Strong, ME

Travel Guide
Maine showing forest scenes and a river or creek
The onetime “Toothpick Capital of the World” is a sleepy Maine town perfectly situated to enjoy the natural beauty in the western part of the state.

Discover beautiful scenery, small-town charm and even a fascinating history of toothpicks in Strong. Located in Franklin County, Strong is a great jumping-off point to explore western Maine’s famed scenic destinations.

Find Strong on a bend of the meandering Sandy River, a tributary of the Kennebec River. In warmer months, take a dip in one of Sandy River’s many swimming holes. Go kayaking or canoeing through its gentle rapids. Try your luck fishing for trout in season. 

Strong was once known as the “Toothpick Capital of the World” thanks to Forster Mill. The mill, which opened its doors in town in 1887, produced billions of toothpicks in its decades of operations. At one point, it was producing 95 percent of America's wooden toothpicks. Although the mill closed its doors at the turn of the 20th century, its claim to fame lives on. 

Learn more about Strong’s past at the Vance & Dorothy Hammond Memorial House, which is the museum of the Strong Historical Society. The white wooden house, open by appointment only, is a fount of information about the area and its history. 

From Strong, drive just 11 miles (17.7 kilometers) south to Farmington, the county seat of Franklin County. Visit the town’s many historic sites of interest. Learn about the life of famed opera singer Lillian Nordica at Nordica Memorial Homestead, browse through the bookshelves in the Beaux Arts-style Cutler Memorial Library and discover more about the area at the Farmington Historical Society’s Titcomb House.

Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Rangeley Lakes Region, which is about a half-hour drive northwest. Consisting of six major lakes plus hundreds of smaller lakes, ponds and rivers, the region is a dream for those who love the outdoors.

Take a memorable ride on the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad. Catch the old-fashioned steam locomotive for a scenic trip and guided tour on Maine's largest original two-foot-gauge railroad.

Visit Strong throughout the year. In winter, bundle up and prepare for possible heavy snowfall. Note that the town is small and doesn’t have many shops or restaurants. However, what it lacks in amenities it more than makes up for in scenic beauty.

Terrapin Hostel
Terrapin Hostel
1 out of 5
65 High St, Kingfield, ME
The price is NT$2,620 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
NT$2,620
per night
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this hostel in Carrabassett Valley. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Stanley Museum and Ski Museum of Maine are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"potential guests should know 3 rooms sharing 1 bathroom...smallest bedroom has only 1 double bed...very cramped for space but good for sleep...has dining rooom kitchen and general area for hanging out"

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Terrapin Hostel
Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel
Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel
3.5 out of 5
5092 Access Road, Kingfield, ME
The price is NT$5,503 per night from Apr 28 to Apr 29
NT$5,503
per night
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Stay at this 3.5-star ski hotel in Carrabassett Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (379 reviews)
"Great location and very kind/helpful staff members."

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel
Comfort Inn And Suites Wilton
Comfort Inn And Suites Wilton
2.5 out of 5
1026 Us Route 2 E, Wilton, ME
The price is NT$6,018 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
NT$6,018
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (662 reviews)
"Wilton received 27” of snow and the staff were so caring, they offered to snowblow me out. There was no need to snowblow me out of my parking spot, but I felt cared for and I appreciated that. Driveway and parking lot was cleared so I was able to get to work in time."

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Comfort Inn And Suites Wilton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rangeley Lake Resort a Ramada by Wyndham
Rangeley Lake Resort a Ramada by Wyndham
2.5 out of 5
2222 Main Street, Rangeley, ME
Stay at this condo in Rangeley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum and Powder Dreams ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
"We loved everything about our stay at Rangeley Lake Resort. The pool and spa area is so fun for kids. The staff were all very welcoming and attentive. The cabins were cozy and had everything you need. We will be back!"

Reviewed on 2024/3/6

Rangeley Lake Resort a Ramada by Wyndham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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