Moosehead LakeAbout Moosehead Lake
Moosehead Lake is a large freshwater lake in north-central Maine and the largest lake in the state. It is a regional center for outdoor recreation and tourism.
The lake covers roughly 75,000 acres (about 305 square kilometers) and supports boating, fishing, and shoreline lodges; the village of Greenville at the southern tip is the principal service center. Guests use the lake for powerboating, canoeing and paddling, and sport fishing for species such as brook trout and landlocked salmon.
The basin was formed by glacial activity during the last Ice Age and has long been used for logging, transport, and recreation. Over the 19th and 20th centuries the area developed from a logging frontier into a tourism destination with camps, lodges, and seasonal resorts.
Located in north-central Maine, the lake lies amid forested highlands and hills; the village of Greenville is at its southern end and several smaller settlements and access points ring the shoreline. The lake sits in a rural landscape dominated by mixed forest and lakeshore development.
- Size: Covers roughly 75,000 acres (about 305 square kilometers) and is the largest lake in Maine.
- Main access: The town of Greenville sits at the lake’s southern end and is the main access point for boat launches, marinas, and tourism services.
Best Time to Visit Moosehead Lake
Summer offers the fullest access for boating and guided wildlife tours; autumn is prime for foliage and moose-spotting with fewer visitors.
Weather & Climate near Moosehead Lake
Moosehead Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -18°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1027 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -18° - -6° | -18° | 67 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -17° - -4° | -17° | 58 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -12° - 1° | -10° | 68 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -3° - 8° | -1° | 82 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 3° - 16° | 8° | 86 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 9° - 21° | 15° | 98 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 12° - 24° | 18° | 102 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 12° - 24° | 18° | 98 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 7° - 19° | 13° | 90 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 2° - 12° | 5° | 90 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -3° - 5° | -2° | 100 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -12° - -2° | -12° | 88 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Moosehead Lake
Moosehead Lake is in central Maine; Greenville on the southern shore is the primary service town. Drive from Bangor via ME-11 and ME-15 (about 2-3 hours depending on start point). Boat services and outfitters operate from Greenville and nearby lodges.
Tips for Visiting Moosehead Lake
- Base in Greenville at the southern tip of the lake for boat tours, moose sightings and local guides.
- Dawn and dusk on the lakeshore are the best times to spot moose at the water's edge.
- If boating, file float plans and check local weather-the lake is large and can get rough.