Dover-Foxcroft blends small-town appeal with outdoor adventure
Dover-Foxcroft is a small town located near the beauty and adventure of Maine’s state parks, lakes and rivers. “It’s a destination for people who want to be quiet and rural but have some really cool things to do,” says Dolly Perkins, a broker who lives in Dover-Foxcroft and owns Realty of Maine’s branch there. She and three of her children sell real estate in the area as The Perthyn Group. “It’s very Mayberry. It has that small-town feel where the neighbors know you, and everybody looks out for each other.” The Piscataquis River flows through the small downtown, and Sebec Lake is another destination for water recreation. The community welcomes thousands of visitors to events like the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival and Piscataquis Valley Fair. People also come here for Foxcroft Academy, a private high school that welcomes local students for free. Bangor, the closest city, is 37 miles away.
Year-round recreation, from lake swims to cross-country skiing
Sebec Lake attracts anyone interested in swimming, boating and fishing for lake trout and salmon. The lake can be enjoyed at a public town beach or at Peaks-Kenny State Park, which also has 10 miles of hiking trails. The Piscataquis River is known for canoeing and fly-fishing, and it can be accessed from Browns Mill Park. The 27-mile Newport/Dover-Foxcroft Rail Trail, also called the Four Seasons Adventure Trail, is a popular spot for hiking and cross-country skiing. At the Piscataquis County Ice Arena, kids can join hockey leagues or learn figure skating. Center Theater hosts regular concerts and plays, and it also screens the latest movies. About 43 miles north is Lily Bay State Park, which borders Moosehead Lake, Maine’s largest lake.
Colonial Revivals and farmhouses, plus cottages on Sebec Lake
Turn-of-the-century home styles like Queen Anne and Colonial Revival are common in town, where the houses sit close together along narrow streets. Many of them have additions, creating a sprawling layout with an attached garage, and some have private river access. Outside of town, farmhouses and rustic cabins sit on several secluded, forested acres, and there are also waterfront cottages around Sebec Lake. Some properties near the river and the lake are at high risk of flooding. Home prices typically range from $120,000 to $600,000, though off-grid cabins and tiny homes can cost between $40,000 and $100,000. Apartments can be rented in town, including some overlooking the river. Undeveloped land is also available and can cost between $20,000 and $150,000, depending on acreage and location.
Public-school students can attend a private high school for free
Kids can attend schools in Regional School Unit 68, a district that earns an overall rating of C-plus from Niche. The B-plus-rated SeDoMoCha Elementary, takes its name from the areas it serves: Sebec, Dover-Foxcroft, Monson and Charleston. Kids can advance to the C-rated SeDoMoCha Middle and then go to the B-plus-rated Foxcroft Academy, a private high school that kids in the district attend tuition-free. Foxcroft Academy has operated since the 1820s and is recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for its use of technology in the classroom.
Whoopie pies and carnival rides at the fairgrounds
The Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds hosts the area’s two biggest events. In June, the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival celebrates the state's official treat. “Whoopie pies are kind of endemic to Maine and New England in general,” Perkins says. “Imagine a cake sandwich with frosting in the middle.” Festivalgoers can sample whoopie pies made by dozens of bakers and vote for their favorite. In August, the four-day Piscataquis Valley Fair also brings in big crowds. “It's one of the oldest and longest-running agricultural fairs in the state,” Perkins says. “It’s a quintessential county fair, with 4-H projects, tractor pulls, fireworks, concerts and a midway with rides.”
Dining spots include riverside cafés and longtime dessert shops
Many of Dover-Foxcroft’s eateries are attached to inns and motels. The Bear’s Den Restaurant and Tavern sits on the Newport/Dover-Foxcroft Rail Trail and offers classic diner fare in a rustic atmosphere. The Mill Café is in a renovated factory on the Piscataquis River and serves elevated American comfort food for breakfast and lunch. Butterfield’s Ice Cream has been Dover-Foxcroft’s go-to dessert spot since 1950, scooping over 30 flavors of handmade ice cream from April to October. For groceries, Back Home Farm-acy sells locally made products and beef from its farm. The weekly Dover Cove Farmers Market has locally grown produce at the ice arena from May to October. Other grocery stores include Edward Brothers Supermarkets and Shaw’s. National retailers are in Bangor.
A mostly car-dependent community about an hour from Bangor
State Route 15 leads about 37 miles to Bangor, a drive that takes around 50 minutes. Bangor International Airport is 35 miles away. Residents who need public transportation can schedule rides with Lynx Mobility Services. Sidewalks can be found along some streets in town, but most residents rely on their cars to get around. Northern Light Mayo Hospital provides health care for the area and is a major employer. Houses of worship include Dover Foxcroft Congregational Church and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
![Annie Franklin]()
Written By
Annie Franklin
