We want active, walkable villages in the Katahdin region with a small town, main street charm. Villages to serve the needs of visitors and locals alike with locally owned businesses that bolster pride in the region and help attract new locals and industry.

• Prioritize development in the region’s downtowns.
• Preserve and advocate for a sustainable, new use of local assets.
• Spiff up the downtowns with local materials and pride.
• Expand in-town trails and seating.
• Make streets that are great for people and retail by slowing traffic.

The Katahdin region has several quaint villages – Island Falls, Patten, East Millinocket, and Millinocket – that harken back to the past, service the present, and have promise for the future. The region’s villages are a critical piece of the economic prosperity of the region as well as opportunities for pride and joy.

Locals and visitors alike, all express a desire to have attractive, walkable, and safe downtown experiences where there are local businesses – retail and restaurants, outfitters, breweries, and more – where they can meet their everyday needs, have a special night out, and just sit in public spaces to people watch. Today’s travelers – both extreme and soft adventurers – are looking for good food, and are interested in local people, culture, and history, especially on down days.

There is an opportunity for the Katahdin region to better utilize the existing downtowns to earn more tax revenue per acre and tourist dollars, reduce infrastructure maintenance costs, attract investment, and create places that people love to visit just as much as the region’s trails and waterways.

Current Projects:

Katahdin Folk School

The Katahdin Folk School Project is a collaborative effort to celebrate and share the traditional skills, knowledge, and cultural wisdom rooted in the Katahdin Region. Led in partnership by the Millinocket Memorial Library and the Outdoor Sport Institute, with support from the Katahdin Collaborative, the project aims to create opportunities for community members to learn, teach, and connect through hands-on experiences. At its core, the initiative is about honoring local traditions while building a stronger, more connected community.

Folk schools, as described by the Folk School Alliance, are grounded in the idea that learning together strengthens communities. By focusing on traditional arts, crafts, and skills, folk schools bring people of all ages and backgrounds together, fostering connections not only between individuals but also with the place they call home. The Katahdin Folk School Project embraces this philosophy, offering accessible ways for people to engage—whether by attending events, participating in workshops, or simply showing up to be part of the community.

Getting involved is simple. You can attend upcoming community events or keep an eye out for informational meetings as the project grows. A great place to start is the monthly “First Friday” Community Jam Sessions, held from 6–9pm at the Boreal Theater. These gatherings are open to everyone—bring an instrument or just come to listen, with all skill levels welcome. For more information or to get connected, reach out to Dan Rogan at dan@outdoorsi.org.