A Summer Weekend in Maine’s Moosehead Lake Region 

Story and Photos by Capshore Photography

Welcome to the Highlands

Moosehead Lake sits in the heart of The Maine Highlands, the largest lake in the state and one of its most iconic destinations. The three-hour drive from Portland winds through quiet countryside, small towns, and long stretches of forest before Greenville appears as the lively hub of the region. Here, the pace slows and the sense of arrival sets in. Moosehead Lake is both vast and inviting, a wilderness backdrop anchored by welcoming communities.

A Lakeside Retreat

Our base for the trip was Blair Hill Inn, a restored 1891 mansion perched above the lake with panoramic views of mountains and water. Elegant yet unpretentious, the inn balances refined comfort with Maine warmth. Rooms are thoughtfully stocked, the porch is perfect for coffee in the morning, and evenings often end with cocktails on the veranda as the sun sets across the water.

Moose Encounters

That first afternoon, we set out on a wildlife tour with a Registered Maine Guide. Navigating old logging roads, our guide knew the landscape by heart and seemed to sense where the animals would be. We saw four moose, one of them with two calves, quietly feeding in the wetlands and forests. Bald eagles soared above, a beaver lodge tucked against the shoreline, and a lone otter slipped silently through the current. The experience was unforgettable and a reminder of why having a guide makes such a difference in both safety and storytelling.

Dinner followed at Kelly’s Landing, a favorite in Greenville. The atmosphere was easygoing and family-friendly, with hearty meals that felt well-earned after a long day outside. We ordered roast chicken with mashed potatoes and mussels, simple comfort food that fit the evening perfectly.

On the Water

The next morning began early with a guided fishing trip. Moosehead is known for brook trout, salmon, and lake trout. While every strike of the line kept us hopeful, the real joy came in learning from our guide. Moosehead is so large it creates its own weather. Hearing about the rhythms of fishing here gave us a deeper appreciation for the lake’s scale.

Back in town, we stopped at Greenville Grinds for breakfast. Their waffles, crisp and buttery, hit the spot alongside strong coffee. From there, we browsed downtown, gathering picnic supplies at Gourmet Girl and pausing in a gem and crystal shop filled with minerals, fossils, and even meteorites, where the owner’s knowledge brought the curiosities to life.

By afternoon, we were aboard the historic SS Katahdin, a former logging steamer that now offers narrated cruises across the lake. Families clustered on the top deck for sweeping views of Mount Kineo while children enjoyed craft activities below. The narration shared stories of Moosehead’s logging days. As the boat cut across the water, it felt like both a history lesson and a chance to sit back and simply enjoy the scenery.

Dining with a View

That evening, Blair Hill Inn delivered a dining experience that was a trip highlight. The five-course tasting menu celebrated the season with scallop crudo, lobster tail garnished with edible flowers, pea and mint cavatelli, seared cod, and tender beef. Dessert arrived as a trio, paired with tea service. As the sky faded to pink, guests moved from the dining room to the veranda for cocktails beside glowing fire pits, the lake spread out in the twilight below.

Mount Kineo Adventure

On our final day, we drove to Rockwood to catch the short pontoon shuttle across the lake to Mount Kineo. The island rises in dramatic cliffs, and once ashore, travelers spread out to hike, swim, or cycle. We settled in at Pebble Beach, a glacier-formed shoreline of polished stones where the water was clear and cool. Families picnicked along the shore, a few daring kids swung from a rope into the lake, and cyclists pedaled leisurely along the gravel road to take in the scenery.

A Stop in Monson

Before heading home, we detoured to Monson, a small town on the Appalachian Trail that mixes rustic charm with creativity. We browsed the Monson Gallery Store, admired pottery at Monson Pottery, and stocked up on snacks at the General Store, a familiar stop for thru-hikers preparing for the trail’s last leg. We ended the visit with ice cream cones from Monson General Scoops — the perfect conclusion to a summer weekend in the Highlands.

Planning Your Visit

Travel here requires a little preparation. Cell service is limited once you leave Greenville, so consider downloading offline maps or carrying a Maine Gazetteer. Wildlife safety is essential, whether you are watching moose from a car or spotting animals while hiking. Booking Registered Maine Guides and accommodations early is also wise, as summer and fall are peak seasons, and families often return year after year.

Each season offers its own rewards. Spring brings rushing rivers and trout runs. Summer means long days, swimming, and peak moose sightings. Fall turns the lake into a blaze of color, with foliage cruises on the Katahdin drawing travelers from near and far. Winter brings snowmobiling, ice fishing, and skiing, along with the peaceful beauty of a frozen lake.

A Place to Return To

Moosehead Lake lingers long after you leave. It is remembered in the sight of calves splashing in the shallows, in the sound of loons calling at dusk, and in the taste of a breakfast waffle enjoyed on a quiet morning in Greenville. What makes the lake remarkable is its ability to feel both vast and welcoming, offering adventure, history, and rest in equal measure.

It is a place that draws travelers back again and again, each visit revealing new corners of Maine’s wild and timeless Highlands.