When most people imagine a trip to Maine, they likely envision ocean walks, lighthouses, and lobster dinners. But anyone who thinks that’s all that the Pine Tree State has to offer is missing out on some of its greatest destinations. Take the Lodge at Moosehead Lake: Back in 1994, this property was singled out for excellence as it became the first inland Maine inn to receive AAA’s Four Diamond Award for hospitality. The lodge has changed hands a few times since then, but the commitment to quality has never wavered. Recently named one of Yankee’s “Best 5 Wilderness Lodges,” the Lodge at Moosehead Lake remains a signature getaway in Maine’s North Woods.
A dramatic view of Big Moose Mountain from the Lodge at Moosehead Lake. Photo Credit : Michelle Aldredge
The Lodge at Moosehead Lake
A relic of the lodge’s past incarnation as the Lakeview Manor Restaurant can still be seen in the dining room. Photo Credit : Michelle Aldredge
Perched on a hill on the southern shore of Maine’s largest lake, the lodge was built as a private residence in 1917. It was transformed into a restaurant called Lakeview Manor in the 1960s, then became a guest lodge in the 1990s that offered a combination of rustic adventure and luxury.
Many rooms at the Lodge at Moosehead Lake feature an elaborate hand-carved bed, like this one in the Moose Room. Photo Credit : Michelle Aldredge
There are five rooms in the main lodge (Moose, Totem, Trout, Bear, and Loon) and four suites (Allagash, Baxter, Mount Kineo, and Katahdin) in the nearby carriage house. Each has a fireplace, and all but one has a lake view.
The carved bedposts in the Totem Room add a splash of color. Photo Credit : Michelle Aldredge
There’s a comfortable dining area on the main floor of the lodge, plus a pub complete with board games and pool table on the lower level. This means guests don’t need to stray far from the comfort of their room if they don’t want to — but with such pristine wilderness right outside, they will want to.
The pub at the Lodge at Moosehead Lake features a full bar, plenty of games, and a wall of windows looking out on the lake. Photo Credit : Michelle Aldredge
“We understand what the real attraction is here,” says Linda Bortis, who with her husband, Dennis, came aboard as the property’s third owner. “We make sure the rooms are comfortable and luxurious, but not to the point that they distract from the real star of the show, which is what is happening outside the windows. Guests come in search of authentic experiences out there.”
Dining with a view at the Lodge at Moosehead Lake. Photo Credit : Michelle Aldredge
At the core of the Lodge at Moosehead Lake experience is the wealth of outdoor excursions on offer. From wildlife tours to seaplane rides, your hosts can set up almost any adventure you can imagine. Moonlight canoe trip? Check. ATV trip? Easy as can be. Hiking, climbing, rafting, fishing, moose-watching? Yes to all that, and more.
The view gets even more impressive as the sun goes down. Photo Credit : Michelle Aldredge
The guides are all thoroughly vetted and have an average of more than 25 years’ experience apiece. And the innkeepers will arrange everything, from the moment you leave your room until you flop down on your bed upon your return.
In recent years the Lodge at Moosehead Lake has extended its winter offseason a bit and staggered the dinner schedule, so reservations are strongly recommended. But if rustic elegance and great food paired with unforgettable outdoor experiences sounds like it might be your speed, heed the call of the Lodge at Moosehead Lake and the adventure that awaits.
An inviting porch perch at the Lodge at Moosehead Lake. Photo Credit : Michelle AldredgeThe Lodge at Moosehead Lake, 368 Lily Bay Road, Greenville, ME. 207-695-4400; lodgeatmooseheadlake.com
Joe Bills
Associate Editor Joe Bills is Yankee’s fact-checker, query reader and the writer of several recurring departments. When he is not at Yankee, he is the co-owner of Escape Hatch Books in Jaffrey, NH.
