Local Attractions
 
Map of Maine 

     While in Jackman you will find a variety of fun and unique activities for you, your family, and your friends to do anytime of the year. To plan your trip now use the "Our Links " page and follow the respective local towns for ideas, recommendations, and accommodations.

    Located deep in the woods of Maine on the Moose River, in Somerset County on Historic Route 201, just 20 minutes from the Canadian border, Jackman, with a population of approximately 1,000 people, is a quiet, tight-knit community of friendly Mainards; a very popular destination for tourists.
 
 
History:
 
    The First settler to the area was Captain Samuel Holden, his wife Jane and 7 of their children (they had 11 total). They traveled from Anson Maine to Moose River in March 1820. They snowshoed from The Forks (30 miles) to Moose River where Mr. Holden had built a log cabin the year prior.
 

Photo of Main Street - Jackman Maine
Photo: Old Canada Historic Soc.

In May of 1820, their cabin burned down and they lived in a cave until the second home was built.

    US Route 201 was once called Arnold Trail. This is the route that Benedict Arnold and his army followed when they attempted to enter Canada to throw the British out of Quebec as ordered by General Washington. This march included the building of 100 “bateaux” (large heavy boats) and rowing UP the Kennebec River. US Route 201 is now also called the Old Canada Road Scenic Byway as part of the National Scenic Byways Program.
 -Excerpt from Cozy Cove Cabins
 
    Settled in 1895, organized in 1957, the town of Jackman derives it names from James Jackman, who was a resident of Solon, Maine when he was hired in the early 1830's by the State to supervise the construction of the road from The Forks through to the Canada line. By some accounts, James was in charge of as many as one hundred men working on the road.When the road was completed, James was given some land by the State and erected a public house just south of what is now the town of Jackman. From an early date, this spot was known as Jackmans Field, or, by the 1840 census, simply "Jackmans."
 
Economy: 
 
Logging Truck - Jackman Maine Woods 
  Businesses in Jackman thrive off several natural resources the region has to offer. Jackman had long been know as a "logging town," as the area is surrounded by some of Maine's largest and densest forests.  Paper companies and mills have played an active role in the community since
the settling of the area.  Many jobs are provided through mill work, wood transportation, tree cutting, and tree planting.  Tourism plays a big role in the economy also, for the area provides a glimpse at some of Maine's largest animals such a moose, black bears, and deer.  The habitat that supports these beautiful animals is also as majestic as the animals themselves.  Summer brings lush greens to the countryside, Fall invokes foliage with a multitude of bright colors, Winter invites a thick, soft blanket of snow,  and Spring leads new life and sweet smells from the blossoming flowers and budding trees. A range of outdoor activities through these seasons is the backbone of the tourism economy, and are described below by season. Jackman is also a border town and therefore supports a number of border crossing and patrol personnel. Education is also an important part of the community where some of the best education happens due
to the small number of students, hence the personal attention. Other businesses consist of maple sugaring and your typical needs that create any town in America such as grocery and convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants, lodging, recycling, health care, banks, municipal, etc. To see more in a statistical format click here.
Maple Sugaring - Jackman Maine - Pure Maple Syrup

Activities: 
 
Spring:
Jackman Maine - Ice Shack for Ice Fishing Trout, Salmon & Cusk 
   Snow stays on the ground well into spring, making Jackman and the Moose River Region one of the most sought after areas for snowmobiling. With hundreds of miles of well groomed-trail and off-trail riding, you'll find a multitude of destinations to travel by sled,
for all skill level of riders. If you don't have a sled and still want to gain the experience, sporting stores in the area have snowmobile rentals. Bigwood Lake, Attean Pond, and the nearby lakes, ponds, brooks, and streams are well known for large trout, salmon, cusk and smelt.  If the ice is still strong, there are several sporting camps in the area that have ice fishing shack rentals available, or if the ice is out, bring your boat, or rent a motor boat or canoe. As the days warm (above 32°) and the maple trees prepare to bud
 Jackman Maine - Sap Buckets for Maple Syrup 
leaves, many of the local syruping operations swing into full gear. For the next few months, locals and businesses alike will produce some natures best, real maple syrup, maple butter, maple candy, and maple taffy in the world. Many of these operations provide tours so you can learn how real maple syrup is made.
 
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Summer:
  Summer brings warm weather and great outdoor activities for every age and any skill level.  Jackman's clear, clean lakes are great for swimming, boating, canoing, and fishing, while the local brooks, streams, and class IV rivers are great for kayaking and whitewater rafting. Winter
 Jackman Maine - Large Trout Fishing
snowmobile trails turn into summer's four-wheeling, hiking, off road and mountain bike trailsBlueberries, cranberries, and raspberries can be found all over the area during their seasons,
and is some of the best that Maine provides. The local wildlife allows for great photo opportunities, as the moose and deer can often be found not far from the main roads. There is so much to do here, don't forget to relax! The quiet atmosphere, fresh air, and warm weather provides the opportunity to pull out a lawn chair, close your eyes, and soak up the sun.
 Jackman Maine - Wild Blueberries to Pick
 
Fall:
Jackman Maine - The Foliage of Fall 
  With an explosion of colors fall arrives. The foliage in Jackman is spectacular and unmatched by most places in the world. With a huge diversity of tree types and the vast number of them growing on rolling mountains, the Moose River Region lights up to the arrival of cooler weather. You'll find amazing on and off-road drives
and views to match. A trip up the Historic Route 201 Scenic Byway to Quebec City is a favorite of many. As the air thins and
Jackman Maine - Hunting for Big Game Deer, Moose & Bear 
temperatures drop hunters and trappers begin their yearly rituals.  Big game trophy bucks, moose, and bear, as well as small game partridge and rabbit are all the attraction.  Hunters from all over the US and Canada come to the Moose River Region to get their chance to claim fame.
 
Winter: 
  Winter usually arrives earlier in the Moose River Region faster than the rest of the country. Temperatures can drop to 20-40 below zero with a wind chill factor, although this is not too often, and a single storm can bring feet of snow at a time. Lakes will freeze over, and
 Jackman Maine - Snowmobiler in Deep Snow
become strong enough to drive vehicles out on. Jackman has hundreds of miles of well groomed-trail and off-trail riding, so you'll find a multitude of destinations to travel by sled, for all skill level of riders. If you don't have a sled and still want to gain the experience, sporting stores in the area have snowmobile rentals. Bigwood Lake, Attean Pond, and the nearby lakes, and ponds are well known for large trout, salmon, and cusk.  If the ice is strong,
there are several sporting camps in the area that have ice fishing shack rentals available.  You will also find cross country skiing locally is great with an abundant amount of area to cover, and downhill skiing is available in Greenville. Dog sled and snowmobile races keep the locals entertained.
 Jackman Maine - Cross County Skiing Through the Woods
Bigwood, Jackman, Steakhouse, Restaurant, Seafood, Steak, Food, Dinner, Lunch, Dining, Diner, Menu, Eat, Meal, Hunt, Hunting, Fishing, Snowmobiling, Snowmobile, Maine, 201, Scenic, Woods, ME, 04945
Bigwood Steakhouse - The Most Popular Restaurant in Jackman Maine - Where People Meet to Eat - For the Hunter, Fisherman, Snowmobiler, Outdoors Man, Tourist, and Locals