We know our Greenville is the best. But did you know there are 30+ wonderful places across the country which share same pasture-inspired name? Here are a few:
- There’s one surrounded by Southern Utah’s mountains, not far from a handful of the nation’s most popular national parks.
- In Florida’s rural north, there’s a Greenville surrounded by Spanish Moss and lurking gators.
- Another lies within the vast expanse of Iowan plains.
- In California and Oregon, you’ll find a pair of small, unincorporated communities with the same name.
- And you’ll find a Greenville in Wisconsin, a stone’s throw from Lake Michigan.
Today, it’s time to open the compass app on your phone for the first time ever, because we’re heading to the most northerly Greenville in the US: the one in Maine.
A brief summary
Greenville, Maine is located in Piscataquis County, perched on the lower end of the state’s largest body of fresh water, Moosehead Lake. Founded in 1836, the year-round population is estimated around 1,400 people. That figure goes up significantly in the warmer months, topping out around 6,000 at the peak of the New England summer.
Tourism has always been a figurehead of Greenville’s draw, with folks traveling to its fertile hunting + fishing lands as far back as the late 1800s following the construction of the International Railway of Maine. Today, that tradition continues. Swimming, moose watching, water sports, stargazing, and hiking are all among the area’s main attractions.
For the majorly adventurous folks, Maine’s tallest mountain — Mount Katahdin — is also nearby. Not only does it mark the highest point in the state, but it is also the northernmost point of the Appalachian Trail. That means Maine’s Greenville and our own Greenville in South Carolina are at almost total opposite ends of the famous trail.
Plan your visit
Let’s help you get there. If you want to fly out of GSP, we recommend a layover to end up in Bangor, Maine. A rental car trip will only take around 90 minutes from there.
Once you’ve arrived in the city, a bite at Kelly’s Landing awaits, a restaurant and hotel with outrageous views overlooking Moosehead Lake. Reviews rave about the fried haddock, poutine, and lobster rolls (obviously). You could also stay at the Greenville Inn — formerly a lumber baron’s country estate built back in the 1890s, offering sweeping mountain, lake, and forest vistas in historic surroundings.
After dropping off your bags, a scenic cruise on the lake or a stroll through the Moosehead Maritime Museum is in the cards. And you can make it a true northern Maine experience with a moose watching tour.
“But what if I enjoy it too much?” we hear you ask. Fortunately, the local real estate scene is full of beautiful properties, including the most expensive one in the area. The new build boasts 3,900 sqft, 300+ ft of private lakefront access, wooden interiors befitting the region, and gorgeous surrounding scenery. Don’t worry — there are more modest options, too.
