Quiet woods, fishing ponds and ski trails shape life in Denmark
Denmark is a small, outdoorsy Oxford County town where the foothills of the White Mountains meet the Lakes Region of southern Maine. This woodsy community is full of ponds that are the size of lakes, the biggest of which is Moose Pond, about 8 miles long. “We have a lot of hiking, boating, swimming, skiing, and we have a lot of artsy things,” says Monica LaVerdiere, the owner of Bearfoot Realty who sells across Oxford County. “That’s why a lot of people like this area. You can be in a very private place, but you don’t have to be far from activities. It is quiet, but you can go into Portland and be there in one hour.” The overall CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, significantly lower than the national average of 4.
Hills, forests and ponds offer four-season recreation in Denmark
Denmark offers a range of year-round outdoor recreation. Pleasant Mountain Preserve has several hiking trails that lead through the woods to summit views of the valley below, Moose Pond and the distant hills. On the north side of Pleasant Mountain, Pleasant Mountain Ski Area has been in operation since 1938. It offers terrain for all skill levels, night skiing on 20 trails and a designated hill for uphill skiing. Anglers can fish for trout, perch and bass in Denmark’s large ponds, streams and the Saco River. There are public boat launches at Moose Pond, Hancock Pond and Granger Pond. Denmark’s forests and bodies of water also make it popular for campgrounds and summer camps, like Camp Wyonegonic, the nation’s oldest girls’ camp. Additionally, Camp Walden has been a girls’ summer camp since 1916, and it inspired the camp of the same name featured in “The Parent Trap.” Locals can also meet up at the Municipal Building Athletic Complex to use the basketball and tennis courts or the Little League baseball field.
Denmark’s homes sit on secluded, tree-filled lots
Country roads cut through the forest, leading to homes sitting on spacious lots sheltered by trees. Denmark’s rural landscape offers tremendous privacy, and about 90% of residents own as opposed to rent. The residential landscape includes log cabins, raised ranches and traditional New Englander-style homes featuring symmetrical exteriors and gabled roofs. Prices range from about $170,000 to $790,000. Properties over $470,000 tend to have waterfront views and direct pond access. There is an increased flood risk for properties along Pleasant Pond and the Saco River.
Students are zoned for MSAD 72
The Maine School Administrative District 72 (MSAD 72), rated C on Niche, serves the town. Students may begin at Denmark Elementary, rated B-plus, and middle schoolers may attend Molly Ockett School, rated C. Since there is no public high school in the area, the district arranges for local high schoolers to attend the private A-rated Fryeburg Academy tuition-free. Founded in 1792, it is one of the oldest schools in the nation and was one of the first in the country to accept female students.
The Denmark Arts Center is a community hub for creativity
The Denmark Arts Center is a renovated 1883 building that hosts year-round arts programming and community events. The center’s summer camps encourage kids to delve into topics like cartoons and musical theater, while all ages can enjoy the creative workshops, visiting author lectures, and music and dance performances. Every summer, the center also hosts the Dam Jam Revival, an outdoor art and music festival.
Shopping and dining options in Bridgton
Other than Jimbob’s General Store, there are no retailers or restaurants in Denmark. The general store, open daily, sells sandwiches, pizza and breakfast options in addition to a small selection of groceries, including meat and local produce. About 9 miles away, the neighboring town of Bridgton has more commercial options, like Ace Hardware, Walgreens Pharmacy, Bridgeton Hospital and a drive-in movie theater. Bridgton is also home to Hannaford for groceries and The Black Horse Tavern, which serves steaks, Sunday brunch and draft beer in a wood-paneled and equestrian-themed dining area.
U.S. Route 302 connects Denmark to the surrounding region
Due to its rural nature and lack of public transportation, Denmark is a car-dependent town. There are no busy thoroughfares running through the community, but U.S. Route 302 is accessible directly north of Denmark. This highway leads west to Fryeburg and to the New Hampshire border. It also extends about 40 miles southeast to Portland International Jetport, which equates to an hour’s drive without traffic.
