Discover Aroostook 2022

AROOSTOOK COUNTY DISCOVER

A Special Advertising Section of The Bangor Daily News

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN MAZO, AROOSTOOK UNMANNED AERIAL SERVICES

EXPLORING

THE ST. JOHN VALLEY/FISH RIVER NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY

BY KATE BIELINSKI

MAPPING THE ROUTE

At 129 miles long, the byway runs along the Northern border of Maine into the St. John Valley. The byway begins at Dickey on Route 161 and continues eastward to join US Route 1 in Fort Kent. From there, it meets Route 1A in Van Buren before taking travelers to the towns of Hamlin and Caswell. The byway also includes a section of Route 162 in Frenchville to the community of Sinclair and another section from the intersection of Route 1 and Route 1A traveling southwards to Cyr Plantation.

BREATHTAKING VIEWS

When heading out for a drive along the byway, make sure to bring your camera so you can snap photos of Mt. Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak, or capture nature’s reflections on Eagle Lake. In the fall, this route is a favorite for leaf peepers, with seemingly endless views of trees painted in golden yellows, oranges, and reds. In the spring and summer, flowing wildflower meadows are a sight to behold with many visitors stopping to take photos among the sunflowers.

A LOOK INTO ACADIAN CULTURE

Rich with French Acadian culture, there are many historical sites along the byway. Travelers can expect to meet welcoming locals, taste authentic Acadian dishes, and learn about the French settlers who developed the region into what it is today. Along the route, there are 29 bilingual exhibits that tell stories of the fi rst inhabitants and the traditions still in play.

The must-stop along the byway is the Acadian Village in Van Buren. This historic site is home to five monumental structures, which to this day bring visitors from all around the world; among them are the Notre Dame de L’Assumption Chapel (Our Lady

of Assumption Chapel) and the Rossignol Acadian Barn.

Another noteworthy stop is the Musee Culturel du Mont-Carmel in Lille. The museum, located in a decommissioned Roman Catholic Church, holds religious items, artifacts, and art. The Tante Blanch Museum, a 14-foot cross erected in 1785, is next on the list. It commemorates the fi rst settlers of Northern Maine.

When you get to Fort Kent, make sure to stop and visit the Fort Kent State Historic Site where you’ll fi nd the Blockhouse, the only fortification relating to the “Bloodless” Aroostook War of 1838-1839.

WATERWAYS TO DISCOVER

Once used as a means of transport and communication between the Acadian colonies and Quebec, the Wolastoq-St. John River is now a go-to fishing and boating spot.

Along the Fish River is a short hiking trail at the end of Airstrip Road that leads up to Fish River Falls, a class IV rapid. Grab a bite and enjoy a picnic next to the falls.

Lastly, make time to visit Portage Lake and North Maine Woods. A beautiful spot for camping and fi shing, Portage Lake was a vital key to the survival of early Acadian and French-Canadian settlers.

ACTIVITIES FOR ALL

The Fish River point of the byway is set between the towns of Fort Kent and Portage. Here, you can enjoy views of wildflower meadows and are most likely to see animals in the more forested areas. If you’re looking for something to do, fishing, boating, hiking, and ATVing/snowmobiling are some favorite activities found at the lakes. Camping is also highly recommended as this area proves to be a great place to connect with nature, relax, and enjoy the starry night sky.

Morethan just a beautiful drive, St. John Valley/Fish River National Scenic Byway is also a gateway to Aroostook County’s heritage and history. A secondary side road known for breathtaking sites along the St. John Valley, visitors can enjoy a calm drive through northern Maine’s rolling hills, open fields, and enchanting forests while also taking in the region’s recreational activities and cultural stops.

PHOTO: SIGNS MARK ROUTE 1 AS A MAINE SCENIC BYWAY | BDN FILE

THE FORT KENT BLOCKHOUSE HISTORIC SITE | BDN FILE

THE CHAPEL AT VAN BUREN’S ACADIAN VILLAGE | BDN FILE

ST. LOUIS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH ON EAST MAIN STREET IN FORT KENT | BDN FILE

AROOSTOOK WINTER EVENTS

NOT TO MISS

BY KATIE BINGHAM SMITH

Whetheryou love Maine winters and want to soak in all the season has to offer or you need to shake off your cabin fever, Aroostook County has lots of exciting events for the entire family this season.

While there’s something for the avid skiers and snowmobilers, don’t worry if outdoor sports aren’t your thing. There are lots of opportunities to bundle up the family and enjoy an entire day of spectating and sipping cocoa. Be sure to mark your calendars, invite some family and friends, and make it to at least some of these exciting events.

TAME THE TRACKS SNOWMOBILE RACE: Tame the Track Snowmobile Race will be held in Patten on Jan. 15. This a great opportunity to help groom the tracks as well as race on the challenging trail.

LONG LAKE ICE FISHING DERBY: This is a loved tradition by many Maine residents who gather at Long Lake each January to ice fi sh. It’s the largest Ice Fishing Derby in Maine and will be held from Jan. 29-30 in St. Agatha. This year, an app is available so participants can check on their competition. There are six different fi sh categories so there are many opportunities to participate and win.

PHOTO: ASHLEY PATTERSON OF SHIRLEY MILLS AND HER TEAM HEAD DOWN MAIN STREET FOR THE 2022 CAN-AM 250 AS PART OF THE CAN-AM CROWN INTERNATIONAL DOG SLED RACES IN FORT KENT | BDN FILE

WINTERKIDS FAMILY DAY: Big Rock Mountain in Mars Hill will be hosting a day for the entire family on Jan. 9 where the entire family can ski at a discount.

SNOWSHOE SERIES: Fort Kent will be having weekly meet-ups to see friends and get some fresh air and exercise. Gather at the Fort Kent Outdoor Center on the following dates and times: 1-2:30 p.m. on Jan. 2 and 16, Feb. 13, and March 6. Also meeting from 6:30-8 p.m. on Jan. 8, Feb. 5, and March 12. It’s free for members and $10 for non-members, and snowshoe rentals are available. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight or headlight for your walk.

CAN-AM DOG SLED RACES: Fort Kent is home to the longest dog sled race in the Eastern United States. From March 4-8 you can watch these athletes and join in on the excitement.

THE COUNTY SNOW FEST: Head to Presque Isle from Jan. 28-30 when there are activities for the whole family. Enjoy a fireworks display, live music, a parade, bonfires, and a snowmobile show.

MOOSESTOMPERS WEEKEND: Houlton will be hosting a three-day event from Feb. 4-6. Enjoy snowshoeing, sledding hill, ice fishing derby, and a mystery gift giveaway.

AROOSTOOK COUNTY SLED RUN: This will be the 3rd annual sled run which is a great way to help earn money for the Aroostook Relay 360. It takes place on March 5; there will be a social and 50/50 raffle after the sled run.

NENSA NORDIC SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS: On March 11-13, head to Fort Kent where the New England Ski Association will be hosting the U16 Easter Championships and you can watch.

ACADIAN POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: St. Agatha will have its annual hockey tournament on March 19 and 20. There will be six rinks available to play 3-on-3 on Long Lake.

ICE FISHING IN AROOSTOOK

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN MAZO, AROOSTOOK UNMANNED AERIAL SERVICES

THE RICH HISTORY

OF AROOSTOOK COUNTY

BY KATE BIELINSKI

Nestled

at the top of Maine bordering Canada, Aroostook County is often referred to as “The Crown of Maine,” but its name actually comes from a Mi'kmaq (Micmac) word meaning “clear” or “beautiful water.” Known for its agriculture and scenic beauty, Maine’s northernmost county was forged from a rich cultural background that blends Acadian, Native American, Scandinavian, and Amish traditions.

EARLY HISTORY: HOW AROOSTOOK COUNTY CAME TO BE

In 1806, the Aroostook River was discovered by state surveyor Park Holland, and by 1827 Aroostook had about 40 settlers. Several clearings were made to cultivate the land, leading to border disputes between Maine and New Brunswick, settled by a treaty signed in 1842. As a result, Maine got to retain the fertile valley of the Aroostook River.

PEOPLE AND CULTURES OF AROOSTOOK COUNTY

Today, Aroostook County is known for its hospitality and the generous spirit of its people. They welcome visitors warmly and show much pride in their heritage, sharing traditions and celebrating the area’s mix of cultures.

Northern Maine is home to two Native American tribes, the Micmac and Maliseet, with each community maintaining its own government. With a culture dating back 9,000 years, the Micmac were once engaged in the fur trade; today, they continue many artisan traditions, including crafting baskets and flowers out of wood. If you find yourself in Presque Isle, you can visit the Cultural Community Education Center to learn more about Micmac history.

Another local tribe, the Maliseets, were once hunters and gatherers in the St. John River basin. Today, The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians calls the Meduxnekeag River home and has farm and commercial land holdings in the County. Keeping with tradition, the Maliseet use the wood of the Brown Ash Tree to create baskets as well.

In 1870, a Swedish colony was established and today stretches to the communities of New Sweden, Stockholm, Woodland, Perham, and Westmanland, where residents keep the culture alive through festivals like Saint Lucia in December and Midsommer in June. On the weekend closest to June 21, locals dress up in folk attire, dance, and feast on a meal of KÖttbullar (Swedish meatballs), sill (pickled herring), salmon, and of course, boiled new potatoes (a staple Aroostook County is famous for). Visiting another time of year? You can learn more about the history of the area at the New Sweden Museum or follow New Sweden Historical Society on Facebook for event updates.

Another culture deeply rooted in Aroostook County is that of the Acadians. The French Acadians were some of the first people to settle at the banks of the St. John River. Today, many still speak French, especially when telling stories and passing on traditions. Each year, the Acadian Festival celebrates the heritage with a re-enactment of the first Acadian Landing in Northern Maine, a traditional Acadian supper, cultural displays, and a large family reunion honoring Acadian pioneer families. While visiting, make sure to try ployes, a French-Acadian buckwheat pancake, versatile enough for any meal of the day. A local favorite is chicken stew and ployes at Dolly’s Restaurant in Frenchville.

In southern Aroostook County near Smyrna, you’ll find the oldest Amish community. The Amish embrace an old-world lifestyle, keeping with their unique culture and beliefs dating back to the 17th century. Mostly potato farmers and loggers by trade, the Amish in Smyrna and Easton have created thriving businesses such as furniture shops, greenhouses, and more traditional farms, despite avoiding the use of electricity and modern machinery. If you find yourself passing through town, stop to shop the healthy, organic food or handmade furniture — and keep an eye out for horse-drawn carts.

PHOTO: AN AMISH BARN IN EASTON BDN FILE

AROOSTOOK

MAP COURTESY OF AROOSTOOK COUNTY TOURISM

UMFK’S NEW PROGRAMS

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s newest programs prepare graduates for employment in careers that impact communities.

COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT FORT KENT

COMPUTER SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE

The Computer Systems Administration (CSA) bachelor of science degree program is the only one of its kind offered in the state of Maine. Students will develop skills for a wide-range of opportunities in rural or urban settings such as software engineering, database administration, and systems management. UMFK graduates will be uniquely qualified in a variety of areas such as programming, user support, and computer hardware and prepared with professional industry certifications.

Currently, UMFK is the only institution of higher learning that is developing an e-Sports team through a curriculum approach. CSA students are building the computers and systems that will be used by players as well as the “first line of defense” for troubleshooting any future problems.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, CSA graduates can look forward to a well-paying career with a median pay of $80,000 per year. With UMFK’s tuition among the lowest in the country for public universities, this degree path offers a great return on investment for students interested in computer fields.

ARCTIC STUDIES CERTIFICATE

UMFK’s Arctic Studies certificate program prepares students for specialized work involving the Arctic, and also in rural communities anywhere. Arctic Studies students will be equipped for any position that involves working with indigenous communities; Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and data sovereignty; rural and remote healthcare and education; arctic and northern governance and trade; equity and health disparity; and climate change research and mitigation.

Arctic Studies students have opportunities for hands-on learning such as winter survival training, developing crisis plans, and more. Graduates can work with researchers and companies anywhere in the world, but will also be uniquely qualified for positions in the Arctic.

This certificate is a valuable add-on to a Business Management or Environmental Studies degree path.

MENTAL HEALTH AND REHABILITATION TECHNICIAN/COMMUNITY CERTIFICATE (MHRT/C)

UMFK’s MHRT/C certificate program not only helps students earn a credential quickly, allowing them to work with adults with mental illness, but also provides a valuable funnel for mental health employers to obtain qualified providers.

The MHRT/C certification is a requirement for many behavioral health fields and UMFK’s curriculum meets credentialing requirements in Maine. The MHRT/C is a recommended concentration in the bachelor of science in Behavioral Science degree program as it expands graduates’ marketability and job opportunities in this highdemand field. Once students complete their requirements, they are eligible to receive their certification through the Center for Learning at the Muskie School of Public Service.

The University of Maine Fort Kent’s roots in Aroostook County provide wide-open spaces where students are surrounded by nature and a safe campus community where students can feel at home.

For more information, visit: umfk.edu.