With spring comes the realization that summer’s around the corner, and it’s time to get cracking on planning a family vacation. But where, you ask? I have a few suggestions. Let’s start with Attean Lake Lodge.
Attean delivers an island escape with contemporary conveniences and easy-on-the-eyes wilderness scenery. (updated April 6, 2019)
All-inclusive island escape
Sited on a private island in mountain-cradled Attean Pond, nudged up toward the Canadian border west of Jackman, and founded in 1904, this main lodge and 14 one- to three-bedroom cabins is under third-generation ownership. Brad Holden, his wife, Andrea, their son, Barrett, and his wife, Josie, operate the lodge. Karl greets guests at the mainland boat landing (Be sure to ask Kearl about the Maine Guide medal around his neck and about the paint job on his truck).
“We’re not a resort; we’re not a sporting camp,” Brad says. So, what is Attean? It’s an all-inclusive getaway on forested Birch Island.
Stay here and enjoy sporting amenities—boating (fee for motor boats), fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, sand-castle building; play games in the main lodge; or simply sitting on the porch gazing over the lake from your private cabin on the shoreline.
Private cabins on the shoreline
Each pine-paneled cabin (all are either rebuilt or refurbished) is cozy and comfy and has a living room with a woodstove, bedroom(s), and a modern bathroom. All are illuminated with the soft glow of gas lanterns.
Settle onto your private porch to watch the sunset.
Inviting main lodge with dining room
The main lodge invites rusticating with its classic style. With its cathedral ceiling and stone hearth, the pine-paneled great room oozes authenticity. Choose a book or a boardgame from the small library and relax.
Choice-of-menu hearty breakfasts and multi-course dinners are served in the dining room or on the deck. Choice-of-menu lunches, including a drink Thermos, are packed to go.
Barbeques, offered wice-weekly in summer, feature smoked ribs and chicken, along with the usual hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, and desserts. One certainly doesn’t go hungry here.
Discover island pleasures and mountain treasures at Attean Lake Lodge
Nor does one lack things to do. Attean Lake Lodge amenities include:
- a sand beach;
- canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and rental motorboats for exploring—take your lunch, and find a remote beach for a picnic;
- pontoon boats for tours;
- and a smattering of trails edging the shore front and cutting across the island—with one seat perched just so on a huge glacial erratic at Lookout Point.
In addition, the Holdens also maintain 20 miles of hiking trails, some access remote ponds, where canoes are stashed, others ascend peaks and deliver panoramic views.
You also can cast a line for landlocked salmon or brookies.
Or simply settle onto the porch with a good book and while away the afternoon.
If you must, there’s Wifi in the main lodge, but really, just unplug and turn it all off to really experience this little slice of heaven.
Good to know: Kota, the resident malamute, may accept the presence of other well behaved dogs in June and September.
