Incorporated in 1872, located in Southern Aroostook directly off I-95. 

Visit one of Theodore Roosevelt’s favorite getaways when you go to Island Falls. The former president visited this area in the late 1870s to camp, hunt, fish, snowshoe, paddle and reflect in the peacefulness of the region. A plaque erected in his honor can be seen at the Bible Point State Historic Site in town, a reserve near the south end of Mattawamkeag Lake, made famous by Teddy Roosevelt who visited the area beginning in 1878. As a young man under the guidance of his lifelong friend and guide Bill Sewall, Roosevelt camped at the southern end of Mattawamkeag Lake and hunted and fished throughout the area. It was reported that, each day, Roosevelt would take his bible and hike to a beautiful point of land at the confluence of the West Branch of the Mattawam-keag River and First Brook where he would read the bible. A plaque at the site com-memorates Roosevelt’s love for the area. It was erected in 1921 by Roosevelt biographer Hermann Hagedorn and it reads: “This place, to which a great man in his youth liked to come to commune with God and with the wonder and beauty of the visible world, is dedicated to the happy memory of THEODORE ROOSEVELT. Stranger, rest here and consider what one man, having faith in the right and love for his fellow man was able to do for his country.” Visitors and locals go fishing, canoeing, kayaking and boating on four town lakes — Upper Mattawamkeag Lake, Mattawamkeag Lake, Caribou Lake and Pleasant Lake. Ice fishing on local lakes and ponds is a popular winter activity. The ITS(Interconnected Trail System) connects Island Falls and gets snowmobilers to Houlton, Millinocket and Lincoln. In the warmer months, views of Mt. Katahdin and Pleasant Lake abound while golfing at the 18-hole Va-Jo-Wa Golf Course. Visit the early-1900s Tingley House, a restored potato house and former jailhouse that contains a museum of local artifacts. The house is pre-served by the Island Falls Historical Society. In 1841 Levi Sewall, Neamiah Alexander and Jesse Craig settled in Island Falls after hearing of a “beautiful place” from Patten to Houlton on the West Branch of the Mattawamkeag River. Sewall built the first home and along with Craig developed the community. The first public school house was built in 1859 and it also served as the first church and meeting house. William W. Sewall homestead was declared a historical site and Sewall’s friendship with Theodore Roosevelt is highlighted. Roosevelt stayed at Sewell’s house many times while hunting and camping. There is a state park, Bible Point, dedicated to Roosevelt on the Mattawamkeag River where he used to read his bible on Sundays. Pettengill’s Hall, also called Island Falls Opera House is also a historic site. 

Relocating to Island Falls

Population: 781 (2018)

Elevation: 443′

Area: 40.76 square miles

Median Household Income: $32,730 (2019)

Mil Rate: 20.91%

School System: Southern Aroostook Community School 922 Dyer Brook Rd, Dyer Brook • 207-757-8206

Government System: Board of Selectmen

Trash: Northern Katahdin Valley Waste, 146 Dyer Brook Rd, Dyer Brook • 207-757-8700 Hours: Tuesday 9am – 4pm, Wednesday • 11am – 2pm, Saturday 8:30am – 4:30pm

Water: Private wells

Sewer: Private septic systems

Crime Rate: Low

Town office: 68 Houlton Road, Island Falls, ME 04747; open Monday through Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 am – 4 pm and Wednesday from 8 am – 12 pm; 207-463-2246; www.islandfallsme.us and email at tmislandfalls@fairpoint.net