Nestled in the northwest corner of York County, Acton, Maine is a friendly small town of lakes, trails, and history. With a ZIP code of 04001, Acton sits right on the New Hampshire border and is about 40 miles north of Portland (roughly an hour’s drive) and about 2 hours from Boston. Surrounded by woods and water, this quiet community is perfect for nature lovers, families, and anyone seeking a laid-back Maine getaway. The town has a welcoming vibe and a warm “down-to-earth” style of life.
History of Acton, Maine
Acton’s roots go back to the late 1700s when settlers first arrived in the area. Originally part of a place called Hubbardstown and then Shapleigh, Acton became its own town on March 6, 1830. The name “Acton” was borrowed from Acton, Massachusetts (itself named for Acton in England). Early on, Acton was known for apple orchards and even some silver prospecting in the late 1800s. Over the years the population dipped and grew; by 1940 Acton’s population was at its low point, but since the 1970s the town has steadily grown as people discover its natural beauty. Today Acton keeps its country charm with old churches, rustic farmhouses, and hints of its farming past, while welcoming new neighbors and visitors.
Town Facts & Census Highlights
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Population: About 2,700 people (2020 census), up from roughly 2,200 in 2010. Acton’s population has been growing in recent decades, more than doubling since 1980.
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Area: 37.8 square miles of land (about 24,000 acres), giving it a rural feel. The density is low – roughly 70 people per square mile – so there’s plenty of space between homes.
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Median Age: Around 54 years old, reflecting many retirees and families. The town tends to have an older population than the state average.
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Households: About 1,100 households, with an average of 2.5 people each – similar to the Maine state average.
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Income: Median household income is on par with or a bit above the state average (around $70–75K). The poverty rate is relatively low, around 8–10%.
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Demographics: The town is primarily White (around 85–90%), with a small mix of other backgrounds.
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County: Acton is in York County, Maine’s southwestern county that stretches all the way north to here. York County is known for its forested towns, lakes, and easy highway access south to Portland and beyond.
Top Things to Do in Acton, Maine
Acton is all about outdoor fun and local flavor. Here are some highlights for visitors:
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Enjoy the Lakes: Acton is blessed with water. Relax at Mousam Lake (982 acres) on the eastern edge of Acton for swimming, boating and fishing. Drive up to Wilson Lake (in north Acton) and picnic at the public park by the water. Don’t miss Great East Lake (on the Acton–New Hampshire line) – at over 1,700 acres it’s the largest lake in York County and perfect for kayaking or wildlife viewing. Square Pond (along the Shapleigh border) is scenic and peaceful for paddling or trout fishing. In winter, some of these lakes freeze for ice fishing or cross-country skiing nearby.
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Hike and Bike the Trails: Three Rivers Land Trust and local parks offer great hiking. The Goat Hill Trail (Acton) is one of Acton’s highest points: a short climb leads to 360-degree views of surrounding lakes and even the Presidential Range on a clear day. Just across the border, the Gonic Trails in Rochester, NH follow the Cocheco River and have easy loop hikes and waterfalls – a fun day trip for families.
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Wicky Ralph’s Ice Cream & Mini-Golf: A beloved local stop at 1542 Route 109 (Emery Mills) in Acton. Cool off with homemade ice cream cones, burgers and fries, then play a quirky mini-golf course. All proceeds benefit a dog rescue, so it’s tasty fun for a good cause.
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Shaw’s Ridge Farm (Sanford): Just 10–15 minutes away, this working farm has a BBQ Barn, homemade ice cream, and a mini-golf course. It’s perfect for kids and families (and adults who love farm-fresh food). Try their famous BBQ ribs or chicken and have ice cream before you leave.
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Shopping at Marden’s: A short drive to Sanford will bring you to Marden’s Surplus – a huge discount store with anything from clothing to housewares at bargain prices. It’s known as the place to find surprises, brand-name deals, and even some local souvenirs.
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Acton Agricultural Fair: Late August is Acton’s big event: a traditional 4-H agricultural fair held at the local fairgrounds. It’s been running for well over a century (2025 marks the 160th fair!). Enjoy livestock shows, horse pulling, homemade pie contests, carnival rides, and live music. It’s classic small-town fun where the community comes together.
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Maine Renaissance Faire: In mid-July, the Acton Fairgrounds host the Maine Renaissance Faire. Costumed knights joust on horseback, artisans sell crafts, and there’s plenty of food, music and entertainment in a festive medieval atmosphere. It’s a unique local event that draws visitors from across the region.
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Three Rivers Land Trust Preserves: Besides Goat Hill, the local land trust has other preserves for nature walks. Bring binoculars for birdwatching – you might spot bald eagles over the lakes or herons along the Salmon Falls River (Acton’s western border).
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Pine Ridge Campground Activities: Even if you’re not camping, Pine Ridge (Acton’s big campground on Route 109) is worth mentioning. They have a disc golf course, outdoor ping-pong, shuffleboard, corn hole, horseshoes, and evening entertainment in summer. It’s an activity hub for families and RV travelers.
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Salt and Northern Goods: Nearby businesses offer local crafts and treats. The Brew Shoppe (Shapleigh) is a quirky spot selling craft beers, wines, and local goodies. One Earth Natural Food Store (Acton) provides organic foods and yoga classes. These spots add local color and flavor to your visit.
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Seasonal Fun: In fall, leaf-peepers love the drive around Wilson Lake or up Route 109 for stunning foliage. In winter, locals enjoy snowmobiling on trail networks, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Spring brings maple syrup runs and wildflowers. Every season has its own charm in Acton.
Lodging in Acton and Nearby
Acton itself has limited hotels, but nearby towns have plenty of lodging for all budgets. Options include:
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Campgrounds & Cabins: Pine Ridge Campground (on Route 109, Acton) offers rustic cabins, RV sites, tent sites and cabins with easy lake access. For families, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park – Lakes Region (Milton, NH, just across the border) is a full-service camp resort with themed weekends, water attractions, and cabins.
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Budget Motels: Sanford (15 min away) has chain motels like Quality Inn, Comfort Inn or Best Western. Rochester, NH (20 min west) also has Econo Lodge and Comfort Inn. These offer basic rooms with breakfast at affordable rates.
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Mid-Range Inns: Consider a cozy bed-and-breakfast for charm. Wakefield Inn & Restaurant in Sanbornville, NH (about 10 minutes north) is a historic B&B with a fine dining restaurant. Spring Brook Resort & Country Club (Sanford) has cottages and golf and is a quiet retreat.
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Splurge Options: If you don’t mind a longer drive, the Maine coast and mountains have lodges. Otherwise, short-term vacation rentals (cabins, lakefront cottages or Airbnbs) are available around Acton and nearby lakes for a homey stay.
Dining Near Acton, Maine
Eating options span from local diners to seafood grills. In Acton and its region you’ll find:
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Blue Bay Seafood & Steaks (Acton): Casual grill and seafood. Enjoy classic New England clams, lobster rolls, steaks and ice-cold drinks. They have pizza and pub fare too, all in a family-friendly setting.
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Gotta Be Frank (Acton): A great spot for handcrafted burgers, hot dogs, and hearty sandwiches (like their Italian beef) made to order. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
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Iron Tails Saloon (Acton): A rustic biker-friendly bar/restaurant with a full menu (steaks, seafood, burgers) and live music on weekends. They deliver locally and have a large beer selection.
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Wicky Ralph’s Ice Cream & Grill (Acton): Apart from mini-golf, this place serves burgers, fries, and award-winning soft serve and dipped ice cream cones. It’s a tasty treat stop after a day outdoors.
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Miss Wakefield Diner & Gracie’s Country Store (Wakefield, NH): A short drive into New Hampshire, this retro diner is famous for hearty breakfasts, homemade pies, and classic lunch plates. Right next door, Gracie’s store sells local maple syrup, crafts, and snacks.
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Local 130 / Salmon Falls Bakery (Acton): A hidden gem offering fresh bread, breakfast sandwiches, soups and light lunch fare made with local ingredients. Great coffee and baked goods too.
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Shaw’s Ridge Farm (Sanford, ME): A family-friendly BBQ barn, known for smoked meats and ice cream as mentioned above. Don’t miss their home-style sides and shakes.
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Springvale Publick House (Sanford, ME): Pub-style American fare with a full bar. It’s a local favorite for burgers, pizza, and karaoke or trivia nights.
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Poor People’s Pub (Rochester, NH): Over the border in NH, this no-frills pub is known for homestyle food, daily specials, and a fun atmosphere.
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Smitty’s Cinema & Pub (Sanford, ME): Catch a movie while dining. They serve dinner, craft beers and wine at your table, plus you can bowl or play arcade games on site. A fun night out alternative.
No matter your taste or budget, the Acton area has something to satisfy you – from ice cream cones and BBQ to seafood platters and diner comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acton, Maine
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Where is Acton, Maine located? Acton sits in York County, along Maine’s western border with New Hampshire. It’s southwest of Sanford and Portland, and northeast of Portsmouth, NH. The town covers about 38 square miles of forests and lakes. ZIP code 04001 covers Acton and some surrounding countryside.
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What is Acton’s population and size? Around 2,700 people lived in Acton as of the 2020 Census. It’s a small, sparsely populated town (about 70 people per square mile), giving it a quiet, rural atmosphere. The town includes the villages of Acton and Emery Mills, plus smaller areas like South Acton.
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What is the climate like? Acton has four seasons. Summers are warm but not hot (highs in the 70s–80s °F) with evenings cooling off. Fall brings vibrant foliage and comfortable temps. Winters are cold and snowy (average highs near 30–35 °F in January), great for winter sports but icy roads. Spring is cool and rainy, with wildflowers blooming late April–May. Overall the climate is typical of southern Maine: pleasant summers and cold winters.
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Are the schools good? Acton has its own small school (Acton School) serving pre-K through 8th grade, with about 300 students in all. Class sizes are small and the community is supportive. For high school, Acton students go to Sanford High School (MSAD 59) in nearby Sanford, which is a larger regional school. Education here is solid and focused on community involvement, though it’s a very rural school district.
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Is Acton a safe place to live? Yes, Acton is considered very safe. As a rural town, it has low crime rates. Neighbors tend to know each other, and there’s a strong community vibe. It’s an ideal setting for families who want a quiet, secure place. Like anywhere, common sense applies, but overall you’ll find friendly people and a peaceful environment.
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What is the cost of living? Acton’s cost of living is about on par with the Maine state average. Housing costs are moderate (median home prices are often below the Portland metro area rate). Utilities and groceries follow typical Maine prices. Property taxes in York County are higher than the national average, but Maine overall has a middle-of-the-road cost of living. Many residents work in nearby cities or do remote work, balancing country living with jobs in town.
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What can visitors do for fun? Outdoor activities rule here. You can boat, fish or swim on Acton’s lakes. Families love mini-golf at Wicky Ralph’s and Shaw’s Ridge. History buffs can explore Acton’s old churches or drive by the site of the old silver mine. In summer, local fairs and festivals are a must. The nearby city of Sanford adds shopping, a performing arts theater, and more restaurants if you crave city amenities. And of course, hiking trails and fall foliage are free! For a travel guide vibe: Acton is the perfect spot to unplug and enjoy nature.
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Where should I stay if I visit Acton? If you love camping, Acton’s Pine Ridge Campground (cabins and RV sites) is convenient. For hotel-style lodging, try Sanford (Quality Inn, Comfort Inn), Rochester NH (Econo Lodge, Comfort Inn), or Dover NH (Hampton Inn) – these are all 15–30 minutes away by car. Bed-and-breakfast lovers will enjoy Wakefield Inn & Restaurant (Sanbornville, NH). Vacation rentals by lakes and camp resorts like Jellystone Park are also great if you want a cabin experience. Book in advance for summer weekends!
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What are some local restaurants to try? In Acton, Blue Bay Seafood and Gotta Be Frank are local go-tos for casual dining. Iron Tails is fun for pub food. Don’t miss the ice cream at Wicky Ralph’s. Just over the line in New Hampshire, Miss Wakefield Diner serves excellent breakfast and comfort food. Sanford and Rochester (15–20 min away) offer everything from pizza and subs to ethnic cuisines. Overall, expect classic New England menus: seafood, steaks, burgers and hearty breakfasts. Maine’s coffee stands and bakeries are also worth checking out!
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Why move to Acton or visit it? People love Acton for its tranquility and scenic beauty. It’s a small town where neighbors wave and kids can run free. You can enjoy a lake or trail almost any day, and the community hosts fun events without being overcrowded. The commute to larger towns like Sanford, or even Portland, is easy enough, so you can have city jobs or shopping while living in the woods. Acton’s natural setting, friendly vibe, and reasonable amenities make it ideal for retirees seeking calm, families wanting space to grow, or weekend travelers yearning for an authentic Maine experience.
Summary: Why Visit or Move to Acton, Maine?
Acton, Maine has a charm all its own. It’s the kind of place where you can start the morning kayaking on a quiet lake, spend the afternoon hiking through forests or shopping for farm-fresh goods, and end the evening by a campfire under starry skies. The pace here is relaxed, the people are welcoming, and the scenery is always changing with the seasons. Whether you’re planning a vacation or looking for a new hometown, Acton offers the best of Maine’s outdoors combined with small-town warmth. You’ll find cozy lodging, delicious local eateries, and plenty of activities, yet Acton never feels crowded. In short, Acton is a friendly gateway to Maine’s natural beauty – a place to unwind, explore, and put down roots if you wish. It might just surprise you with how much is packed into this little corner of York County.