Wilton is a recreational hub in southwestern Maine
Wilson Lake is the watery heart of Maine’s Wilton community, spanning more than 550 acres in the middle of town. The body of water is characterized by its lakefront homes, dense surrounding foliage, distant views of the mountains and plenty of recreation on and around the lake year-round. “Wilson Lake is the centerpiece of the community, just steps from the historic downtown,” says John Blouin, an associate broker with LAER Realty Partners. “Wilton was formerly a mill town, known for G.H. Bass & Co., a shoe company that was there for many years.” In the decades since, Wilton’s primary industry has evolved from toothpick, cotton and shoe manufacturing into a recreational hub, where outdoor enthusiasts seek out the community to boat, fish and swim on Wilson Lake. The winter months don’t stifle the fun; a snowmobile club and nearby ski resorts ensure that there is no shortage of cold-weather activities.
Year-round recreation can be found at Wilson Lake
Wilson Lake serves as the area’s most prominent spot to get outdoors. Trails at Kineowatha Park wind through the pines close to the lake, while a lakeside beach allows visitors to relax on the sand or go swimming. The lake is also popular for boating and fishing. On the south end, Bass Park has green spaces and play equipment. Wilson Lake Country Club has a public nine-hole course. On the north side of Wilton, anglers can cast lines at Varnum Pond for trout and perch. Bowlers can aim for strikes at the Meadow Lanes Bowling Alley. The Western Maine Play Museum has activities and camps for kids.
Just north of Wilton Lake, the Foothills Land Conservancy has more than a mile of trails, offers a chance for wildlife viewing and accommodates snowshoers and skiers in the winter. In those colder months, the Woodland Wanderers Snowmobile Club takes care of other trails for motorized vehicles. “There’s ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter,” Blouin says, “but Wilson Lake is more popular in the summer.” Titcomb Mountain has skiing less than 10 miles north. Other attractions, like Sugarloaf Mountain, Saddleback Ski Area & Bike Park and Webb Lake, are all less than 20 miles west.
Wilton homes often have spacious lots
Single-family properties commonly have ranch-style or Cape Cod architecture and often date to the early to mid-20th century; the median year of construction for homes here is 1968. Many sit on an acre or more of land. Single-family homes primarily cost between $100,000 and $400,000. Manufactured homes typically sell for between $60,000 and $140,000. The price point serves as a draw to the area, as the median sale price of about $255,000 is lower than neighboring Farmington.
Education via the Mt. Blue Regional School District
The Mt. Blue Regional School District serves the area and has a C-plus rating from Niche. Kids can start at the Gerald D. Cushing School, which spans kindergarten through first grade and earns a B-minus. The Academy Hill School also gets a B-minus and enrolls grades two through five. Mt. Blue Middle School receives a C-plus. Mt. Blue High School has a C, and students can join the downhill or Nordic ski teams.
Area restaurants in Wilton serve customers
Wilton is home to a few locally owned restaurants. Calzolaio Pasta Co. doesn’t just specialize in pasta; they also offer pizza, seafood and sandwiches. Chaos Coffee Company and Ambition Brewing pour hot beverages and craft beers, respectively. Salt & Pepper and Sugar Too is a comfort food spot open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Country Kitchen Bakery makes breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Other dining spots are located in Farmington, about 8 miles north. Groceries are available at Food City in Wilton. Local stores like Wilton Hardware sell home essentials, and Main Street is dotted with specialty boutiques.
U.S. Route 2 passes through Wilton
U.S. Route 2 winds through southern Wilton and serves as the town’s primary thoroughfare. Interstate 95 is more than 35 miles east. Augusta sits nearly 40 miles southeast, while Portland is about 70 miles away. “It’s an easy drive to Farmington, Lewiston-Auburn, Waterville and Augusta,” Blouin says. Western Maine Transportation Services has a singular bus stop in Wilton, located on Main Street at Monument Circle. The Portland International Jetport sits over 70 miles south. MaineHealth Franklin Hospital is around 5 miles northwest.
A blueberry festival is Wilton’s most prominent event
On the first weekend of August, the annual Wilton Blueberry Festival has a bake-off, along with a parade, live music and more. “Wilton is really known for the Blueberry Festival, which is kind of cute,” says Nicholas Dambrie, a broker and owner of Dambrie Garon Real Estate Advisors with Keller Williams. From June to September, the Wilton Farmers Market spotlights area vendors, ranging from produce to artistry.
