Places To Go

The St. John Valley includes many places of interest that focus on Acadian culture. To learn more about some of these sites, explore the pages listed here. For more sites and activities, visit the chambers of commerce websites.

Madawaska, Maine

Madawaska Historical Society - The Madawaska Historical Society was organized and incorporated August 7, 1968. The society was organized to bring together interested citizens in the preservation of the history of the Madawaska Territory and for the 100th birthday of the community of Madawaska. In 1977 the Society purchased land to serve as its museum grounds. These grounds include a schoolhouse and a residential home, both built in 1800s, and the “Acadian Landing site.”
• How to find us: 768 Main Street, Madawaska, ME 04756.
• Wha's our open season: June 13 to Sepmber 15
• Our hours of operation: Noon to 4:00 pm, Tuesday through Sunday
• Admission cost: Free
• What number can I call: [phone]
• Rather send an email: [e-mail]


Van Buren, Maine

Acadian Village - Seventeen buildings overlooking the St. John River preserve the cultural heritage of the Acadians.

Historic Governor Brann Schoolhouse - Located near Van Buren, this site features a restored 1934 school house.

Fort Kent, Maine

Acadian Archives/Archives acadiennes - The Acadian Archives/Archives acadiennes are the leading center for the study of Acadian culture and history in the U.S. Northeast. Holdings include a vast collection of genealogical reference works, unique documents chronicling the history of northern Maine, and audiovisual materials. Friendly staff are available to assist with research. Check in regularly for information about events.
• How to find us:University of Maine, 23 University Drive, Fort Kent, ME 04743
• Wha's our open season: Year round
• Our hours of operation: 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Admission cost: Free
• What number can I call: [phone]
• Rather send an email: [e-mail]

Fort Kent Blockhouse - The blockhouse is the only fortification relating to the "Bloodless" Aroostook War of 1838-1839, and the border dispute between Great Britain and the United States.

Fort Kent Railroad Station - This former railroad station opened in 1902 as the northern terminus of the Fish River Railroad.

Le Club Français - Le Club Français is dedicated to preserving and promoting the French language in the St. John Valley.

Additional Attractions in the St. John Valley

Acadian Landing Site and Tante Blanche Museum (Madawaska, Maine) - The site commemorates the landing of the first Acadian settlers in the upper St. John River Valley.

Allagash Wilderness Waterway (west of St. John Valley) - The museum holds a diverse collection of artifacts that help tell the story of this community and the Allagash region. From historical artifacts to historical war memorabilia, and Inuit items from across the border in Canada this museum is nestled on the banks of the Saint John River.
• How to find us: 456 Dickey Road, Allagash, Maine 04774
• What's our open season: First weekend in May until Labor Day.
• Our hours of operation: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays Noon to 5:00 p.m.
• Admission cost: Free
• What number can I call: 207-398-3272
• Rather send an email:[e-mail]

Frenchvile Historical Society (Frenchville, Maine) - The society caretakes the Green Water Tower, the only water tower east of the Mississippi that sits alongside an active railroad, built in 1910 to service the railroad’s engines. Next to the tower is a red caboose which exhibits railroad memorabilia. Across the street from the water tower is the Bouchard/Wylie House, also curated by the museum, where signals were sent to bootleggers in Canada that the ‘coast was clear' to bring alcohol into the U.S. during Prohibition.
• How to find us: 390 U.S. Route 1, Frenchville, ME
• What's our open season: June 22 to September 7
• Our hours of operation: Saturdays only, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Special hours for 2024. We will be open on three Sundays -- June 23, July 21, and August 11 -- from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm. Private tours may be scheduled through email.
• Admission cost: Free
• What number can I call: 207-316-2914
• Rather send an email:[e-mail]

Bangor & Aroostook Railroad Turntable (St. Francis, Maine) - The turntable dates back to 1904 and was the end of the line for the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad when trains were powered by wood.

Musée culturel du Mont–Carmel (Lille, Maine) - This 1909 church is the most intact and architecturally significant surviving wooden Catholic Church in the St. John River Valley.

Pelletier‑Marquis House/St. Agatha Historical Society (St. Agatha, Maine) - is dedicated to the preservation of local history. We discover and collect materials and make local historical information and materials accessible to those interested in their own historical origin. Our Preservation Center houses our collections of religious, educational, farming, and local artifacts used by the early inhabitants of this small community. The early inhabitants of the town were of French-Canadian, and Acadian roots.
• How to find us: 534 Maine Street, St. Agatha, Maine 04772
• What's our open season: June to September
Our hours of operation: Tuesday through Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m..
• Admission cost: Free
• What number can I call: 207-543-6911
• Rather send an email:[e-mail]