Strong, ME

Travel Guide

Maine showing a river or creek and forest scenes
Maine showing forest scenes and a river or creek
Strong which includes street scenes and a house
Maine featuring a small town or village, a house and street scenes

The onetime “Toothpick Capital of the World” is a sleepy Maine town perfectly situated to enjoy the natural beauty in the western part of the state.

Discover beautiful scenery, small-town charm and even a fascinating history of toothpicks in Strong. Located in Franklin County, Strong is a great jumping-off point to explore western Maine’s famed scenic destinations.

Find Strong on a bend of the meandering Sandy River, a tributary of the Kennebec River. In warmer months, take a dip in one of Sandy River’s many swimming holes. Go kayaking or canoeing through its gentle rapids. Try your luck fishing for trout in season.

Strong was once known as the “Toothpick Capital of the World” thanks to Forster Mill. The mill, which opened its doors in town in 1887, produced billions of toothpicks in its decades of operations. At one point, it was producing 95 percent of America's wooden toothpicks. Although the mill closed its doors at the turn of the 20th century, its claim to fame lives on.

Learn more about Strong’s past at the Vance & Dorothy Hammond Memorial House, which is the museum of the Strong Historical Society. The white wooden house, open by appointment only, is a fount of information about the area and its history.

From Strong, drive just 11 miles (17.7 kilometers) south to Farmington, the county seat of Franklin County. Visit the town’s many historic sites of interest. Learn about the life of famed opera singer Lillian Nordica at Nordica Memorial Homestead, browse through the bookshelves in the Beaux Arts-style Cutler Memorial Library and discover more about the area at the Farmington Historical Society’s Titcomb House.

Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Rangeley Lakes Region, which is about a half-hour drive northwest. Consisting of six major lakes plus hundreds of smaller lakes, ponds and rivers, the region is a dream for those who love the outdoors.

Take a memorable ride on the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad. Catch the old-fashioned steam locomotive for a scenic trip and guided tour on Maine's largest original two-foot-gauge railroad.

Visit Strong throughout the year. In winter, bundle up and prepare for possible heavy snowfall. Note that the town is small and doesn’t have many shops or restaurants. However, what it lacks in amenities it more than makes up for in scenic beauty.

Paddle, float, fish, or rope swing into the near by crystal clear mountain lake.

Paddle, float, fish, or rope swing into the near by crystal clear mountain lake.

Strong
The price is ¥16,747 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥16,747
¥21,474 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this cottage in Strong. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attraction Porter Lake is located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (132 reviews)
"The owner/property manager came by personally to welcome is. He also allowed us to stay late. Very nice person."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2025

Paddle, float, fish, or rope swing into the near by crystal clear mountain lake.
Lakefront, Stunning Home only 30 min to Sugarloaf!

Lakefront, Stunning Home only 30 min to Sugarloaf!

Strong
Stay at this vacation home in Strong. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attraction Porter Lake is located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"My family loved our stay at this cozy home on the lake. The views of Porter Lake are stunning and nothing beats having your morning coffee while watching the sun rise up over the lake and listening to the loons say good morning. Being able to kayak or canoe out onto the lake for fishing or exploring ..."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Lakefront, Stunning Home only 30 min to Sugarloaf!
Comfort Inn & Suites Wilton

Comfort Inn & Suites Wilton

2.5 out of 5
1026 Us Route 2 E, Wilton, ME
The price is ¥27,779 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
¥27,779
¥30,280 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (821 reviews)
"All the staff at this hotel were friendly and helpful. Our room was clean and pleasant, the beds were all comfortable. Breakfast was fresh and had many choices. The pool and hot tub were clean and enjoyable. Our family recommends this hotel!"

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Wilton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Paddle, float, fish, or rope swing into the near by crystal clear mountain lake.

Paddle, float, fish, or rope swing into the near by crystal clear mountain lake.

Strong
Stay at this cottage in Strong. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attraction Porter Lake is located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (132 reviews)
"The owner/property manager came by personally to welcome is. He also allowed us to stay late. Very nice person."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2025

Paddle, float, fish, or rope swing into the near by crystal clear mountain lake.
Lakefront, Stunning Home only 30 min to Sugarloaf!

Lakefront, Stunning Home only 30 min to Sugarloaf!

Strong
Stay at this vacation home in Strong. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attraction Porter Lake is located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"My family loved our stay at this cozy home on the lake. The views of Porter Lake are stunning and nothing beats having your morning coffee while watching the sun rise up over the lake and listening to the loons say good morning. Being able to kayak or canoe out onto the lake for fishing or exploring ..."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Lakefront, Stunning Home only 30 min to Sugarloaf!
Rangeley Lake Resort a Ramada by Wyndham

Rangeley Lake Resort a Ramada by Wyndham

2.5 out of 5
2222 Main Street, Rangeley, ME
Stay at this condo in Rangeley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum and Powder Dreams ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
"I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the cabin was! I read the positive reviews and felt comfortable staying there but didn’t realize how spacious and homey the cabin would feel! The beds were super comfortable, having a washer and dryer in the cabin was a pleasant surprise, and the quietness of ..."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Rangeley Lake Resort a Ramada by Wyndham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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