Madison: Theater, History and Trails along the Kennebec

Madison combines a seasonal summer theater and a historic library with experiences on the Kennebec River, golf, and guided fishing. Its attractions range from theater and architectural history to activities by the river and through woods and fields. This raises a practical question as you plan your trip: Should culture, a nature experience, or an active time golfing or fishing be the focus? These interests can also help guide your choice of a vacation rental in Madison.

Theater and Architectural History

Lakewood Theater is the nation’s longest-running summer theater. Its recurring season runs from late May to mid-September and features comedies, dramas, musicals, and performances for children. The specific lineup varies from year to year. If you’re traveling to see a particular show, check the schedule for your dates.

Madison Public Library complements the theater program with a glimpse into architectural and educational history. The local architectural firm Snow and Humphreys designed the building, which was completed in 1906. It is one of only 18 libraries in the state whose construction was funded by a grant from Andrew Carnegie. It also meets Criteria A and C for educational and architectural significance.

Along the Kennebec on Foot and in Winter

The Weston Woods & Waters Trail takes walkers from downtown Madison along the Kennebec River and through woods and fields. The route offers riverside and woodland scenery, with its starting point in downtown. If you’d rather spend time outdoors than attend a theater performance, this offers a different focus for your stay.

The area covers about 300 acres and is mostly forested. Altogether, it includes about 2.5 miles of shoreline along the Kennebec River. The trail also passes the remains of the old Weston family cemetery, cellar holes, and other historic remnants. Nature and traces of local history can be explored along the same route.

In winter, the riverside section and about half a mile of the woodland section are groomed for snowshoeing and skiing, but are not tracked. If you’re specifically looking for a tracked trail when planning a winter visit, keep this distinction in mind.

Golf and Guided Fishing

Lakewood Golf Course is on Route 201 in Madison and offers a challenging course in a scenic, historic setting. The course has 18 holes, including Maine’s only par-6 hole. This is a distinctive feature for golf enthusiasts considering Madison for a round on the course. Check current operating information before visiting.

Kennebec River Outfitters is also on Route 201 in Madison. Bob Mallard has more than 30 years of experience on the water in Central Maine and can guide anglers to suitable fishing spots. For travelers interested in fishing, this is a different kind of activity from a riverside walk or a round of golf: the focus here is a guided fishing trip. If a guided trip is important to your plans, confirm availability in advance.

The time of year may also influence your choice: the theater program runs from late May to mid-September, while the described trail sections are groomed for snowshoeing and skiing in winter. Consider which of these experiences you want to shape your trip, and factor that focus into your choice of vacation rental.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Dennistown, Caratunk, Jackman, Norridgewock, New Portland, Skowhegan.

Return to the main travel overview: Somerset.