Located in the center of Maine, the Highlands is home to both Maine's highest peak, Mount Katahdin, as well as Maine's largest lake, Moosehead. The lake covers about 400 miles of shoreline and contains more than 80 islands. This vast region of Maine also boasts having more than 200 waterfalls and miles of trails for hiking and ATV/snowmobile use. This area also hosts festivals year round, including Moose Mania in the spring, the International Seaplane Fly-In in the fall, Snowfest with a 100-mile sled dog race, a chocolate festival, and an ice fishing tournament. Baxter State Park, home of Mount Katahdin, is located northeast of Moosehead. This park draws adventure seekers from all over the United States looking to conquer the 5,267 foot Mount Katahdin peak or explore the vast 200,000 acres of mountains, forests, lakes, and streams.
On the southern end of the Highlands is the city of Bangor, Maine's third largest city. Once the lumbering capital of the world, Bangor has transformed itself into a destination for entertainment and the arts. The Waterfront Concert series, events at the Cross Insurance Center, the region's multipurpose arena, and Bangor's many artisan festivals are just a few of the many year-round attractions. Other highlights of Bangor include The Bangor Symphony Orchestra, the oldest continually performing orchestra in the nation; the Maine Discovery Children's Museum; and Bangor's bustling downtown dotted with boutiques, a variety of locally-owned cafes and restaurants, and a professional theatre company that performs in the historic Bangor Opera House.
Just north of Bangor is the University of Maine's flagship campus in Orono. This facility offers nearly 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and academic programs and 140 graduate programs. The comprehensive athletic program provides some must-see sporting events, such as men's ice hockey, football, and women's basketball. The Collins Center for the Arts, located on the university campus, attracts world-class performances to the stage, including Broadway tours, nationally-known comedians, and legendary musicians. While most are coming to the Maine Highlands for a memorable vacation, many are discovering the lifetime of fulfilling opportunities this region has to offer. Discover for yourself the possibilities that are ahead in the heart of Maine.