Oakland: Traverse to the Gateway of Belgrade Lakes
The town of Oakland, Maine is in the northern Kennebec country, approximately 18 miles north of the state capital Augusta. In the latter half of the 1700s, the town was known as Taconnet, derived from one of the four tribes of Native Americans who first occupied the region. Nowadays, the town boasts of its four major waterways – McGrath Pond, Salmon Lake, East Pond, and the Messalonskee Lake and Stream – the lifeblood of the entire Belgrade Lakes chain.
Best Time to Visit
Summers at Oakland, Maine are warm, and winters are freezing and snowy. The town is partly cloudy year around with temperatures ranging from 11 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit Oakland is from May to September for a sun holiday filled with road trips, walking, and cycling. For summer lovers, don’t miss the 5th annual celebration of Oakfest in July. The three-day festival features movies at the Waterfront, an open-air market, street dance, and the annual Oakfest paddle.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Explore Oakland, Maine by foot from dawn to dusk in the 224-acre Viles Arboretum near downtown Augusta. The arboretum features six miles of trails including the Viles Arboretum Art Trail – the largest permanent outdoor display of art in Maine. Next stop, immerse yourself in the magic of the performing arts at the Waterville Opera House. The 810-seat theater hosts classics to new releases of dance, concerts, community theatre and educational programming. If you plan on watching shows at the opera house, it’s best to book a room at the Hampton Inn Waterville. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for affordable Oakland, Maine hotels, head over to the charming Comfort Inn Civic Center.