Sebasticook Lake, Newport, Maine: Gateway to the Moosehead Lake Region

February 12th, 2012 categories: Belgrade Lakes Region

Sebasticook Lake in Newport, Maine enhanced by brilliant sunsets

Sebasticook Lake in Newport, Maine, was historically known as Great East Pond. The 4,537-acre lake is entirely within the boundaries of Newport, which is the only town in Maine that completely surrounds a lake of its size.

Lakefront Properties For Sale on Sebasticook Lake

Newport Center, settled by Esquire Benjamin Shaw and Iphidiah Ring, is located at the outlet. This Maine Highlands town is the gateway to the Moosehead Lake Region.

View Vacation Rentals on Sebasticook Lake

The maximum depth of Sebasticook Lake is 50 feet, with a mean depth of 20 feet. Anglers say this is one of the best bass fishing lakes in the state. A boat launch, owned by the Maine Department of Conservation and maintained by the town, is located off North Street.Sebasticook River Watershed Association’s President Paul Minik reports that the water quality of the lake is improving. “For many decades Sebasticook Lake in Newport has experienced severe algae blooms. Some of the lake restoration measures undertaken by the Maine Dept of Environmental Protection and others for the last three decades include the removal of two point sources discharges above the lake; application of Best Management Practices to reduce pollution that originates from runoff; and the annual drawdown of Sebasticook Lake in late summer to flush bottom sediments. Water quality monitoring by the Dept. of Environmental Protection and the volunteer lake monitor for Sebasticook Lake has recently indicated that the lake may finally be recovering, per Sebasticook River Watershed Association.”

In 1992, an 1,800 year-old fish weir, a series of stakes used by ancient fishermen to herd fish into a cluster for easy capture, was discovered in the shallows of the lake, confirming the region as a gathering place for pre-historic travelers. The stakes are estimated to date back 5,800 years. The Fish Weir display, representing the town of Newport’s Native American heritage, is open to the public at the Newport Cultural Center. The center is home to the public library and historical society museum.

Owning a lakefront property on Sebasticook is reminiscent of a time when friendship was a lifelong endeavor and vacation meant leaving your troubles at the door. Just imagine yourself swimming, boating, biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling on the lake. Winter also brings sled dog races and lots of ice fishing huts. Buy waterfront property here and you can spend every day on the lake–no matter what the season.

And when you come off the lake, you’ll find any amenities you need in the vibrant village of Newport, including restaurants, unique shops and convenience stores.

Nearby, you might enjoy the Lakewood Summer Theater in Skowhegan, state fairs in Bangor and Skowhegan, the American Folk Festival in Bangor and the Egg Festival in Pittsfield. Auto racing at Speedway 95 and Unity Speedway are only a 30 minute drive.

Click on the green box above to learn more about lakefront property listings on Sebasticook Lake. Purchase a family camp on the lake, perhaps a rustic lakeside cabin, camp or cottage nestled among the trees, for a perfect getaway destination.

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 12th, 2012 at 2:44 pm and is filed under Belgrade Lakes Region. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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