Oakland Rte11 | pinetreetrail

Welcome to Oakland

Oakland is a beautiful, picturesque town that many agree is the gateway to the Belgrade Lakes region. Originally part of Waterville in the 1800s, manufacturers petitioned the Maine Legislature to allow their industrial region to become a separate town. Permission was granted, and on February 26, 1873 it became known as West Waterville before earning its permanent name of Oakland in 1883. It is a “bedroom” community of Augusta and Waterville, and is an easy commute to attractions in those towns/cities as well.

This town has a deep manufacturing history as well as being known as the “axe capital” of the world. Its rich past is evidenced by the incredible architecture displayed to this day in the grand buildings of times gone by that still stand strong and proud as a testimony of rugged individuals with big dreams. There are many lovers of history here, and they have worked tirelessly to make sure that all those visiting are enriched by their time spent in their town.

Visiting Oakland will satisfy the traveler, and help to make connections of not only what it was in the past, but where it will go in the future!

Activities

Activities & Attractions

Memorial Hall is a magnificent stone and brick building that was built to serve as a “monument” to the soldiers of the Civil War. It is located at the southeast corner of Church and West School Streets in the main village. It has a place on the National Register of Historic Places. For those who love architecture, this is a must-see destination for you!

(Click Here For More Info On Memorial Hall At maine.gov)

Church Street is aptly named as it is one of the only places in the United States that can boast of three churches directly beside each other on one street. Striking buildings with towering steeples that stand tall against the sky are symbols of the tenacity and past times of this town. They are all still active to this day.

Oakland’s Pleasant Point Park is a prominent feature of the town which is set in the famous vacation spot of the Belgrade Lakes. Located on McGrath Pond, this 75-acre jewel is enjoyed by people while maintaining its natural beauty.

(Click Here To Access The Town Website For More Info About Area Parks)

Lodging

Lodging/Camping

Locally, there are camps to rent and rooms to book at a historic octagonal house used as a bed and breakfast. There are also plenty of options in nearby Waterville and Augusta.

Food

If you are hungry while visiting Oakland, you have numerous opportunities to ease that discomfort! There are establishments offering Italian and American foods as well as pizza and a wide variety of subs. There is even a specialty food market with wonderful products, and a couple of national chain outlets as well.