A Day in Fort Kent

Completing the Sets

I know many people that have been to Key West, Florida. And, with the possible exception of the sunset on Mallory Point, the two most over photographed tourist spots are the southernmost point in the continental USA and the end/beginning of coastal Highway 1…

So, on our last trip, Carol and I obviously followed this tired old tourist tradition and acquired these mandatory photos. But, as soon as I documented these spots, my mind goes elsewhere. I have a slightly compulsive urge to complete the sets. Consequently, I start thinking about the other end. That is, where is the northern most point? Where is the other end of Highway 1? PugsleyTonks wants to know…

Unfortunately, the other ends of my quest are not conveniently located in the same location. The northernmost point in contiguous USA is Angle Inlet, MN. Sadly, I must disappoint you and admit that I have not been there…YET! However, I have recently journeyed the length of Maine to find the other end of coastal Highway 1. For this quest, I spent a day in Fort Kent to explore all the wonders of the northernmost city in Maine AND find the starting point for Highway 1.

Photographic Evidence

Yes, I found the northern terminus/starting point of coastal Highway 1. Furthermore, I was struck by the contrast in the Fort Kent marker versus the Key West marker. In Key West, this point is only marked by the actual mile marker. I figure Key West has so much going on…they do not waste much time on a mile marker. However, that’s not the case in Fort Kent. Fort Kent has a bit less going for it than Key West. Consequently, for the few tourists actually get this far north, the highway marker is much bigger deal. Naturally, PugsleyTonks was stupid enough to drive to the top of Maine and visit the markers for “America’s First Mile.”

Best Border Crossing Ever!

Furthermore in Fort Kent, even I would not go to this remote town just to complete my coastal Highway 1 terminus quest. I had to complete my border crossing set as well. Early this year, I traveled to the southern border town of Naco, AZ, and walked into Mexico for the first time. Well, that means my system will never be at ease until I have completed a northern border walk into Canada. Thankfully, just north of the Highway 1 marker is the St. John river. If I walk the bridge from Fort Kent, I will end up in Canada…

I traveled all the way to the US-Canada border, and guess what? I forgot to pack my f$&king passport. Needless to say, I was pissed. It’s not like I am ever going to be here again. Well, as I tend to do, I decided to gather some intel from the locals at the Swamp Buck pub. The locals gave me differing opinions on whether I could cross the border with only an Ohio driver’s license. However, one guy said just walk up the Border Control kiosk and ask them directly. He said the officers were actually very nice and helpful. So, that’s what I did. The Border Control officer was indeed accommodating. After a bit of research, he confirmed that my Ohio driver’s license would indeed get me into Canada. So, over the bridge I went to Canada.

Getting there is easy, but…

So, as promised, my journey to Canada was smooth. The Canada border control gladly excepted my Ohio driver’s license and welcomed me to Clair, New Brunswick. Tragically, there was no place to get a beer in Clair. So, with no beer, I did not stay long in Clair. Rather, I quickly headed back across the bridge to the USA. A funny thing happened on my way back into USA…the same officer would NOT let me back into the country. In our last discussion, we never actually addressed the question as to whether the Ohio driver’s license lets you back into the USA. IT DOES NOT! I had to wait in a detention area while they searched my background on the computer. Eventually they let me back in the USA. But, lesson learned…if you ask whether your documents will get you into Canada…ALSO, ask if your documents will get you back into the USA.

Attractions Aplenty in Fort Kent

As if finding the Highway 1 starting point, drinking at the Swamp Buck, and crossing into Canada was not enough fun, Fort Kent offers more. First, there is the “fort” of Fort Kent. Secondly, there is the US Olympic Biathlon Training facility.

The Fort Kent fort is not actually that interesting. But, the story is quite interesting. The fort was built around 1839 when we were in a border dispute with New Brunswick. The dispute came close enough to war that they combatants actually gave the conflict a name…the Aroostook War. However, no blood was actually shed in this war. We came to an agreement with New Brunswick before we had to go kick their Canadian asses. And, the northern border of Maine (i.e. the US-Canada boundary) was established.

Furthermore, the US Olympic Biathlon training facility is in Fort Kent as well. In the summer, it’s just a nice park with hiking trails and a frisbee golf course. I had the place pretty much to myself. I suspect this all changes in the winter when the training facility opens…not to mention it’s a ski resort as well.

Wrap It Up

That’s a day in Fort Kent, a great small town in the USA. It’s not easy to get there. I know a many people that have visited Bangor, Bar Harbor, and Acadia National Park. But, Fort Kent is over 3 hours north of those places through remote forests and moose infested highways. I seriously doubt that I will ever make the trip to Fort Kent again. But, I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed my day in Fort Kent. Have a wonderful day. PT

I hope you have enjoyed reading “A Day in Fort Kent” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.

Here’s another fine road trip to small town, USA… https://travelingwithpt.com/point-pleasant-wv/

If you want to plan your own visit to Fort Kent… https://visitmaine.com/places-to-go/aroostook-county/fort-kent