Aroostook State Park

Not to be confused with Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge.

Aroostook State Park
Map showing the location of Aroostook State Park
Map showing the location of Aroostook State Park
Location in Maine
LocationPresque Isle, Aroostook, Maine, United States
Coordinates46°36′13″N 68°00′39″W / 46.60361°N 68.01083°W / 46.60361; -68.01083[1]
Area898 acres (363 ha)[2]
Elevation978 ft (298 m)[1]
Established1938[3]
OperatorMaine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
WebsiteAroostook State Park
www.aroostookstatepark.com

Aroostook State Park is public recreation area within the southern municipal boundary of the city of Presque Isle in Aroostook County, Maine. The state park's 898 acres (363 ha) encompass Quaggy Jo Mountain and sit adjacent to Echo Lake. "Quaggy Jo" is an altered version of the mountain's Native American name, "Qua Qua Jo", which means "twin-peaked."[3]

The park is off U.S. Route 1 on the south side of Presque Isle. The similarly named Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is some 30 miles (48 km) to the north.

The park is 1 of 5 Maine State Parks that are in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse, with 3 minutes and 1 second of totality.[4]

History

The park was formed in 1938 as the first of Maine's state parks three years after the creation of the Maine State Park Commission. It was formed through the donation of 100 acres (40 ha) of land by business persons from the Presque Isle Merchants Association. The park's first ski runs were built by a 35-member crew from the Works Progress Administration.[5] In 2009, the park was expanded with the addition of 145.6 acres (58.9 ha), which cost the Department of Conservation $60,000.[6]

Wildlife

While the park's forest provides a home for black bear and moose, smaller species such as foxes, squirrels, and chipmunks are more commonly seen by visitors. The forest's mix of hardwood trees and cold-tolerant softwoods typical of northern Maine includes various species of ash, maple, and birch, as well as hophornbeam, quaking aspen, American beech, and balsam fir.[7] Common birds include hawks, owls, and woodpeckers. Brook trout are found in Echo Lake.[5]

Activities and amenities

The park offers a 30-site campground and trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.[3] Swimming, fishing, and canoeing are offered on Echo Lake.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b "Aroostook State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. ^ "Outdoors in Maine: State Parks, Public Lands, and Historic Sites" (PDF). Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. September 2016. Retrieved July 14, 2017.
  3. ^ a b c "Aroostook State Park". Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
  4. ^ R, Mike (July 7, 2021). "Maine 2024 Solar Eclipse State Parks". CosmosPNW. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c "Aroostook State Park Guide & Map" (PDF). Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. 2016. Retrieved July 14, 2017.
  6. ^ Lynds, Jen (September 15, 2010). "Land to be added to state park in PI". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved March 4, 2013.
  7. ^ Finan, Kelly. "Aroostook State Park: Quaggy Joe" (PDF). Natural Heritage Hikes. Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Retrieved July 14, 2017.