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
1. Moosehead Lake
Rating: ★★★★★
Address: Moosehead Lake, Greenville, ME 04441
Recommended For: Outdoor adventurers, nature lovers, families, and photographers
What I Love: ♥ “Moose sightings, mountain air, and Maine’s deepest wilderness reflected in crystal-clear waters.”
- Scenic escape: Just three hours north of Portland, Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest lake and a must-visit natural destination.
- Adventure central: Boating, white-water rafting, and world-class fishing in summer; snowmobiling and skiing on Big Squaw Mountain in winter.
- Wildlife encounters: Join a guided moose safari, spot bald eagles, or explore the forested trails surrounding the lake.
- All-seasons fun: Go for a swim, take a scenic seaplane flight, or tee off with mountain views—the lake offers it all year-round.
Cost: Free to explore; tour and activity pricing varies by outfitter
Best time to go: June–September for water sports and moose sightings; December–March for winter adventures
Local tips: Sunrise and sunset offer the best light for photography. Visit in September for fall foliage and quieter trails.
2. Lily Bay State Park
Address: Lily Bay State Park, 13 Myrie’s Way, Greenville, ME 04441
Recommended For: Campers, anglers, families, hikers, and lake lovers
What I Love: ♥ “Crisp lake air, loon calls at dusk, and nights under a blanket of stars.”
- Lakefront camping: Located on Moosehead Lake’s eastern shore, the park features 90 well-maintained campsites perfect for tent or RV stays.
- Nature immersion: Explore 925+ acres by hiking, wildlife watching, or casting a line in the lake’s renowned fishing waters.
- Family-friendly fun: Enjoy the sandy beach, kids’ playground, and peaceful picnic areas with lake views.
- Water adventures: Bring or rent kayaks, canoes, or small boats to launch from the park’s multiple watercraft access points.
- Evening comfort: End the day with a hot shower and a crackling campfire—perfect for marshmallows and stargazing.
Cost: Day-use fee typically under $10; campground fees vary by site and season
Best time to go: June–October for warm-weather recreation and foliage views; campsites open seasonally
Local tips: Reserve your site early during summer weekends. Sunrise over the lake is worth the early wake-up call.
3. Katahdin Cruises and Moosehead Marine Museum
Address: Katahdin Cruises & Moosehead Marine Museum, 12 Lily Bay Rd, Greenville, ME 04441
Recommended For: History buffs, lake cruisers, families, maritime enthusiasts
What I Love: ♥ “The chug of the steam engine, the breeze off the water, and the stories that float through time.”
- Historic steamship cruise: The Katahdin is the last surviving steamship on Moosehead Lake—once one of over 50 vessels connecting lakeside towns.
- Restored to glory: Fully restored and lovingly maintained, the Katahdin offers scenic cruises through Maine’s vast northern waters and forested shores.
- Moosehead Marine Museum: Before or after your cruise, explore fascinating maritime artifacts, photographs, and stories that celebrate the golden age of steam travel on the lake.
- Summer season highlight: Cruises and the museum are open daily from June to October—perfect timing for warm days on the water.
- One-stop visitor center: The museum also functions as the cruise ticket office, making planning your visit a breeze.
Cost: Museum admission is typically under $10; cruise pricing varies by duration and route
Best time to go: Late June through early October for full cruise and museum access
Local tips: Book your cruise early during peak weekends and bring a light jacket—it gets breezy on the upper deck!
4. Moosehead Historical Society
Address: Moosehead Historical Society, 444 Pritham Avenue, Greenville Junction, ME 04442
Recommended For: History lovers, families, heritage tourists, researchers
What I Love: ♥ “An intimate window into Moosehead’s pioneering spirit—told through preserved homes, logging tools, and aviation relics.”
- Preserving Moosehead’s past: The Moosehead Historical Society safeguards and showcases artifacts central to the region’s rich history.
- Engaging guided tours: Learn about local life through guided tours of the Eveleth-Crafts-Sheridan House and the Outdoor Heritage Lumberman’s Museum.
- Explore at your own pace: Enjoy self-guided visits to the Center for Moosehead History, the Aviation Museum, and the Moosehead Native-American Exhibition.
- Research-friendly: A small but dedicated research facility is available for genealogy or historical deep dives.
- Educational experience: Perfect for visitors looking to gain a deeper understanding of the Moosehead region's people, industries, and culture.
Cost: Admission varies by tour type; donations are welcome to support preservation efforts
Best time to go: Late spring through early fall when all museums and tours are typically active
Local tips: Call ahead to confirm tour times or arrange research access—many offerings are seasonal or by appointment
5. Greenville Inn
Address: Greenville Inn, 40 Norris St, Greenville, ME 04441
Recommended For: Couples, history buffs, romantic getaways, fans of bed & breakfasts
What I Love: ♥ “Wake up to lake views in a restored lumber baron’s mansion—where antique charm meets genuine Maine hospitality.”
- Historic charm: Originally built between 1890 and 1900 as the home of lumber baron William Shaw, the Greenville Inn is a living piece of Moosehead history.
- Elevated location: Set high above the East Cove of Moosehead Lake, it was once one of Greenville’s most prominent landmarks—and still commands stunning views.
- Period details preserved: Guests will find original carvings, paneling, and furnishings that create a warm and authentic atmosphere throughout.
- Award-winning B&B: Now a gracious bed and breakfast, the inn is known for its hospitality, ambiance, and tranquil setting.
- Cozy accommodations: Rooms and common areas blend antique elegance with modern comfort, perfect for a romantic retreat or peaceful escape.
Cost: Rates vary by season and room; premium lakeview suites may be higher
Best time to go: Late spring through early fall, when the lake and gardens are at their most beautiful
Local tips: Book early for fall foliage season—rooms with balconies overlooking Moosehead Lake go fast
Plan Your Trip