Teetering on the northernmost border of Maine just a stone's throw from Canada, Presque Isle is the largest city within Aroostook County with a population of only 10,500.
The town is marked by rolling hills and potato fields. It's home to the University of Maine. And, its main industry is tourism. There are a number of accommodations, the most prominent of which is Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center. Shopping, fast food and casual dining are plentiful, and there's an abundance of year-round activities.
A world-class biathlon and cross-country facility, The Nordic Heritage Ski Center is a major draw to the area. According to an international licensing delegation, The Center is "one of the top nordic facilities in the world." It has 12 kilometers of trails, a 6500-square-foot lodge, and has been chosen to host the 2006 World Junior Championships Biathlon.
At Quoggy Jo Community Alpine Center, $6 buys an all-day ski pass. Free lessons are offered on Saturdays, and equipment can be rented for twelve bucks per day. They also host special events that can be a heap of fun.
In spring, the sugaring process heats up. Now's the time for visiting a sugar shack for a sweet taste of Maine maple syrup. Rivers and streams swell, teeming with all sorts of fish. Anglers dust off their lines and boaters take to their canoes and kayaks for adventure trips through the wilderness.
Summertime's great for hiking through cool woodland paths. A game of golf at the Presque Isle Country Club is always a favorite. And for swimming, camping and hiking, the 600-acre Arrostook State Park has excellent facilities.
Fall is the time to celebrate the colors of the county with easy drives through the countryside and for biking along the paths to revel in the splendor of nature. And after all is said and done, fall is the time for Giving Thanks for the Beauty of the Seasons.
Presque Isle is about 260 miles north of Portland.
