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Local Attractions

There's lots to do at Big Lake RV Park and right here on Big Lake. However, if you want to get out and explore more of beautiful

Down East Maine, here are some of our favorite places to go!

Each photo and description is linked to their website.

These attractions and events are under a half hour from BLRV.

Wabanaki Culture Center_edited.jpg

The Wabanaki Culture Center in Calais is a free, selfguided museum featuring historical elements of the area.It featues fishing, logging, the Wabanaki people. There's a touch tank and other exhibits.

Ganong Chocolate Museum St Stephen NB.jpg

Ganong Chocolate Factory - Canada - Located in the historic Ganong candy factory, the Chocolate Museum offers an interactive way to learn about candy making.

Golf club and ball on green

The St. Croix Country Club is a nine hole golf course on the St. Croix river with pro shop and restaurant.

Fly Fishing Rod

Fly fishing - Grand Lake Stream has been a fly fishing destination for two hundred years. This small community, on West Grand Lake with its name sake stream, is considered some of the best fly fishing in the world.

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is one of the northernmost National Wildlife Refuges in the Atlantic Flyway, a migratory route that follows the eastern coast of North America. Miles of trails and activities.

Canoe and paddle

The Grand Lake Stream Folk Art Festival is an annual celebration of all that is Grand Lake Stream, Maine - including folk arts, music performances, quilt display and sales, canoes, and cultural exhibits. Held the last weekend in July each year.

Downeast Lakes Land Trust - Conservation organization

Downeast Lakes Land Trust - From April through September the Downeast Lakes Land Trust hosts events for young and old. Miles of hiking trails available.

Red Chairs in movie theater

State Cinemas is locally owned and operates three screens with something for everyone.

American and Canadian flags

International Homecoming Festival celebrates the friendship between the two international communities of St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada and Calais, Maine, USA. Activities, parade, and fireworks. Usually the first weekend in August.

Saint Croix Island welcome sign

St. Croix Island - Discover the events that took place during the short-lived, but historically important, settlement on Saint Croix Island.

These attractions and events are 30-90 minutes from BLRV

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Reversing Falls Preserve in Pembroke is situated between Dennys Bay and Cobscook Bay, the 191-acre Reversing Falls Preserve provides spectacular views of the largest set of tidal falls on the Maine coast.

Ministers Island, NB, Canada

Ministers Island - Canada A 500-acre tidal island and wildlife management park. Long occupied by the Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy) First Nation; settled by Loyalists seeking a new beginning; and summer estate of the entrepreneurial industrialist, artist and Canadian nation builder, Sir William Van Horne. Experience a drive across the ocean floor, be amazed at historic architecture and period innovations, explore cultural and artistic displays and enjoy recreational activities along the scenic waterfront and forested walking trails. (Check tidal information and remember your passport.)

Huntsman Marine Science Center.jpg

Huntsman Marine Science Centre - Canada Is a nonprofit research and science-based teaching institution located in St. Andrews. Their Fundy Discovery Aquarium has a life-sized display featuring the magnitude of the Bay of Fundy tides. Seal antics will entertain you while intertidal creatures and underwater viewing of the Bay of Fundy fishes will fascinate you. Children and adults alike will make forever memories at the gigantic subtidal pool and lobster tank!

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Kingsbrae Gaden - Canada - This 27-acre horticultural masterpiece boasts an array of over 2,500 species of perennials, as well as, a wide variety of trees and shrubs along with being an arts center with fine dining on site.

BurnhamTavern in Machias Maine

Burnham Tavern - Built in 1770, it is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the Machias area, and is known for its locally significant role in the American Revolutionary War.

Machias Wild Blueberry Festival Aug. 14-16 2026.

Celebrate Maine’s iconic wild blueberry harvest with:

250+ craft & food vendors

Live music & parades

Blueberry pie-eating contests

Local art, kids’ activities & more

It’s a full weekend of small-town charm, sweet treats, and big fun in the heart of Washington County.

The Ruggles House, Columbia Falls, Maine

The Ruggles House - A Federal style historic house museum featuring a breathtaking flying staircase, historic furnishings, antique tool display, and medicinal herb garden.

Roosevelt's Summer Home, Campobello, Canada

Roosevelt Campobello International Park - Canada preserves the house and surrounding landscape of the summer retreat of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt and their family. (Remember your passport.)

West Quoddy Head Light house

West Quoddy Head, in Quoddy Head State Park, Lubec, Maine, is the easternmost point of the contiguous United States. In 1808 a lighthouse was constructed at the site to guide ships through the Quoddy Narrows. Stunning trails along steep New England coastline.

Roque Bluffs State Park.jpg

Roque Bluffs State Park is a public recreation area on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in the town of Roque Bluffs, Washington County, Maine. The 274-acre state park overlooks Englishman Bay from Schoppee Point and includes 60-acre Simpson Pond and six miles of walking trails.

Jasper Beach.jpg

Jasper Beach is a stunning, unique pocket beach in Machiasport, Maine, famous for its millions of smooth volcanic stones, "singing" waves, and striking red bluffs.

West Quoddy Head Light house

West Quoddy Head, in Quoddy Head State Park, Lubec, Maine, is the easternmost point of the contiguous United States. In 1808 a lighthouse was constructed at the site to guide ships through the Quoddy Narrows. Stunning trails along steep New England coastline.

Blueberries

Blueberry Festival of Maine attracts artists, crafters, and visitors from all over the United States to Machias and the surrounding communities. The festival is held on the third weekend in August and has drawn national attention over the years. A schedule of events, vendor list, and vendor application are available at the Machias Blueberry Festival website. Third weekend in August.

American Flag in Breeze

Fourth of July - Eastport, Maine is home to the largest 4th of July Festival in the state of Maine. Celebrate the beauty of this land in this historic port city on the Atlantic Ocean.

sailing ships at sea

Margaretta Days Festival - Celebrating the American Revolution Downeast, specifically the 1775 Battle of the Margaretta - First Naval Battle of the American Revolution and beginning of the US Merchant Marines - and the 1777 Battle of the Rim when the British returned for revenge and were repulsed by the Patriots and their allies, the Wabanaki Confederacy.

Pirate Flag

Eastport Pirate Festival - Three days of pirate themed fun - always the weekend after Labor Day.

salmon swimming in water

Eastport Salmon & Seafood Festival - Since 1987 Eastport, Maine has celebrated the end of summer with a festival, a gathering, an homage to our local resources. At the center of the celebration is the Atlantic salmon, raised in the cold waters of Passamaquoddy Bay. Labor Day weekend.

Sheep

Springfield Fair - A traditional agricultural fair with midway, animals, displays, competitions, performances, and exhibitions. Held June 11-14, 2026. Good family fun!

The St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce has great information.
Use this PDF reader of their 2022 publication.

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