News
First-Ever Winter Carnival Brings Ice Skating, Snowshoe Races, and Chili to Willow Creek
The town launches its inaugural winter carnival, betting that cold weather can be a tourism asset rather than a liability.
newsFrom Sawdust to Showcase: Old Mill Building Eyed for Museum Exhibit on Town's Industrial Past
A proposal to convert a section of the historic Willow Creek Custom Flooring mill into a museum exhibit gains traction as the town embraces its heritage.
newsState Funds Historic District Study for Downtown Willow Creek
A $40,000 grant from the Maine Historic Preservation Commission will fund a survey to determine whether downtown buildings qualify for historic district designation.
newsFall Festival 2026 Planning Underway with Hopes of Drawing Regional Crowds
Organizers begin early planning for Willow Creek's first major fall foliage festival, aiming to capture leaf-peeper traffic passing through Aroostook County.
newsThrough the Lens: Library Hosts Photography Competition Celebrating Willow Creek's Landscape
The Carnegie Library announces a new photography competition and exhibition showcasing the natural and built beauty of Willow Creek and surrounding areas.
newsMountain Bike Race on New Singletrack Draws 80 Competitors to Willow Creek
The inaugural River Run mountain bike race puts Willow Creek's new trail network on the map for New England mountain bikers.
newsThe Dry Dock Launches First Batch of Locally Made Hard Cider, Tapping Into Craft Beverage Tourism
Dean Moreau partners with O'Flaherty's Maple to create a hard cider made from heirloom apples and local maple, betting on the growing craft beverage market.
newsInaugural Mattawamkeag River Trail Half-Marathon Draws 200 Runners from Across New England
The first-ever half-marathon on the Mattawamkeag River Trail sells out its registration cap, marking a new addition to Willow Creek's event calendar.
newsAnnual Fishing Tournament Reels In Record 120 Entrants from Four States
The 47th annual Willow Creek Bass and Pike Tournament sets a participation record, signaling the town's growing reputation as a fishing destination.
newsWabanaki Heritage Interpretive Trail Planned Along Mattawamkeag River Route
A new cultural heritage initiative will install interpretive signage along the river trail highlighting the history and presence of the Wabanaki people.
newsVisitor Center Proposal Would Transform Old Mill Office Building into Welcome Hub
A plan to repurpose the vacant Willow Creek Custom Flooring administrative building into a year-round visitor center advances to the feasibility stage.
newsFirst Two EV Charging Stations Go Live on Main Street, Marking a First for the Region
Willow Creek becomes the first town in northern Aroostook County to install public electric vehicle charging stations, supported by a state grant.
newsVance Proposes Year-Round Tourism Strategy to Smooth Seasonal Peaks and Valleys
Selectwoman Eleanor Vance presents a five-year plan aimed at developing shoulder-season attractions and reducing the town's dependence on summer tourism.
newsLodging Study Reveals Severe Shortage: Demand Outstrips Supply 5 to 1
A commissioned study finds Willow Creek lacks sufficient lodging to support its growing tourism economy, with visitor inquiries far exceeding available rooms.
newsTrail-to-Town Connector Sidewalk Project Secures Federal Funding
A $1.2 million grant will fund a sidewalk connecting the Mattawamkeag River Trail trailhead to downtown Willow Creek, improving walkability for visitors and residents.
newsWood-Fired Pizzeria Opens Doors in Former Vacant Storefront on Elm Street
A new restaurant brings Neapolitan-style pizza to downtown Willow Creek, filling a storefront that had been empty for nearly four years.
newsIce-Out Centennial Countdown Begins as Tourism Planning Committee Holds First Meeting
With the 100th anniversary of Homan's Pond Ice-Out three years away, a new planning committee meets to coordinate tourism efforts around the milestone event.
newsElementary School Outdoor Education Program Becomes Regional Model
Willow Creek Elementary's place-based outdoor learning program, launched with tourism partnership funding, is being studied by six other school districts across northern Maine.
newsLeaf-Peeping Shuttle Bus Grant Will Ease Fall Traffic Congestion
A $95,000 state grant funds a free Saturday shuttle service during peak foliage season, connecting trailheads, downtown and scenic overlooks.
newsMaine Open Farm Day Draws Record Crowd to Farr Family Farm
Farr Family Farm hosts 340 visitors on Maine Open Farm Day, selling 120 pounds of produce and launching a weekly farm-stand subscription program.