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Winterville, Maine

Remote wilderness plantation near the border

Overview

Winterville is a small plantation in the St. John Valley region of northern Aroostook County, centered on the 2,400-acre St. Froid Lake. The handful of year-round residents are joined seasonally by anglers, hunters, and those seeking the quiet beauty of Maine's northernmost reaches.

Key Facts

Population 194
Region Aroostook
County Aroostook
Founded 1884
Nearest City Fort Kent (40 minutes)

What Winterville Is Known For

Winterville Local Highlights

St. Froid Lake
This 2,400-acre lake reaches depths of 100 feet and runs nearly the entire length of the plantation, providing exceptional fishing, boating, and lakefront living.
St. John Valley Heritage
Winterville is part of the broader Franco-American St. John Valley, where French-Canadian and Acadian culture remains vibrant.
Name Change History
Organized as Winterville in 1884, renamed Hill Plantation in 1903, then changed back to Winterville in 1907—a unique bit of Maine municipal trivia.
Fish Thoroughfare River
This waterway connects St. Froid Lake to Eagle Lake at the plantation's northern end, creating a linked water system popular with paddlers and anglers.

Things to Do

1
Fish St. Froid Lake
The deep, cold lake supports populations of landlocked salmon, lake trout, brook trout, and bass, drawing serious anglers year-round.
2
Paddle the Lake System
Canoe or kayak St. Froid Lake and explore the Fish Thoroughfare connection to Eagle Lake for extended wilderness paddling.
3
Explore the Shore Road
This scenic road runs along most of the lake's eastern shore, connecting Quimby village to McNally village with water views throughout.
4
Snowmobile the Northern Network
Winter connects Winterville to the extensive trail system spanning northern Maine and crossing into New Brunswick and Quebec.
5
Hunt the North Woods
The surrounding forests offer excellent hunting for moose, deer, bear, and upland game birds in one of Maine's most remote regions.

Living in Winterville

Winterville offers lakefront living in one of Maine's most remote settings. There are no stores or services in the plantation—residents travel to Fort Kent or Eagle Lake for supplies. The population is small but resilient, with many families tracing roots to the original French-Canadian settlers who arrived in the 1840s. Life revolves around the lake and the seasons, with fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling defining the rhythm of the year.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Cool to warm, 60-75°F

winter

Extremely cold with heavy snow, -15 to 15°F

spring

Cool and wet, 25-45°F

fall

Brief and chilly, 32-52°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Moose White-tailed deer Black bear Landlocked salmon Lake trout Loons Bald eagles

How to Get There

Winterville is located on Route 11 in northern Aroostook County, about 40 minutes south of Fort Kent. The Shore Road provides access to lakefront areas along St. Froid Lake.

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

Satellite preview

Winterville outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Winterville briefly called Hill Plantation?

In 1903, the plantation's name was changed to Hill Plantation for reasons now lost to history. By 1907, residents had changed it back to Winterville—perhaps the original name better captured the character of this snowy northern community.

How deep is St. Froid Lake?

St. Froid Lake reaches depths of up to 100 feet, making it one of the deeper lakes in Aroostook County. This depth supports cold-water species like landlocked salmon and lake trout.

Is Winterville part of the St. John Valley?

Yes. While not directly on the St. John River, Winterville is part of the broader St. John Valley region with its Franco-American heritage and cultural connections to communities like Fort Kent, Madawaska, and Van Buren.

Nearby Towns

Explore More

Aroostook Region Seasonal Guide Wildlife & Nature