The town of Portage, Maine invites you to Portage “Lake Life” Summer Days Weekend, an annual summer celebration that brings the community together for a weekend of fun, activities and good times in one of Aroostook County’s beautiful lake communities. Located along the shores of Portage Lake, this is the kind of summer weekend that gives you a chance to slow down, enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends.
The weekend features annual favorites including the Whoopie Pie Festival Auction and Tasting, a chance to explore local history at the Portage Lake Historical Society Museum and the always-entertaining Cardboard Boat Races. With plenty more activities and events taking place throughout the weekend, there’s something for visitors of all ages. Come for the events, stay for the lake life and experience the welcoming spirit of a small northern Maine town.
Portage Lake, Maine, is a small town built around the lake of the same name, first settled in 1844 by Canadian lumbermen and incorporated in 1909. Its name comes from the French word for "carry," a nod to the historic canoe route Native Americans and early settlers used between waterways. As the last stop on the St. John Valley/Fish River National Scenic Byway, Portage Lake is an authentic gateway to the North Maine Woods, with year-round recreation that includes fishing for brook trout and landlocked salmon, swimming and paddling at the public beach and town campground, and golf at the 9-hole Portage Hills Country Club. Snowmobilers and ATV riders connect directly to ITS-85 and over 1,300 miles of pristine trail, and the historic Seaplane Base on the lake hosts the Portage Lake Historical Society's Annual Canoe Carry each August as part of the Portage Lake Summer Roundup. Surrounded by legendary sporting camps, vast forests, and quiet shoreline, Portage Lake remains one of Aroostook County's true four-season hideaways.
Aroostook County hosts a variety of vibrant events throughout the year. From the world-renowned Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race in winter to the lively Northern Maine Fair in summer, there's always something exciting happening. Other highlights include the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, Potato Blossom Festival, and the Scandinavian Houlton Arts and Crafts Fair. These events celebrate the region's culture, heritage, and natural beauty, offering unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Places to go, things to see and what to do—all neatly laid out. Begin your Aroostook adventure with the official travel guide to ensure the only surprises during your trip are the good ones.
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