Guide to Moosehead Lake | Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Greenville, Maine

Maine’s Moosehead Lake packs enormous presence: 40 miles long, some 20 miles wide in certain spots, with more than 400 miles of shoreline. It’s also home to more than 80 islands. Debate swirls as to what inspired the lake’s name: Was it for its shape, or its preponderance of actual moose? Maybe both. Regardless, locals and visitors alike know that Moosehead is a special place—no surprise that U.S. News & World Report recently named it as one of the top lake destinations in the country. At the center of Moosehead life is Greenville. While the grand hotels that once attracted wealthy summer visitors from New York and Boston to these cool forest environs are long gone, the town’s welcoming vibe remains very much intact. Planning a Moosehead Lake getaway? Here’s where to eat, where to stay, and what to do in Greenville, Maine.

Moosehead Lake Dining

Dockside Inn & Tavern, Greenville

Beefy “Handwiches” (Reuben grilled cheeses, burgers, BLTs) play starring roles at the tavern, while the inn offers roomy suites on the water.

Kelly’s Landing, Greenville

Pub menu and a full-service bar with a large outdoor dining area that puts guests right on the lake.

Stress Free Moose, Greenville

Live music, local beer on tap, and a wide range of robust fare are all on the menu at this waterfront spot.

Moosehead Lake Lodging

The Birches Resort, Rockwood

Once a prominent sporting camp, this family- and pet-friendly destination offers lakeside cabins, a big lodge, and various guided adventures.

Blair Hill Inn, Greenville

A mansion set on 79 acres with a commanding view of Moosehead Lake, Blair Hill Inn is one of only two Maine lodging properties in the elite Relais & Châteaux group. Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins, Greenville

It’s definitely rustic at this Appalachian Mountain Club property—propane lights, woodstove, BYO sleeping bag—but canoes and kayaks are provided, as are three squares a day. It all adds up to an unforgettable woodsy adventure.

Moosehead Lake Things to Do

Currier’s Flying Service, Greenville

Currier’s has been giving visitors jaw-dropping aerial views of the Moosehead region for more than 40 years.

Kamp Kamp, Greenville

This landmark store is split into two halves: In one, a treasure trove of curios; in the other, an equally vast collection of “cottage chic” style in the form of furniture, prints, and artwork.

Katahdin Cruises & Moosehead Marine Museum, Greenville

Home base for the historic steamship Katahdin and a wide display of local nautical artifacts.

Moosehead Historical Society & Museums, Greenville

Area history, including one of the state’s largest displays of Native American tools, takes center stage.

Northwoods Outfitters, Greenville

From clothing to gear rental, it’s all about the outdoors at this downtown shop. Need help exploring? They offer guided tours including moose-watching outings.

Ian Aldrich

Ian Aldrich is the Senior Features Editor at Yankee magazine, where he has worked for more for nearly two decades. As the magazine’s staff feature writer, he writes stories that delve deep into issues facing communities throughout New England. In 2019 he received gold in the reporting category at the annual City-Regional Magazine conference for his story on New England’s opioid crisis. Ian’s work has been recognized by both the Best American Sports and Best American Travel Writing anthologies. He lives with his family in Dublin, New Hampshire.

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