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Fort Fairfield

The town of Fort Fairfield is one of the largest communities in Aroostook County and spans the Aroostook River. New Brunswick, Canada, is right next door, accessible through a staffed port of entry. Fort Fairfield was once the Potato Capital of the World and each July the community celebrates the still-abundant crop with the nine-day Maine Potato Blossom Festival. Enjoy the Farmer Olympics, road races, arts and crafts, a parade, fireworks and, yes, even mashed potato wrestling and a tater tot eating competition.

Things to Do in Fort Fairfield

This small community has a lot to offer! There is the County Bluegrass Festival, July through September. Camp under the stars and listen to all the bluegrass you could hope for. Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are favorite winter activities. Hikers can have a two-nation trip on the International Appalachian Trail, which crosses the border in Fort Fairfield, so bring your passport. You can go canoeing, kayaking and fishing on the Aroostook River, biking on the town roads, or mountain biking and running on local trails. In the warmer months, you can golf at the 18-hole Aroostook Valley Country Club, which sits directly on the U.S.-Canada border.

There’s a lot of history to discover in Fort Fairfield. The Fort Fairfield Railroad Museum is at an old railyard with cars and locomotives on display. You can also see the McIntosh One-Room Schoolhouse, which was built in 1848.

At the farmers’ market, held each Wednesday, you can shop for locally grown fruits and vegetables, pork, jams, pickles and baked goods made by members of the growing local Amish community.

Where to Stay in Fort Fairfield

In Caribou and Presque Isle, there are numerous lodging options – from delightful B&Bs to affordable hotels.

Restaurants in Fort Fairfield

Boondocks Grille is the place to enjoy huge steaks, fresh seafood and something for the kids, too. For fine dining, Fort Fairfield doesn’t disappoint. The award-winning Canterbury Royale Gourmet offers five-course dining and is considered one of the most romantic restaurants in Maine.