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Bancroft, Maine

Remote farming community near Houlton

Overview

Bancroft is one of the smallest incorporated towns in Maine, with just a handful of families maintaining farms and woodlots in the rolling countryside east of Houlton. The town offers an authentic look at Maine's rural heritage and agricultural traditions.

Key Facts

Population 20
Region Aroostook
County Aroostook
Founded 1889
Nearest City Houlton (20 minutes)

What Bancroft Is Known For

Bancroft Local Highlights

One of Maine's Smallest Towns
With a population of around 20 people, Bancroft is among the tiniest incorporated municipalities in the state.
Baskenhegan Stream
This waterway flows through town, emptying into Baskenhegan Lake in Brookton Township, offering fishing and wildlife viewing.
Mattawamkeag River Access
The Mattawamkeag River flows through the main village, providing paddling opportunities and scenic riverside landscapes.
Historic Railroad Heritage
A railroad runs through town along the Baskenhegan Stream, a reminder of the logging and transportation history of the region.

Things to Do

1
Fish the Baskenhegan Stream
This scenic stream offers brook trout fishing and connects to Baskenhegan Lake for larger game fish.
2
Canoe or Kayak the Mattawamkeag River
The river provides flatwater paddling through remote countryside with excellent wildlife viewing.
3
Explore Logging Roads
The network of logging roads provides access to vast forestlands for hiking, hunting, and wildlife observation.
4
Visit the Veterans Memorial
The town maintains a memorial honoring residents who served in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
5
Snowmobile the ITS Trail System
In winter, groomed trails connect Bancroft to the extensive Aroostook County snowmobile network.

Living in Bancroft

Living in Bancroft means embracing extreme rural life. There are no stores, schools, or services in town—everything requires a drive to Houlton or Danforth. Residents are typically farming families or those seeking affordable land and complete privacy. Property taxes are low, but so are services. This is a place for people who want to be left alone.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm days, cool nights, 65-78°F

winter

Very cold with heavy snow, -5 to 20°F

spring

Cool and muddy, 30-50°F

fall

Crisp and brief, 35-55°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

White-tailed deer Moose Black bear Wild turkey Ruffed grouse Brook trout

How to Get There

Bancroft is located on Route 212 east of Houlton in southern Aroostook County. The town is about 2.5 hours north of Bangor via I-95 and local roads.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Bancroft outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Bancroft so small?

Bancroft was never a large community. Organized as a plantation in 1840 and incorporated in 1889, it has always been a handful of farming families. Outmigration to larger towns reduced the population further over the decades.

Are there any stores in Bancroft?

No. The nearest stores and services are in Houlton (about 20 minutes west) or Danforth. Plan accordingly.

What is there to do in Bancroft?

Bancroft is a destination for those seeking solitude, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling. It is not a tourist destination in the traditional sense—its appeal is in its remoteness and natural beauty.

Nearby Towns

Explore More

Aroostook Region Seasonal Guide Wildlife & Nature