areas our state has to offer.  If you know of others that aren’t on this list, please let us know  so we can add them.

 (F) = Fenced, (L) = Leash Required, (P) = Privately Owned

Androscoggin

Robin’s Garden and Dog Park, 55 Strawberry Avenue, Lewiston (F): Open dawn to dusk, 1 acre, Big gazebo for shade, and trees. Mostly covered with wood chips. Lots of big rocks to sit on near shade trees. This dog park has a separate small dog area, chairs, and trees (be sure to bring water for your dog to drink.) Directions: Go to Strawberry lane, follow to end and the park is on the right at end of street.

Aroostook

Deboullie Public Reserved Land, Eagle Lake (L): Pets must be on a leash not exceeding four feet in length and must not be left unattended. Pet owners may be assigned picnic or campsites in a less congested area of the park.

Eagle Lake Public Reserved Land, Eagle Lake (L): Pets must be on a leash not exceeding four feet in length and must not be left unattended. Pet owners may be assigned picnic or campsites in a less congested area of the park.

St. John Valley Trail, Fort Kent (L): Pets must be on a leash not exceeding four feet in length and must not be left unattended. Pet owners may be assigned picnic or campsites in a less congested area of the park.  The trail runs from Fort Kent to St. Francis

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