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Finding some fun things to do in Presque Isle Maine can be a challenge. To make this easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of things that our guests have vouched for. Don’t take it from us, they are the ones who have been raving about it!
Finding Fun Things to Do in Presque Isle Maine
For some context, my name is Devon. I recently moved to Presque Isle with my wife, and we came here from Cranston, Rhode Island, which has over ten times the population of Presque Isle. Needless to say, there are less businesses here, relatively speaking. So we were starving for fun things to do, which seemed barren compared to the all-you-can-play buffet of options back home. This list is a compilation of things she and I found, and we want to pass it along to you, so that you can have a great time, maybe while you stay at The Northeastland Hotel? *wink wink*
Quick Guide: Presque Isle Activities at a Glance
| Activity | Cost | Car Needed? | Best for | Distance from Hotel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solar System Model | Free | Yes | Families, Science Enthusiasts | Starts Nearby |
| Riverside Inn Restaurant | $8 – $40 | No | Foodies, Breakfast Lovers | Walking Distance |
| Turner Memorial Library | Free | No | Book Lovers, Rainy days | Across Parking Lot |
| Mantle Lake Park | Free | Yes | Hikers, Bikers, Nature Lovers | Short Drive |
| Braden Theater | $8/ticket | No | Movie Fans, Date Night | Next Door |
| Northern Lanes Bowling | $30/hour | No | Date Night, Fun with the Kids | Short Walk |
1: Check out the Scale Model Solar System on Route 1
Car Required
Extends beyond Presque Isle
One of the coolest features in Presque Isle, Maine that I personally enjoy is the Model Solar System. This is something I was pretty excited to find out about when I moved to Maine back in June of 2025. I’ve always enjoyed space, astronomy and the like as a kid, so this relieves that itch I’ve had since high-school.
Mentioning high-school, I went to Marquette Senior High School, which had a freaking Planetarium! I took an Astronomy class then, and we got to see Imax videos of space, dream about the pictures that the James Webb Space telescope would bring (They are amazing!!) and just instill a love for planetary science in my class. I’ll never forget those years.
I’m getting off topic, but you get the point – I’m a bonafide space-nut. This was a welcome find, and those like me will appreciate the scale of this project, with the distance between planets actually to-scale! (A total run of 40 miles!)
Pros:
Good things about the Solar System Model
- Plenty of photo opportunities
- Great for instilling an interest for Science for children
- Its to scale distance wise.
- They are adding new dwarf planets even today.
Cons:
Bad things about the Solar System Model
- It requires a car to feasibly visit all the planets in its 40 mile stretch of road.
- Some find it boring – “cool, now what?”
- I know, hard to believe, but I understand it’s not for everyone.
Fun fact – the exhibit starts at UMPI with The Sun, a 15 minute walk from the Hotel. This makes The Northeastland Hotel the perfect staging point to experience the entire solar system. So come stay with us if you want to experience the Scale of our humble sector of the Milky Way Galaxy in Northern Maine!
Tip from a Local: Start your solar system tour early in the morning to avoid traffic and have the best photo opportunities at each planet marker. Bring a camera and make it a full-day road trip adventure!
2: Visit Riverside Inn Restaurant for Breakfast
Walking Distance from The Northeastland Hotel
My Wife and I had a favorite place to eat where we used to live – the fabled Cranston Diner. The homey appeal and great food were just…oh, it was so great (Swiss Bacon Burger, I miss you!!). We really miss it, but we have found another diner like it in Presque Isle that checks all our boxes – Riverside Inn Restaurant!
This Diner feels like a classic breakfast diner – like Waffle house in the deep south, but tailored to the appeal of Northern Maine! All of the food is cooked fresh, and the staff make you feel like you are valued. My wife and I frequently go there, and even some of my coworkers are regulars.
Pros:
Why you should go to Riverside Inn Restaurant
- Every dish we’ve tried was fantastic
- Very quaint atmosphere, homey feel
- Staff is excellent
- Very affordable breakfast options
Cons:
Why you might want to eat elsewhere
- Limited breakfast menu – Just a few more options would make all the difference
- Kind of tucked away behind Dominos
- Limited hours – 5:30 AM – 1:00 PM, and closed on Wednesdays
If you go there, let them know Devon at The Northeastland Hotel says Hi!
Local Favorite: Ask about their daily specials – regulars say they’re always worth trying! The homestyle cooking and generous portions make this a Presque Isle breakfast institution.
3: Visit the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library
Walking Distance from The Northeastland Hotel
Coming in at third place on the list for fun things to do in Presque Isle Maine is the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library. Particularly of interest for lovers of literature, a library is a doorway to knowledge and adventure.
I’m particularly a fan of LitRPG novels like Defiance of the Fall by JFBrink, but I also love epic fantasy books like those by Brandon Sanderson or Will Wight. Maybe you can find something of interest there!
The best part about this library, if you are staying at The Northeastland hotel, is that it is right across the parking lot! No driving necessary – just you, your book, and relaxation.
Perfect for Rainy Days: Northern Maine weather can be unpredictable. The library makes an excellent backup plan when outdoor activities aren’t ideal, and it’s completely free!
4: Hike (or Ride) the Trails at Mantle Lake Park
Car Required
Fourth on the list is Hiking the trails at Mantle Lake Park that starts just off pine street. The park features a river, a story book trail, and of course, its namesake, Mantle lake itself.
Lovers of nature will appreciate the natural beauty of the landscape of this park. I personally don’t partake in hiking, but I do like biking! Which you can totally bring a bicycle, as Mantle Lake Park even has its own dedicated bike trail!
Unfortunately, for those of you looking to do a little four-wheeling, motorized vehicles are prohibited at this park.
Nature Lover’s Paradise: Pack a picnic lunch and make a half-day of it. The storybook trail is especially great for families with young children who need engaging activities during the hike.
5: Catch a Movie at the Historic Braden Theatre
Walking Distance from The Northeastland Hotel
Looking for a place to kick back with some popcorn at hand while you watch the latest Hollywood has to offer? Look no further than The Historic Braden Theatre! Situated just a hop, skip, and jump away from The Northeastland Hotel (we’re literally neighbors!), you can enjoy a movie and walk to your room at the end for a solid nights sleep.
Now, as a historic movie theatre located in downtown Presque Isle, where space is at a premium, don’t expect to have a ton of options for showings. (They have exactly three screens for showings).
But, if they happen to have a film that catches your fancy, then for the exceptionally reasonable price of $8 a ticket (Plus tax), you can experience it on the big screen!
Pros:
- Super affordable tickets
- Right next door to The Northeastland Hotel
Cons:
- Only three cinema rooms
- Dated aesthetics
- You can’t buy tickets online – only in person
Date Night Tip: The vintage charm and affordable prices make this perfect for a budget-friendly date night. Plus, you can walk back to your hotel room afterward – no designated driver needed!
6: Mini Bowling @ Northern Lanes
Walking Distance from The Northeastland Hotel
My wife and I recently went bowling at Northern Lanes, and we had a blast! This is a mini bowling experience – the balls are small, no holes. And you go 3 times per turn! Just a two minute walk from The Northeastland Hotel!
Some important things to note – this is a Cash only business, and they don’t have an ATM on site. The cost for an hour is $30, and you may want refreshments and snacks, so make sure you bring some cash on hand, or you’ll end up having to run to the nearest ATM like we did! As you can imagine, we did not enjoy that part – especially the part where we were wading through five inches of snow and slush!
But that was because we weren’t prepared – nothing against the business or the bowling experience there.
They were kind enough to let us bowl for the hour, trusting that we would come back to pay what was due – we definitely did. But consider this the exception, not the rule.
Otherwise, the experience was a solid 9/10 (because it turns out I’m bad at mini bowling, and my wife won. I’m not a competitive person, you are!~)
We were also given complimentary popcorn – movie theater style during our experience!
All in all, would definitely bowl there again! (Hopefully victorious this time!)
Planning Your Visit to Presque Isle
Best Time to Visit: Presque Isle offers year-round activities, though summer (June-August) provides the best weather for outdoor activities like the Solar System Model and Mantle Lake Park trails. Fall foliage season (September-October) is spectacular for nature photography.
Getting Around: Three of our five recommendations are within walking distance of The Northeastland Hotel, making it easy to explore downtown without a vehicle. However, a car is recommended to fully experience the Solar System Model and Mantle Lake Park.
Budget-Friendly Options: Four out of five activities are either free or under $10, making Presque Isle an affordable destination for families and budget travelers. You can easily enjoy a full day of activities for less than $50 per person, including meals.
Recommended Itinerary: Stay at The Northeastland Hotel for easy access to downtown attractions. Start your morning with breakfast at Riverside Inn (Or enjoy our grab-and-go Continental Breakfast when you book with us), spend your afternoon exploring the Solar System Model, and end your evening with a movie at Braden Theatre.
Our Conclusion for Fun Things to do in Presque Isle Maine
While Presque Isle may be smaller than bustling cities in southern New England, it offers a unique charm and surprising variety of activities for visitors and new residents alike. From the educational wonder of the Scale Model Solar System to the comfort food at Riverside Inn Restaurant, there’s something here for everyone.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or considering a longer stay at The Northeastland Hotel, these five activities provide a solid foundation for experiencing what makes Presque Isle special. The walkability of downtown attractions like the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library and the Historic Braden Theatre makes it easy to explore without constant driving, while destinations like Mantle Lake Park offer nature experiences just a short drive away.
As someone who made the move from Rhode Island, I can tell you that the pace of life here is different – but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes less really is more, and the quality of experiences here in Northern Maine speaks for itself. Give these spots a try, and you might just fall in love with Presque Isle like we did!
Stay within walking distance of these attractions – Book Your Room at The Northeastland Hotel Today!
Common Questions About Visiting Presque Isle
Is Presque Isle Maine worth visiting?
Absolutely! While it’s a smaller town, Presque Isle offers unique attractions like the 40-mile Scale Model Solar System, affordable dining, and easy access to Northern Maine’s natural beauty. It’s perfect for travelers seeking authentic small-town charm and outdoor adventures.
What’s the best free thing to do in Presque Isle?
The Scale Model Solar System is completely free and spans 40 miles along Route 1. The Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library is also free and perfect for a quiet afternoon with a good book. But, for those looking for a unique experience, we’re far enough north that the Northern lights are fairly frequent, meaning there is a good chance you can catch them during your stay. Keep an eye on your Aurora tracker app for early bird warnings!
How walkable is downtown Presque Isle?
Very walkable! The Northeastland Hotel is centrally located, with the library, Riverside Inn, and Braden Theatre all within easy walking distance. You can explore the downtown core on foot in just a few hours.
Do I need a car to visit Presque Isle?
Not necessarily for all activities. Many downtown attractions are walkable from The Northeastland Hotel, but having a car allows you to experience the full Solar System Model and visit Mantle Lake Park. Consider your planned activities when deciding whether to rent a vehicle.
What’s the best time of year to visit Presque Isle?
Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather and is ideal for outdoor activities. However, fall brings stunning foliage, and winter offers unique Northern Maine experiences. Each season has its own charm!
What about stargazing near Presque Isle?
Presque Isle offers excellent stargazing opportunities thanks to its location in rural Northern Maine with minimal light pollution. For world-class dark skies, Baxter State Park—home to some of the darkest night skies in the northeastern United States—is just a 2-hour drive (109 miles) south via I-95. The park’s remote location and lack of development make it ideal for viewing the Milky Way, meteor showers, and on lucky nights, the Northern Lights! Just be sure to pack appropriately, as gas stations are far and few between in such
Ready to explore Presque Isle? Book your stay at The Northeastland Hotel and start planning your Northern Maine adventure today!
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