Happy summer on the lake! It’s a great time of year to dive in and cool off. There are so many things to do on and in the water at Moosehead. Whether you want to be on, in or just near the water while visiting Moosehead, there is water fun for everyone!
Please be sure to plan in advance for your trip, as water activities on the lake are very popular and lodging and water equipment rentals tend to be booked early.
This 925-acre gem of the region offers multiple points of access and activities to enjoy quality time on the lake! The park allows boating, swimming, and fishing. Here’s how to best take advantage of Lily Bay:
Local history meets scenic vistas and the peace of drifting on deep waters when you step aboard the steamship Katahdin. Take a tour of the lake, munch a homemade lunch or special dinner, and learn about the history of the region while discovering hidden coves and noteworthy landmarks. Through mid-October, choose from cruise options like the Sunset Dance Cruise, Moosehead Lake Brunch Cruise, Sugar Island Cruise, and Moosehead Lake Fireworks Cruise.
The Katahdin is one of Moosehead’s most prominent pieces of history, having once carried everything from livestock and equipment, to supplies and log booms. Now considered a “living museum,” her galley stocks beverages, sandwiches and snacks, with a corresponding gift shop and more museum attractions to explore on land. For more information call, 207-695-2716 or visit www.katahdincruises.com
Looking for a private boat tour? Take a sunset cruise, picnic cruise, or sunset cruise on a 31 foot Ranger Tug with Moosehead Tugboat Tours! Or – head to The Birches Resort and check out the “Birches Dreamer” Charter Boat for cruises and charters!
What day on the water is complete without waterfront cocktails?
Stop by Dockside Inn and Tavern in downtown Greenville to sip local specialties like a Kineopolitan Cosmo, The Birchman-Moscow Mule, Sugar Island Coconut, Pear Spritzah, and Liquored Up Lemonade while soaking up sun and beautiful views of the water. Dockside is famous for its crab stuffed haddock, bacon-wrapped scallops and other tidbits alongside a full menu of locally-sourced fare. They also feature Gluten-Free options for those with sensitivities/allergies to gluten.
Kelly’s Landing is a long time staple in the Moosehead Lake area! The Birches is another great place to enjoy a meal along the water if Rockwood! In Monson, you can eat and drink along the shores of Lake Hebron at the Lakeshore House.
Or, pick up some wine from Indian Hill Trading Post and a picnic basket from Northwoods Gourmet Girl and enjoy the public beach in Greenville, or take a lakeside picnic in any of the surrounding areas!
There are plenty of places to take a dip in Moosehead Lake. Here’s how to get to some of our favorite spots:
Moosehead Lake is rife with watercraft options! We recommend taking some time to explore the water via standup paddleboard, jet ski, kayak, canoe and/or boat. Many of the local businesses on the lake offer equipment and watercraft rentals so you can explore for the day without carting around your own gear.
There are also additional boat and watercraft rental opportunities in Rockwood available, but be sure to book them well in advance as boating Moosehead is extremely popular.
If you bring your own watercraft, there are public boat launches available in Greenville Junction, in Lily Bay State Park (fee applies) and in Rockwood at the Rockwood Town Landing
Being the largest mountain lake in the eastern United States, Moosehead holds some intriguing secrets! Believe it or not, these cold, deep waters hold around a dozen shipwrecks, many of which are decades-old steamships that were burned to the waterline then sunk. Some, however, are nearly fully-preserved vessels that retain architectural features that speak to the history of the lake.
Make it a solo adventure to explore these sites, or create a fun family treasure hunt to spot as many wrecks as are visible from the surface!
Whitewater rafting is a bucket list item for many people! Moosehead Lake is at the heart of whitewater rafting in Maine, located between world-class whitewater on the Kennebec River (family fun rafting experience) and the Penobscot River (more adventurous whitewater trip), with daily rafting trips, transportation offered by Moxie Outdoors and Northeast Whitewater from May – September. Learn more about Whitewater Rafting on our website!
When you visit the Moosehead Lake region, you will be presented with unlimited opportunities to enjoy the water. Whatever you decide, you are sure to have a blast! Make sure to share your photos with us on social media using #DestinationMooseheadLake so we can see all of your water FUN!
For visitors traveling to Maine during the summer, few places embody the spirit, beauty, and vast recreational opportunities of the state as the Moosehead Lake region. From it’s legendary boating, fishing, and ATVing, to its charming shops, restaurants, and historic cabins and lodges, the communities surrounding Moosehead Lake have it all. With the great outdoors and Maine’s largest lake at your fingertips, the opportunity for adventure is seemingly endless. But before you pack your bags in search of camping, cabins and boat rentals on Moosehead Lake, plan ahead, there are many options to give you the exact Maine vacation experience you’re looking for.
Along the shores of Moosehead Lake lies a number of small towns and villages that hold their own key to this marvelous natural playground. From Greenville on the southernmost tip of the lake, to Rockwood on the west side and Kokadjo on the east, these communities offer a wide variety of spectacular lodging options from motels and inns to bed & breakfasts, camps, cabins, cottages, and campgrounds.
Staying in a cabin, cottage, or lake house on Moosehead Lake allows one to experience an iconic tradition like no other. Truly New England, truly Moosehead Lake.
Moosehead Hills Cabins
Moosehead Hills Cabins
Located on both Moosehead Lake and Wilson Pond, Moosehead Hills Cabin rentals provides stunning views, Jacuzzi tubs, cozy fireplaces, and plenty of outdoor activities on, and off the lake. Learn more at https://oldmoosehead.campfre.com/business/moosehead-hills-cabins/
Wilsons on Moosehead Lake
Since 1865, Wilsons on Moosehead Lake has been the premier destination for yearround north woods recreation. These spacious lakefront cottages on Moosehead Lake are ideal for families and groups of all sizes. Learn more at https://oldmoosehead.campfre.com/business/wilsons-on-moosehead-lake/
Cottages at Moosehead
Are you planning a boating or fishing trip to Moosehead Lake? Or perhaps you’re visiting in the winter for the world-class snowmobiling and ice fishing the area has to offer? Either way, the Cottages at Moosehead provide yearround accommodations. Learn more at https://oldmoosehead.campfre.com/business/cottages-at-moosehead/
Lawrence’s Lakeside Cabins
Located on the western shore of Moosehead Lake, Lawrence’s Lakeside Cabins provides a 10-mile unobstructed view of the lake with plenty of room to dock your boat. Enjoy the peace and quiet that this region affords from the private beach. Learn more at https://oldmoosehead.campfre.com/business/lawrences-lakeside-cabins/
Misty Morning Cottages
Step outside your cottage door at Misty Morning Cottages and you’re immediately greeted by amazing views of Moosehead Lake, Mt. Kineo and the Spencer Mountains. Learn more at https://oldmoosehead.campfre.com/misty-morning-cottages/
Birches Resort
On the Western Shore of Moosehead Lake lies the historic Birches Resort. Built in the 1930’s as a hunting and fishing lodge, The Birches is situated on a privately owned, 11,000 acre nature preserve. Learn more at https://oldmoosehead.campfre.com/business/the-birches-resort/
Tomhegan Wilderness Cabins
Located along a wildlife sanctuary, guests to Tomhegan Wilderness Cabins enjoy the peaceful wilderness and majestic wildlife of the region from private year-round lakefront cabin rentals on Moosehead Lake. Learn more at https://oldmoosehead.campfre.com/business/tomhegan-wilderness-cabins/
Wilson Pond Camps
Just four miles from Greenville, the Wilson Pond Camps offer personal guided moose tours & wildlife safaris, guided fishing trips, boat & motor/canoe/kayak rentals. Learn more at https://oldmoosehead.campfre.com/business/wilson-pond-camps/
Experience the finest lodging destinations the Moosehead Lake region has to offer. From historic Inns to leisure-filled lodges, there’s something for everyone at Moosehead.
Chalet Moosehead Lakefront Lodging
Situated directly on the shores of Moosehead Lake, the Chalet Moosehead makes the perfect home base from which to explore the lakes, hills, trails, and more that make up the region. Learn more at https://oldmoosehead.campfre.com/business/chalet-moosehead-lakefront-motel/
Kineo View Lodge
Kayak or canoe the pristine waters on or around Moosehead Lake. Go on a moose and wildlife safari, and don’t forget to bring your camera. Kineo View Lodge puts you close to all of the action, making it the perfect destination for your Moosehead getaway. Learn more at https://oldmoosehead.campfre.com/business/kineo-view-lodge/
Leisure Life Resort & Trailside Restaurant
With a restaurant and bar on-site, as well as direct ATV and snowmobile access, the Leisure life Resort & Trailside Restaurant is the idea spot for those looking to explore the north woods on four wheels. Learn more at https://oldmoosehead.campfre.com/business/trailside-restaurant/
Greenville Inn at Moosehead Lake
This five-acre lumber baron’s estate offers luxury & family suites, private cottages and historic mansion room, all within a short walking distance to downtown Greenville & Moosehead Lake. Learn more at https://oldmoosehead.campfre.com/business/greenville-inn-at-moosehead-lake/
Kelly’s Landing Restaurant & Lodging
Moosehead’s best waterfront restaurant offers friendly service and family fare. The waterfront lodging offers lakeside single rooms, roomy double suites and even a four-bedroom log home, all overlooking Moosehead Lake. Learn more at https://oldmoosehead.campfre.com/business/kellys-landing/
If you’re looking for a peaceful, rustic stay, consider camping at Moosehead Lake. With commercial campgrounds, state, parks, and primitive tent sites, this is just the place to get back to nature.
Balsam Woods Campground
Located just south in Abbot, Balsam Woods Campground has 90 full hookup sites, 6 cabins, and several tent sites. Cable TV & Wi-Fi at every site, and direct ATV trail access with 1,000+ miles of trails. Learn more at https://oldmoosehead.campfre.com/business/balsam-woods-campground/
Lily Bay State Park
Located along the east shore of beautiful Moosehead Lake just 9 miles north of Greenville, the 925-acre park offers year-round activities and camping. Amenities include a swimming beach, playground, two trailerable boat ramps with boat slips, and a two-mile shoreline walking trail. Learn more at https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/trail_activities/lilybay_trail_conditions.shtml
Northeast Whitewater
Northeast Whitewater offers on-site wilderness camping and yurts, whitewater rafting, moose watching tours by land and canoe, waterfall hikes, ice cave excursions, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and friendly, knowledgeable guides. Learn more at https://oldmoosehead.campfre.com/business/northeast-whitewater/
There’s no better way to explore Moosehead Lake than by getting out on the water. Fortunately, there are many businesses in the region that offer motor boat, canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddle board rentals.
Motor boat rentals
If you’re looking to see more of Moosehead, than a motor boat is the way to go. At 40-miles long and 20-miles wide, this gives you a better option for stretching your sea legs and feeling the wind in your face. There are a number of motor boat rental suppliers locally, including: Wilsons on Moosehead Lake, The Birches Resort, Wilson Pond Cabins, Captain Rogers Pontoon Boats, and Lawrence’s.
Canoe and kayak rentals
If a slower pace is more your style, taking a canoe or kayak out on the late is a great way to enjoy the peace and quiet while also getting some exercise. Explore the shore of Lily Bay State Park, or get up close and personal with Mt. Kineo. These businesses provide canoe and kayak rentals at Moosehead Lake: The Birches Resort, Indian Hill Trading Post, Moxie Outdoor Adventures, Moosehead Area Rentals, Northern Outdoors, Northeast Whitewater, Northwoods Outfitters, Rockwood Cottages (with delivery), Wilsons on Moosehead Lake, and Wilson Pond Cabins.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your visit to Moosehead Lake, take the time to get out and explore the businesses and places that make this region so special. From its history to its landscapes, its people to its recreational opportunities, Moosehead has it all
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with Northeast Whitewater and their Moosehead Lake Things to Do
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