If you're feeling a bit wild and untamed, you'll find some of the state's best whitewater rafting here and challenging kayaking and canoeing on the St. John, the Northeast's longest, free-flowing river. Landlubbers can hike and camp in Baxter State Park, set out on a planetary scavenger hunt, or, what the heck — you only live once — embark on a moose photo safari.

Museums and Historic Sites

A few sites of historic and cultural interest are worth a visit, too.

Acadian Village

Route 1, Van Buren

207-868-2691

www.connectmaine.com/acadianvillage

This collection of original and replica buildings displays artifacts related to the life of the French Acadians who populated the St. John Valley in the mid-eighteenth century. The village is open daily from mid-June to mid-September.

Fort Kent State Historic Site

Off Route 1, Fort Kent

207-941-4014

www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_one_name.pl?park_id=56

The Fort Kent Blockhouse is one of a handful of National Historic Landmarks in Maine. Constructed of cedar logs, it was built in 1839 during the Aroostook War, a border dispute that ended without bloodshed. Visitors can climb inside the blockhouse from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Patten Lumbermen's Museum

Shin Pond Road, Patten

207-528-2650

www.lumbermensmuseum.org

You'll find 4,000 artifacts from Maine's lumbering history displayed in nine buildings, open daily except for Mondays in July and August, Friday through Sunday from Memorial Day through June and September through mid-October.

Outdoor Recreation

From the soft adventure of a moose safari to the strenuous challenge of a hike along Mount Katahdin's sometimes treacherous Knife Edge trail, northern Maine offers recreational opportunities for all interests and ability levels. Before you embark on any outdoor trip, be sure you have the proper gear, maps, and supplies to ensure a safe outing. Guided trips are often the best choice for families.

Baxter State Park

64 Balsam Drive, Millinocket

207-723-5140

www.baxterstateparkauthority.com

Baxter is the largest state park in Maine. Its 202,064 acres were gifted to the state by one of its governors, Percival P. Baxter. Within its boundaries, you'll discover legendary Mount Katahdin — its summit is known as Baxter Peak — just one of forty-six peaks and ridges within the park. There are also 175 miles of trails, ten campgrounds, canoe rentals, and plenty of wildlife to entrance and entertain bird watchers, photographers, and hikers. Most vehicles can handle the drive through Baxter along the Park Tote Road, so this is a good sightseeing option for families traveling with younger children or elderly relatives. The Appalachian Trail (304-535-6331, www.appalachiantrail.org) also ends within the park, so you may just have a chance to greet hikers who have completed the 2,167 mile trek from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Stop at the park headquarters in Millinocket or at the Togue Pond Visitor Center for maps and information on all of the park's recreational possibilities.

Katahdin Lake Cruises

Moosehead Marine Museum, Route 15, Greenville

207-695-2716

www.katahdincruises.com

Moosehead Lake is forty miles long with 400 miles of shoreline, and it beckons to those who want to canoe or kayak on its waters, fish, search for moose from a pontoon boat, or watch seaplanes take off and land. Get to know the lake on a 1914 steamship, The Katahdin, from Moosehead Marine Museum. Cruises are available late June through early October; call ahead for a schedule and reservations.

Moose Safaris

Did you know that you can go on a safari in Maine … a moose safari? Grab your camera and call one of these tour providers that will lead you to where you're most likely to spot these gangly, homely, but nevertheless lovable creatures: