Island Falls, Maine: Lakes, the North Woods, and a Young Theodore Roosevelt

Tucked into southern Aroostook County at the edge of Maine's North Woods, Island Falls is a small town with two beautiful lakes, a proud sporting heritage, and a surprising claim to fame: it helped shape a future president. For anyone who loves fishing, paddling, and a good story, this quiet gateway to the Katahdin region is well worth the drive north.

Where Is Island Falls?

Island Falls sits in southern Aroostook County in northern Maine, just off Interstate 95 and near the Katahdin Woods and Waters region. The town is built around two pristine lakes — Mattawamkeag Lake and Pleasant Lake — along with the Mattawamkeag River, which gives it some of the finest fishing, boating, and kayaking in the state. It has long been a favorite base for sportsmen heading into the surrounding woods and waters.

Theodore Roosevelt's Maine Getaway

In September 1878, a young Theodore Roosevelt — not yet twenty and still years from the White House — first traveled to Island Falls. He came under the guidance of local woodsman William “Bill” Sewall, reaching the remote town by train to Mattawamkeag Station and then thirty-six miles by buckboard, staying at the Sewall family home. A lasting friendship grew between the privileged young New Yorker and the plain-living Maine guide, and Roosevelt would later credit the rugged outdoor life here with helping build his strength and character.

Bible Point State Historic Site

During his visits, Roosevelt liked to hike with his Bible to a quiet point of land where the West Branch of the Mattawamkeag River meets First Brook, and sit and read. That spot is preserved today as Bible Point State Historic Site. The Roosevelt Memorial Association placed a plaque there in 1921, the point was added to the State Register of Historic Places in 1970, and the 27-acre natural area was donated to the state in 1971 to be kept wild — a peaceful place to walk in the footsteps of a president.

Lakes & Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor recreation is the heart of Island Falls. Anglers cast for bass, trout, and salmon on Mattawamkeag and Pleasant lakes; paddlers explore quiet coves by canoe and kayak; and hikers and hunters head into the vast surrounding forest. In winter, the region's snow makes it a hub for snowmobiling on Maine's extensive trail network. Whatever the season, the lakes and woods set the pace.

Visiting Island Falls

Island Falls makes a rewarding stop for travelers exploring northern Maine and the Katahdin region. If you are touring the state from the Winslow–Waterville area in central Maine, it is a scenic drive north into big-woods country — a chance to trade the Kennebec Valley for lakeside quiet and a genuine slice of Roosevelt history.

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