Maine winters tend to be long, making it essential for visitors to the state to find things to do to try and avoid getting cabin fever. Luckily due to the ample amounts of snow that fall, there is an abundant amount of outdoor activities to enjoy while on vacation. One of the biggest attractions in the region is downhill skiing, but there is plenty of other fun activities to enjoy during your chilly winter vacation.
Dog Sledding
In late January, a winter carnival and dog sled race comes to Bridgton, Maine. The Musher’s Bowl is a fun dog sledding competition that happens on the edge of Highland Lake, along with a family-friendly carnival. The town of Bridgton sponsors ice skating at the town hall, organized snowshoe hikes, dog sled rides, cross-country ski races, and a winter golf tournament.
Full Moon Hike
When the full moon appears, it’s time to make the uphill trek to Mt. Abram’s peak. After the 50-minute climb, hikers are greeted with music and mountain revelry. For those who need a little warmth, there’s a warming hut at the top of the summit where you can hang out and have a beverage before heading back down the hill.
Attend a Festival
During the winter months, Maine is home to more than a dozen winter festivals. Head to the Winterkids Winter Festival in Portland, Maine to enjoy traditional winter activities like sledding, ice skating, and snowshoeing. The Winterfest Scarborough will have you and your family hunting ice cubes, participating in milk jug curling, and voting for your favorite snow sculpture.
Go Shopping
Just a short car ride away from the Fairfield Inn & Suites, Brunswick Freeport is a world-class shopping destination in Freeport, Maine. With premium international brands and unique local finds, the Freeport Outlets are a destination not to be missed. There is no better place to fill your car with gifts for your entire family and friends.
Harvest Ice
If you find yourself in South Bristol in February, you can help the townspeople harvest ice. Just like they’ve done since 1826, volunteers gather at the Thompson Pond, to harvest the ice. People of all ages can enjoy sawing through the ice, or moving it along to the conveyor so it can be properly stored. After the festivities, volunteers can partake in some delicious hot chocolate, grilled hot dogs, soup, chili, coffee, and baked goods.
Ice Fishing on Moosehead Lake
Seasoned ice fishers can obtain a license and head to one of Maine’s beautiful frozen lakes to ice fish for landlocked salmon, lake trout, brook trout, white and yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and cusk. Visitors to Moosehead Lake can rent ice shacks for the day or take a guided fishing tour with one of several outdoor outfitters.
Don’t let the cold and the snow keep you from visiting Maine during the winter. With tons of outdoor activities and places to relax indoors, you and your family can find plenty to keep you busy during the long winter months.