We are going to feature regular day trip destinations here (and maybe collect them into a book eventually), for this trip, we head just off-island to Lamoine.
Destination: Lamoine
General Idea: Scenic ocean, forest and meadow views, rural atmosphere with all year activity options.
Approximate Distance From MDI: 30 – 45 min drive to individual sites, but plenty to keep you occupied for a day
Rated for: Moderately active, beach, fishing, hiking, kayaking/canoeing, scenic drive, historic architecture, kid friendly. Ski, skate & snowmobile.
On The Way:
Lamoine is a dispersed coastal rural community rather than a compact village with a downtown to stroll around, so we suggest bringing road snacks and picnic supplies with you or plan on heading to Ellsworth for any meals.
Incorporated in 1870, Lamoine is named after an early resident, Andre LeMoyne. This is a great trip for those who appreciate the traditional salt box houses, woods, water, sun-dappled roads, and the quiet life. Be respectful of residents privacy, the glut of “no trespassing” and posted signage shows that it’s important to them.
“Turn Right at The Cheese House” (ME-204- currently the Harley Davidson store is where the original cheese house was), go past Bar Harbor Golf Club (open to the public if you want to make a stop!) and you’re almost to Lamoine!
Turn right on to ME-184 at Lamoine General Store passing Lamoine Grange (home of Lamoine Community Arts) and the Ye Olde Meeting House as you head to Lamoine State Park, Lamoine Beach ,or Marlboro Beach for some ocean time – if you’re fishing there are some people posting fresh bait availability. You’ll travel through wooded sections that make you feel miles away from everywhere and then views will open out.
Return part way along ME-184 and take Asa’s Road to continue around the peninsula, passing Bloomfield Park/Blunt’s Pond for winter skating and summer water and fishing opportunities and follow Needle Point Road to rejoin ME-204 and take a sharp right to visit Marlboro Beach on Raccoon Cove.
Follow Seal Point Road to reach Coleman Woods easy looping hikes through the woods or return to ME-204/Partridge Cove Road and visit the friendly goats at Seal Cove Farms or talk a walk at the Frenchman’s Bay Conservancy’s Simon Property Preserve.
Take the attractive Mud Creek Road past the fun red barn house and keep an eye out for the Osprey nest on the pole as you got over the winding tidal creek to join up with Route 1 for a quick bite.
To Do:
Visit Lamoine State Park and Lamoine Beach Park
Open Year Round (no facilities in winter, showers and restrooms in season) with water access, trailered boat launch, loop trail, play ground (there’s also a tree-house by the group camping area), and picnic area. In the winter there is space to ski. Lamoine Beach Park is less than a mile beyond the State Park and has more expansive beach frontage with picnic area. Acadia 1 Kayaking Center can supply kayaks and directions to the Devil’s Ovens Sea Caves which are accessible only be sea – they also rent paddle board.
Visit Bloomfield Park is a town-maintained park that features Blunt’s Pond, a kettle hole pond. Such ponds were created when chunks of glacial ice, abandoned by retreating ice sheets, melted leaving depressions below the ground water table. These ponds have no inlet/outlet streams, being maintained by natural “seepage” in and out of the depression in sync with the watertable. The pond is a great swimming hole and boat launch in the summer (there’s even a snorkel trail!) and volunteers clear it for skating in the winter. There is a short shore trail, picnic tables, and a privy.
Visit Marlboro Beach. Until 2018, this beach was privately owned by the Norris family, but kept open for public use. The property has since been purchased by the town and the traditional public access has been assured.
This expansive beach is a great place to watch clammers and worm diggers. It has few formal facilities or trails, but you can stretch you legs and check out some geological features whilst beach combing.
Visit Seal Cove Farm I’m sure you’ve had their goat cheese or at least seen the truck rolling around MDI, but have you ever been to visit? When we had the bed and breakfast, we had guests go and they had a ball touring the farm and meeting the goats. We’d advise calling ahead.
Visit Coleman Woods Trail and/or Simon Property Trail for walks in the woods. Both trails are about 1 mile, though you can extend your walk in Coleman Woods as it has some off shoot loops. Some areas of this trail are wet, so wear appropriate footwear whilst enjoying the moss lined trails. You’ll find maps at the trailhead. Bikes are allowed.
Simon Property is a Frenchman’s Bay Conservancy Preserve and a good snowshoe location. There is a “Tree ID Activity mMap” available if you bring the kids.
Food:
Since this is an outdoorsy trip, bring your best picnic fixings. Lamoine State Park picnic sites have grills.
However, as you heading back via Mud Creek Road, you’ll get to ME 1 right by Yu Takeout – great crab rolls and sometimes even pickled wrinkles. Also close by is Ruth and Wimpy’s and all Ellsworth has to offer. Ice cream at Morton’s Moo? Just sayin’….
If you’re heading back onto MDI there’s always Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound, which is open in season for all your seafood needs.
Cool Stuff to Know:
Lamoine turns 150 in 2020 Planning is underway for this celebration. There is a parade planned for August, but keep an eye out for more news.
Snowmobile trails are cleared and marked by volunteers and some are groomed throughout the winter for cross-country skiing. There are several access points from main roads. Some are also available for summer hiking. Contact Frenchman’s Bay Riders Snowmobile Club
Need a Bunny? Cottontail Cottage Sanctuary is located just off route 184 in Lamoine. It’s a 100% volunteer run rabbit rescue and they do offer bunny adoptions…….your chance to save a life!
Want to extend your trip? There’s a couple of B&B’s if you fancy making a weekend of it, both on ME184: Chocolate Chip B& B (yes there’s cookies….) and Captain & Eve’s B&B.
This is an awesome description of lovely Lamoine, and thanks for it! It’s also nearer the true “quiet side” of Acadia, towards Schoodic Peninsula, almost as spectacular as often crowded MDI! 🙂