Presque Isle
the star city
A winter wonderland full of activities can be found in
the Presque Isle area. There is definitely something for everyone
from cozy knitting groups to skiing and snowmobiling. While
here you will enjoy the hospitality of the area, the variety of
accommodations and facilities that offer wonderful food.
If you are in the area for several days you likely will be
able to attend a presentation or play at one of the public schools,
Northern Maine Community College or University of Maine at
Presque Isle.
Wintergreen Art Center will be opening in its new
location in January and plans to have a variety of activities and
art displays available for the public to enjoy. If you are interested
in art, don’t forget to stop at Reed Fine Art Gallery on University
of Maine campus.
Aroostook State Park Cross-Country Skiing Trails Park boundaries are marked with bright orange paint and cross
several trails. Care should be taken to stay on established crosscountry ski trails. Snowmobile trail I.T.S. 83 winds thru the
park. Use caution when crossing snowmobile trails. The lodge at
the park headquarters is open to the public on weekends during
the skiing season.
Portage Lake offers groomed trails. You can pick up a
map at the Portage Lake Town office. You may want to take your
skates and look for an outdoor rink. At press time Portage was
hoping to flood an area near the Pavilion for outdoor skating.
The Francis Malcolm Science Center in Easton offers
cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. Snowshoes for the
entire family are available to rent. A visit to the Planetarium is
recommended.
Big Rock and the Maine Winter Sports Center want to
once again make skiing an activity for the whole family to enjoy
by offering improved facilities and state of the art equipment at
family-friendly prices.
Big Rock has taken many steps to make our facility
the ultimate place for individuals and families to learn how to
ski. Extensive brush clearing, trail reconditioning and cutting,
improved snowmaking capabilities, reconditioned and new lifts,
as well as new grooming equipment have made the slopes more
enjoyable for all skill levels. To add variety to everyone’s winter
sports experience. Cross-country and snowshoe trails as well as
a snow-tube park have been added. Big Rock’s lodge has been
expanded to include a new cafe with hot food off the grill along
with homemade soups, sandwiches, and snacks. All of these
changes have helped Big Rock become a family-oriented facility
that has a small town feel with big mountain skiing.
Big Rock offers night skiing starting January 6th. What
a great place to start your Aroostook County holiday! In addition
to Big Rock Ski Area, Maine Winter Sports operates Nordic
Heritage Center, with lit trails for night skiing, and Quoggy Jo
Ski Center. Rentals and instructions are available at all of these
locations. For more information you may contact the Presque
Isle Area Chamber of Commerce.
Nordic Heritage Center will be hosting the 2010 Junior
Olympic Championships, March 7-14. This will provide you
with an opportunity to see some of the best cross country skiers
in the world in competition.
Check at Gentile Hall at the University of Maine, MOJO and
of course Big Rock Ski Area to rent the outdoor equipment you
may need.
If you are inclined toward motor sports, the area offers
over 2,000 miles of highly rated, wide, well-groomed snowmobile
trails. Various snowmobile clubs collaborate to offer continuous
trails. Many clubs also provide meals on the weekend to enhance
your experience. Once you have chosen your route, check to
see what services are available along the way. The Sled Shop
in Presque Isle has all of the equipment you need available for
rental. Call them to make arrangements.
After a full day outdoors, enjoy the hospitality of one
of our variety of accommodations providers. Cozy cabins with
friends and family or a luxurious hotel room await you from
Blaine to Portage.
Good meals can be enjoyed at the many restaurants in
the area providing a variety of food from award winning lobster
chowder to sushi. Save room for dessert! Desserts offered here in
the county are scrumptious!
You may want to spend the evening bowling or at the
cinema. The restored Braden Theater has a choice of three movies
in their theater.
If you have enjoyed the facilities of central Aroostook
County and are looking for a change, the traditional AshlandQuebec City Caravan will be leaving Ashland on February 12,
2010. This trek through the North Maine Woods offers a variety
of experiences. If you have not participated before, this is an
experience you certainly will enjoy. The caravan arrives in Quebec
City for the final weekend of the Quebec Winter Carnival. In
the 53rd year, this tradition is one we hope to continue forever.
Registration for this trip must be made through the Presque Isle
Area Chamber of Commerce by February 1, 2010.
As always, after a full day of activities, don’t forget to take
time to enjoy the magnificent star filled sky visible throughout
the Aroostook County.
WINTER 2010 Our Communities 55