Mainepedia
Placeholder image

Macwahoc, Maine

Abenaki-named plantation meaning "wet ground"

Overview

Macwahoc Plantation takes its name from the Abenaki word meaning "bog or wet ground"—an apt description for this wetland-rich area in southern Aroostook County. First settled in 1830 and organized as Molunkus Plantation in 1844, the community was renamed Macwahoc in 1851 to honor its Native American heritage.

Key Facts

Population 62
Region Aroostook
County Aroostook
Founded 1830
Nearest City Lincoln (15 minutes)

What Macwahoc Is Known For

Macwahoc Local Highlights

Abenaki Name Origin
Macwahoc comes from the Abenaki language, meaning bog or wet ground—a reference to the extensive wetlands that characterize this area and made it important to the region's original inhabitants.
Molunkus Stream Corridor
The Molunkus Stream and its associated wetlands run through the plantation, providing critical wildlife habitat and the boggy landscape that gave the community its name.
Multiple Reorganizations
Originally organized as Molunkus Plantation in 1844, renamed Macwahoc in 1851, and reorganized several times (1854, 1860, 1887), the plantation has a complex administrative history.
Outdoor Recreation Hub
Modern Macwahoc has become popular for snowmobiling, canoeing, and hunting, drawing recreationists to its extensive wetlands and forests.

Things to Do

1
Canoe the Molunkus Stream
The stream and its wetlands offer paddling through prime wildlife habitat, with opportunities to spot moose, waterfowl, and other wetland species.
2
Hunt the Wetland Edges
The mix of upland forest and wetland creates excellent habitat for deer, moose, bear, and waterfowl.
3
Snowmobile the Trail Network
Winter opens access to extensive trail systems connecting Macwahoc to communities throughout the region.
4
Fish for Brook Trout
The cold streams flowing through the plantation support populations of native brook trout.
5
Experience Wetland Wildlife
The bogs and wetlands that gave Macwahoc its name support diverse wildlife including beaver, otter, and numerous bird species.

Living in Macwahoc

Macwahoc Plantation offers affordable rural living in southern Aroostook County with good access to Lincoln and Bangor via Interstate 95. The population of about 62 reflects the small-scale, dispersed settlement pattern typical of Maine's plantation communities. Agriculture and logging were traditional industries, now supplemented by outdoor recreation that brings visitors for hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling seasons.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm and pleasant, 65-80°F

winter

Cold with moderate snow, 0-25°F

spring

Cool and muddy, 30-52°F

fall

Crisp and colorful, 35-58°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Moose White-tailed deer Black bear Beaver Brook trout Waterfowl Otter

How to Get There

Macwahoc is located in southern Aroostook County, accessible from Interstate 95 via exits near Lincoln. The plantation borders Mattawamkeag to the south in Penobscot County.

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

Satellite preview

Macwahoc outline

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Macwahoc" mean?

The name comes from the Abenaki language, meaning "bog or wet ground"—an accurate description of the extensive wetlands that characterize this area and were important to the region's Native American inhabitants.

Why was it originally called Molunkus Plantation?

When first organized in 1844, the plantation took the name Molunkus from the stream that flows through it. The name was changed to Macwahoc in 1851 to better reflect its Abenaki heritage.

Is Macwahoc in Penobscot or Aroostook County?

Macwahoc Plantation is in Aroostook County, though it borders Penobscot County to the south. The nearby town of Mattawamkeag is the most northerly Penobscot County community.

Nearby Towns

Explore More

Aroostook Region Seasonal Guide Wildlife & Nature