About Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge (NWR or refuge), located in the northeast corner of Maine, was established in 1998, when 4,700 acres was transferred from the US Air Force to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge now consists of 5,252 acres in four divisions located in the towns of Caribou, Caswell, Connor, and Limestone. The refuge is also responsible for 1,464 acres of Farmer’s Home Administration Conservation Easements located throughout Aroostook County. Aroostook NWR is part of the Northern Maine National Wildlife Complex and is managed by staff at Moosehorn NWR. The refuge consists of forests, grasslands, and wetlands that provide an oasis for wildlife in the surrounding agricultural landscape where potatoes and broccoli are among the most common crops. The open fields in the Weapon’s Storage Area on the East Loring Division provide nesting habitat for the State Threatened Upland Sandpiper.
How to Get There
Heading north on I-95 from Bangor, ME take exit 62 Houlton, ME. Turn left on Route 1 north. In Caribou, take Route 89 West toward Limestone. Turn left onto Loring Commerce Road and proceed for approximately two miles. Ahead will be a set of railroad tracks; cross the tracks, and bear right at the fork. The refuge office and Visitor Contact Station is on the right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/4017) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge?
Heading north on I-95 from Bangor, ME take exit 62 Houlton, ME. Turn left on Route 1 north. In Caribou, take Route 89 West toward Limestone. Turn left onto Loring Commerce Road and proceed for approximately two miles. Ahead will be a set of railroad tracks; cross the tracks, and bear right at the fork. The refuge office and Visitor Contact Station is on the right.
How do I contact Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 207-328-4634.
References & Official Resources
