Maine State Route 11: Eagle Lake to Fort Kent

If you’re looking for a short but quintessential northern Maine drive, this stretch of Maine State Route 11 from Eagle Lake to Fort Kent delivers a scenic slice of Aroostook County life. Let’s hop in and roll northward for about 11 miles through quiet woodlands, peaceful rivers, and a pair of small communities that showcase the region’s relaxed charm.

We begin this run just north of Eagle Lake proper, at Plaisted, where Route 11 threads its way out of the shadows of the big lake and sets a steady course north. Almost immediately, the road hints at the region’s forested character—dense stands of fir and spruce stand guard on both sides, broken only by occasional clearings, modest homes, and a few local driveways leading off into the woods. As we ease through Wallagrass, keep an eye out for views of the Fish River and some small farm fields tucked away in the clearings. There’s a timeless, unhurried vibe here—logging trucks rumble by on occasion, but you’re just as likely to see a moose or deer crossing if you’re early or late in the day.

After Wallagrass, we push on north, closing in on Fort Kent. This last few miles is classic northern Maine: peaceful woodlands give way to signs of a tighter-knit town ahead. Fort Kent is the northern terminus of US-1 and a border town where American and Canadian cultures blur nicely. Entering from the south on ME-11, we pass modest neighborhoods, a few local businesses, and then connect with Bridge Street. It’s worth a quick pause here—Fort Kent is home to the Fort Kent Blockhouse, a historic structure from the Aroostook War era, and it’s a fun little side stop if you’re interested in local history. The downtown area also has a few diners and cafés, perfect for warming up on a chilly northern morning.

If you have time, consider wandering east from Bridge Street to the banks of the Saint John River, which forms the border with New Brunswick, Canada. You’ll get views across to Clair, New Brunswick, and if you want to venture further, US-1 picks up right in Fort Kent and runs clear to Key West, Florida—how’s that for a bucket list drive? For this segment, though, we’re content to savor this gentle run through Maine’s upper reaches.