Greenville, Maine

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Craving a peaceful wilderness escape? Head to Greenville, Maine! Nestled on the southern tip of Moosehead Lake, Greenville is a gateway to outdoor adventure, moose watching, and rustic charm. Perfect for unplugging and soaking up Maine’s natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Greenville is from late spring through early fall (May to October). Summer brings boating, hiking, and wildlife tours, while autumn showcases stunning fall foliage. Winter also draws snowmobilers and ice fishers.

How to Get There

By Car: Greenville is about 2 hours from Bangor and 3.5 hours from Portland. Scenic drives wind through forests and along Moosehead Lake.
By Air: Fly into Bangor International Airport (BGR) and drive north. Charter flights can also land at Greenville Municipal Airport.
By Bus: Limited seasonal bus services may be available; driving is the most convenient option.

Where to Stay

Moose Mountain Inn – Cozy lodge with rustic charm, just minutes from town and the lake.
Blair Hill Inn – Elegant hilltop B&B with gourmet dining and sweeping lake views.
Kineo View Lodge – Comfortable, family-friendly lodging with panoramic mountain vistas.

Top Attractions

⮕ Moosehead Lake

Go boating, swimming, fishing, or simply relax by Maine’s largest lake.

Moosehead Lake

What is Moosehead Lake?
- Located three hours north of Portland, Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in Maine and a must-see attraction for all adventurous visitors.
What makes Moosehead Lake a popular destination?
- Offering breathtaking views, abundant wildlife, and more outdoor activities than you can count on both hands, Moosehead Lake promises unforgettable vacations.
What activities are available in the summer?
- In summer, you can indulge in all kinds of water sports, including outstanding white-water rafting, boating, and fishing.
What winter activities are available?
- In winter, visitors come to enjoy a wide variety of snow sports on nearby Big Squaw Mountain.
What other activities can visitors enjoy?
- In addition, you can go on a Moose watching safari, take a scenic flight, play a round of golf, or simply have a swim in the beautiful clean lake water.
Where is Moosehead Lake located?
- Moosehead Lake, Greenville, ME 04441, Phone: 207-695-2702

⮕ Lily Bay State Park

Enjoy hiking, swimming, picnicking, and camping on the eastern shore of Moosehead Lake.

Lily Bay State Park

What is Lily Bay State Park?
- Lily Bay State Park is located along the eastern shores of Moosehead Lake, where it offers visitors a beautifully maintained campground with 90 comfortable campsites.
How large is the park?
- The park covers over 925 acres, which are just begging to be explored.
What land-based activities are available?
- Land-based activities include walking, hiking, wildlife watching, and fishing.
Is fishing popular at the park?
- In fact, fishing is rumored to be excellent here, and many people visit purely to try their hand at catching a big one.
What facilities are available for visitors?
- There is a spacious beach area with a playground and picnic area, as well as launch sites for several types of watercraft.
What amenities are available for campers?
- After a busy day of adventures, you can look forward to a steaming hot shower and the chance to stargaze and toast marshmallows over the campfire.
Where is Lily Bay State Park located?
- Lily Bay State Park, 13 Myrie’s Way, Greenville, ME 04441, Phone: 207-695-2700

⮕ Katahdin Cruises and Moosehead Marine Museum

Katahdin Cruises and Moosehead Marine Museum

What is The Katahdin?
- The Katahdin is the only remaining steamship on Moosehead Lake, which was once plied by more than 50 vessels carrying passengers, livestock, mail, and more to all the towns and villages around the lake.
Has The Katahdin been restored?
- This grand old dame has been fully restored, and today you can take a scenic cruise on the lake onboard a legend.
What additional attractions are available?
- In addition to enjoying your cruise, you can stop by the Moosehead Marine Museum, which is filled to the brim with interesting artifacts, photos, and nautical treasures that tell the tale of the early days of the steamboat era on Moosehead Lake.
When is the museum open?
- The museum is open daily from June to October and also serves as the ticket office for your scenic cruise.
Where is Katahdin Cruises & Moosehead Marine Museum located?
- Katahdin Cruises & Moosehead Marine Museum, 12 Lily Bay Rd, Greenville, ME 04441, Phone: 207-695-2716

⮕ Moosehead Historical Society

Moosehead Historical Society

What is the Moosehead Historical Society?
- The Moosehead Historical Society strives to preserve and showcase a wide range of historic artifacts relevant to the history of the Moosehead area.
What can visitors expect from a visit?
- A visit to their collection of exhibits and museums is both fun and educational, and visitors will leave with a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage.
What guided tours are available?
- The society offers guided tours of the Eveleth-Crafts-Sheridan House and the Outdoor Heritage Lumberman’s Museum.
Are there self-guided tours available?
- After this great introduction, you are invited to take a self-guided tour of the Center for Moosehead History, the Aviation Museum, and the Moosehead Native-American Exhibition.
Does the society offer research facilities?
- The society also offers research facilities for those who would like to delve deeper into Moosehead history.
Where is the Moosehead Historical Society located?
- Moosehead Historical Society, 444 Pritham Avenue, Greenville Junction, ME 04442, Phone: 207-695-2909

⮕ Greenville Inn

Greenville Inn

What is the history of the Greenville Inn?
- Originally the family residence of lumber-baron William Shaw, the Greenville Inn was built between 1890 and 1900.
What made the home a Greenville landmark?
- In its day, the home was a prominent Greenville landmark, situated in an elevated position overlooking the East Cove of Moosehead Lake.
What features of the original home remain today?
- The interior of the home was lavishly decorated with carvings and paneling, which can still be admired today.
What is the Greenville Inn today?
- These days, the gracious and historic old building is operated as a Bed & Breakfast that has won many awards for offering outstanding hospitality and unbeatable views.
What makes the inn's atmosphere special?
- Many of the guestrooms and common areas still feature original fittings, lending the inn a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Where is the Greenville Inn located?
- Greenville Inn, 40 Norris St, Greenville, ME 04441, Phone: 207-695-2206

More Local Attractions

Mount Kineo – Hike to the summit for breathtaking views of Moosehead and the surrounding wilderness.
Moose Safari Tours – Take a guided trip to spot moose and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Greenville Junction Depot – Historic train station offering a peek into the area’s railroad past.

Where to Eat

Stress Free Moose Pub – Casual lakeside eatery with burgers, seafood, and live music in summer.
Auntie M’s – Cozy breakfast and lunch spot known for homemade pastries and hearty omelets.
Rod-N-Reel Café – Classic diner serving up pancakes, sandwiches, and local comfort food.

Local Events

Moose Mainea (May) – Family-friendly festival with parades, races, and wildlife events.
Greenville Fly-In (September) – Celebrates seaplanes with aerial demos, food, and entertainment.
International Seaplane Fly-In (Fall) – One of the largest seaplane events in the country, drawing pilots and spectators alike.

Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Greenville, Maine

Rockwood (25–30 min) – Launch a boat on Moosehead Lake, spot Mount Kineo, or fish in peaceful coves.
Abbot (30 min) – Enjoy quiet backroads, forested landscapes, and access to nearby lakes and streams.
Monson (25–30 min) – Explore local art galleries, hike part of the Appalachian Trail, or relax at rustic cafés.
Beaver Cove (15–20 min) – Rent a lakeside cabin, enjoy forest hikes, or unwind in serene Moosehead wilderness.
Big Moose Township (20–25 min) – Venture into the heart of Maine’s backcountry for wildlife viewing and solitude.
Upper Shirley Corner (25–30 min) – Take a scenic drive through dense forest, or explore remote outdoor recreation areas.
Lily Bay State Park (10–15 min) – Swim, hike, or camp along the shores of Moosehead Lake with mountain views.
Shirley Mills (20–25 min) – Explore rural charm, historic homesteads, and access to fishing streams and trails.
Kokadjo (30 min) – Escape into remote wilderness, spot moose, or begin backcountry adventures along the Golden Road.

FAQ

Why is Greenville a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts?
- Greenville is located along the shores of Moosehead Lake, offering an extraordinary variety of fun outdoor activities for all ages, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers.
What water activities can visitors enjoy at Moosehead Lake?
- The enormous lake is ideal for all kinds of boating—you can enjoy a scenic cruise on a historic steamboat, paddle a canoe, or charter a guided fishing excursion.
What adventure sports are available in Greenville?
- White-water rafting is a popular activity that attracts many visitors, and land-based adventures include hiking, biking, and golfing.
What historical attractions does Greenville offer?
- The area has a rich history to showcase—visiting the Moosehead Historic Society and Museums is a must for those interested in local heritage.
What winter activities are available?
- In winter, visitors can indulge in their favorite winter sports at Big Squaw Mountain, making Greenville a year-round destination for outdoor adventure.
Where is a great place to stay while exploring Greenville?
- The historic Greenville Inn serves as an ideal base for exploring the region, offering comfortable accommodations with access to all the area's activities.

At a Glance

Best Time to Visit	Places to Stay	Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Cool temperatures and fewer crowds.	Kineo View Lodge – A scenic stay with panoramic mountain views.	Explore Moosehead Lake – Enjoy boating, fishing, and breathtaking scenery.
Summer (June-August) – Peak season with warm weather and outdoor adventures.	The Lodge at Moosehead Lake – A luxurious lakeside retreat.	Go moose watching – Take a guided tour to see Maine’s iconic wildlife.
Fall (September-November) – Stunning autumn foliage and crisp air.	Chalet Moosehead Lakefront Motel – A cozy waterfront stay.	Drive the Moosehead Lake Scenic Byway – Experience vibrant fall colors.