l-A area towns
The Great Falls connecting the cities of Lewiston and Auburn creates a thunderous sound that can be heard from a mile or more away during the spring melt. These twin communities give visitors and residents access to enriching cultural and year-round recreational and community assets. Lewiston’s Lisbon Street is lively during the Artwalk, and Festival Plaza in Auburn brings a smile when they strike up the community band during the summer.
Long-standing events like the Great Falls Balloon Festival and the Dempsey Challenge, as well as inspiring works presented at the Bates Dance Festival, serve as the springboard for events in surrounding towns—Moxie Fest in Lisbon Fall, for example. Visiting one or more of the surrounding towns and villages can add excitement. Revel in the rolling tree-covered hills, welcoming waters, and open fields across Minot, Buckfield, and Greene along winding country roads dotted with red and white farmsteads and historic one-room schoolhouses.
If sticking to town is more in your plans, uncover a few hidden delectable dining treasures along the downtown streets. With such an array of options, finding your way in the L-A Metro area won’t take long.
Must visit Spots
Downtown Lewiston
Maine’s second-largest city, running east of the Androscoggin River, Lewiston, is home to historic mills that tell a story of industry and immigration. Today, the revived downtown district is a walkable neighborhood with restaurants, breweries, small businesses, and arts.
Since 1936, the landmark spire of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul has helped define the Lewiston skyline. The church is home to a wonderful pipe organ and striking rose window modeled after Chartres Cathedral in France.
One of the most diverse cities in Maine, Lewiston’s downtown reflects the cultures of the city’s diverse citizens—French-Canada (Franco), Irish, Somali, Bantu, LatinX, and numerous others.
Lisbon & Lisbon Falls
Set along the Androscoggin River, Lisbon welcomes visitors with its rich history, scenic landscapes, charming downtown, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Founded in 1799, Lisbon and its village of Lisbon Falls was originally part of the Pejepscot Purchase. Farming, sawmills, and gristmills were the early industry. Later, larger brick mills followed to manufacture textiles. This history is reflected in its well-preserved buildings and landmarks that continue to tell the town’s story.
Lisbon Falls is the home to the annual Moxie Festival, in honor of Maine’s most unique beverage, Moxie®. Many also recognize the former Worumbo Mill from Stephen King’s novel and TV movie, 11/22/63.
Turner Center
Settled in 1772, nearly all the early residents of what is now called Turner came from towns around Plymouth, Massachusetts. Beginning as a farming town, the exceptional water power of the Nezinscot River led to the establishment of a variety of mills and factories.
Today, the river’s path from Turner Center, behind the Old Town House, and finally reaching the Androscoggin River, offers abundant opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, as well as fishing.
Those interested in history should stop by the Turner Historical Museum, located on the fourth floor of Turner’s historic Leavitt Institute Building, or the charming shingle-style Turner Public Library.
towns and villages in the Area
ways to adventure
Eat and Drink
Dining
There are great places to eat around every turn. You’ll find exactly what you’re craving; whether it’s iconic Maine lobster with drawn butter or an espresso coupled with a chocolate croissant
Arts and Culture
Museums
The cities and towns in Maine’s Lakes and Mountains, places of discovery, are home to an eclectic collection of art, cultural, science, and living history museums.
Eat and Drink
Beer Trail
With hundreds (maybe thousands) of miles of hiking, biking, and ski trails and just as many watering holes, Maine’s Lakes and Mountains has welcomed the national craft beer love affair with open arms.
arts and culture
performing arts
Discover a collection of performing arts events that take place throughout the year, from modern and avante-garde dance and equity theater to juggling in a converted barn.
Things to Do
Events
Maine’s Lakes and Mountains is filled with events year-round. Food festivals, concerts and dance, hot air balloons and tough mudders, are all here to delight and enthrall visitors.
Nature and Wildlife
birding
The forests, fields, and wetlands of Maine’s Lakes and Mountains are the ideal setting to experience the thrill of birdwatching. Many highly coveted species can be found in the area’s boreal forests, including woodpeckers and Bicknell’s Thrush.
Plan Your Trip
Maine’s Lakes and Mountains offers a variety of resources to help you plan your next visit, including an annual visitor’s guide, stand alone map, and the new Adventure Guide App.
Visitor's Guide
Our Free Visitor's Guide will help inspire your next adventure along our mountain trails, lakes, scenic byways, bustling towns and more.
Map of the Region
Companion to the Visitor Guide, our dual-sided planning map will help you find your way to adventure in every season throughout the region.
Adventure Guide App
The App will point the way to all kinds of adventures, experiences and destinations in Maine’s Lakes and Mountains with GPS location maps and alerts.
