Nov 16 2009
Activities and Events in Maine
If you are interested in winter activities and events in Maine, it isn’t always easy to find the latest news about what’s going on. Maine is one of the most popular winter destinations, simply because it’s a part of the country that receives some of the highest levels of precipitation in the form of nice, white, fluffy snow.
There are resources to learn about those fun winter festivals and skiing events, but you need to know where to look.
Where to Find Activities and Events in Maine
You’ve never fully experienced the wilderness until you’ve experienced the great outdoors of Maine.
Growing up in Aroostook county, I had the advantage of a childhood where I could walk out of my back door and just beyond my back yard I could go hiking for miles. The wilderness behind my childhood home felt like it went on forever. Of course, the only thing between the town where I grew up and Canada was thousands of acres of untamed wilderness and occasional logging roads.
While that sort of environment can feel very remote, and for the uninitiated it can feel scary - the solitude that the great Maine wilderness offers is also a spiritual experience that you’ll never forget. However, for many people who have never gone skiing on Maine’s many slopes or winter hiking and camping in its sub-zero temperatures, having a club or organization to support you through your adventures is a very good thing. When you want to know about outdoor activities and events in Maine, outdoor organizations and clubs are the first place you should start.
The Top 4 Sources for Outdoor Information About Maine
The following organizations are the best outdoor groups in Maine. If you are interested in hiking, skiing, camping or canoeing in Maine, joining any one of these organizations would be a very smart decision.
The first organization isn’t really a group, it’s a resource put together by the state called Visit Maine, to promote tourism. The website is a very valuable resource to learn about activities and events going on in Maine. The site provides information about Maine lodging, dining and activities, and if you click on the “Events” category you’ll be swept away to a very well designed Events page.
These activities are not only outdoors, but you can filter results to only show activities for “Science & Nature” if you like. Search for events that are great for children, based on performing arts or just check out all events going on throughout the state.
MaineTourism.com offers this valuable official travel planner in electronic format (PDF) called Maine Invites You, where you can learn about events and information for the year including cruises and fishing trips, skiing, museums, hunting and much more. The book is updated every year and offered for free.
This book is a valuable resource and I’d recommend it to anyone who’s even just planning to visit Maine for a simple vacation, not only for outdoor experiences.
The Maine Outdoor Adventure Club (MOAC) is a great organization for anyone who simply wants to experience the great Maine outdoors.
The club offers all kinds of events, both public and private, so checking out this calendar often (and joining the club itself) is an excellent idea.
The Maine chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is another great place to go if you want to go on outdoor adventures with a bunch of folks who love the wilderness just like you.
The Maine AMC goes on work trips (to maintain trails), organizes outdoor trips and also offers social events. I can assure you that if you join the Maine chapter of the AMC, you’ll never be bored. Additionally, you may even consider joining the Maine Appalachian Trail Club, a group of very special men and women who devote their own personal time and resources to maintaining the Appalachian Trail and the many structures and camping areas it visits.
Have you ever visited the Maine outdoors? Do you spend time with any of these clubs? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
