List of 6 Best Things To Do In Winthrop, Maine (2024)

Winthrop is an outdoor recreational area and a small town in Maine’s Kennebec County. Truly the heart and soul for recreational opportunities, Winthrop has ten water bodies, multiple hiking trails, a handful of public parks, and the great Mount Pisgah. Though the permanent population of Winthrop is even less than 6000, right when Summers begins, the population doubles up. The influx of tourists and summer residents in Winthrop truly defines its popularity all across Maine and other parts of New England.

Winthrop is a strong community and a tranquil town where retirees choose to settle down. Its proximity to towns like Augusta, Lewiston, and Waterville keeps one close to bigger opportunities while still away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Winthrop is also close enough to the Atlantic coast, historical sites, and natural landmarks. Either within the town or around, there are endless possibilities for people to explore, travel, and enjoy. The town is also popular for its summer events and festivals, and that too with quite a few exciting options. Wondering what you would enjoy here? Pick your choices from our list of Best things to do in Winthrop, Maine.

List of 6 Best Things To Do In Winthrop, Maine

Have a look:

1. Go hiking at Mount Pisgah

Mount Pisgah is an 815 feet mountain in Winthrop, Maine. For an adventurous day in Winthrop, there is nothing better than going for a hike at Mount Pisgah. The Mountain features multiple hiking trails that lead their way to a fire tower at the top of Mount Pisgah. Upon climbing this tower, one can enjoy clear views of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington in the West and Camden Hills in the East. For hiking, returning enthusiasts recommend the Tower Trail (0.7 miles), Blueberry Trail (1.3 miles), and the Ledges Trail loop (1.4 miles). The loop of these three trails meets at the former Maine Forest Service fire tower after traversing through 4.4 miles. The hike is moderately difficult since it gains elevation at multiple places. Completing the entire loop would easily take about 2 hours (minus the time one spends at the summit).

 

2. Explore the Winthrop Lakes Region

More than Winthrop town, the Winthrop Lakes Region is where the majority of recreational and scenic opportunities lie. Located between the towns of Augusta and Lewiston, the Winthrop Lakes Region is Central Maine’s popular recreational spot. The multiple large open water bodies here offer a range of recreational opportunities, wildlife, and bird-watching opportunities and provide multiple scenic views. The waterbodies include Cobbossee Lake, Maranacook Lake, Annabessacook Lake, Upper Narrows Pond, Lower Narrows Pond, Carlton Pond, Berry Pond, Dexter Pond, Apple Valley Lake, Little Cobbossee Lake, and Kezar Pond (largest to smallest in surface area). It is also home to hundreds of acres of stunning farmlands and undeveloped woodlands. The Winthrop Lakes Region has three public access points, including Upper Narrows carry-in off Route 202, the Maranacook ramp at Norcross Point (Bowdoin Street), and the Cobbossee ramp off Route 135.

The Winthrop Lakes Region is a popular area for outdoor activities like boating, hiking, cycling, camping, and fishing. It is also quite famous amongst writers, painters, and photographers who count nature and its tranquility as an inspiration. It is also a great place to explore Maine’s unspoiled and renowned natural beauty.

3. Enjoy the Winthrop Beach

Winthrop Beach is a nice little sandy beach on Cobbosseecontee Lake in Winthrop. Visiting the beach is surely one of the popular things to do in Winthrop, Maine. This local gem is located within the town’s limit and is quite easy to reach. Since it is a very convenient daytime getaway, you can find both locals and tourist gathering here. In fact, Winthrop Beach gets crowded during the summer season. In the name of amenities, the beach features some benches, a wooden platform on the ground, a nice grassy area, and Porter Potty. Occasionally some VFW food trucks also frequent the beach. The beach also allows access to activities like lake floating and swimming. For lake lovers, it is one fantastic five-star beach, but if you are expecting Atlantic-like possibilities, you may face disappointments.

4. Camp Laurel for Camping

Camp Laurel is a popular summer camp that has been operating in Winthrop Lakes Region since 1949. For over 70 years now, Camp Laurel has been drawing thousands of boys and girls from all across the county. From organizing art, sport, athletics, and equestrian to ensuring an enjoyable vacation time, Camp Laurel has never disappointed. The organizers always manage to keep the young mind busy and engaged while learning new skills in life. Since Camp Laurel has been very promising in the business, original guests now even send their children without any thought. Apart from Summer camp, Camp Laurel also organizes winter camp in the town of Westport.

Camp Laurel isn’t a day trip option but an excellent summer camp facility for kids.

5. Check out the Lakeside Orchards

Located less than 10 minutes from Winthrop, the Lakeside Orchards are Manchester, Maine’s popular draw. Operating for over four decades on a 200-acre farm, the orchard has been producing and selling some of Maine’s best-tasting apples. Of the entire 200 acres, 60 acres include various apple varietals. The rest spread of this farm grows blueberries, raspberries, honeyberries, salad green, sweet corn, tomatoes, peas, garlic, edamame, and more fruits and veggies. The harvest season, which comes around Fall, is when Apples are ready to pick, and people are ready for the u-pick fun. The thousands of trees here grow 10,000 bushels annually. According to some rumors, the first few apple trees at the grounds of Lakeside Orchard were planted in the 1870s, and they are still actively giving the fruits. Lakeside Orchards operates a farm market and a joint offering fresh bakery goods along with warm, flavorful coffee.

6. Or, visit Milkhouse Farm & Dairy

The Milkhouse Farm & Dairy is located in Monmouth, just south of Cobbosseecontee Lake, a few miles from Winthrop. This organic farm, dairy, and creamery is relatively new in the area but has gained immense popularity in a few years. The owners of Milkhouse state this farm as a community resource. They emphasize utilizing farming techniques that are environmentally conscious and sustainable. Milkhouse Farm & Dairy is one fine facility to visit with kids and family. They have a variety of options like milk, eggs, yogurt, pork, beef, lamb, and ice cream on their selling list. Seasonally, they also sell fresh veggies. Their website also allows scheduling time for the pick up of fresh and organic produce.