Nestled in scenic southwestern Maine, Hollis is a friendly bedroom community of nearby Portland. With rolling hills, rivers and lakes, and a population of about 4,750 (2020 census), this York County town offers a classic New England escape. Hollis covers roughly 33 square miles and sits at the edge of the greater Portland–Biddeford region. (Fun fact: the ZIP code for Hollis Center is 04042 and the area code is 207.)
History & Heritage
Hollis has deep roots in Maine’s colonial and 19th-century history. First known as “Little Falls Plantation,” this land was bought in 1664 by Major William Phillips. By 1798 it was incorporated as Phillipsburg, and then in 1810 residents renamed it Hollis. Historians aren’t certain why the name Hollis was chosen – it might honor Hollis, New Hampshire, or even be a nod to the Duke of Newcastle (family name Holles). The town grew as farmland and mill country: settlers raised corn, potatoes and hay on the sandy loam soil. Water-powered sawmills and factories sprang up along the Saco River at Hollis Village, Moderation Falls, Bar Mills and North Hollis. By the late 1800s the Portland & Rochester Railroad even crossed the southern part of town, linking Hollis to Portland and Boston. The mill activity faded by the 20th century, and today Hollis is mainly remembered for its farming heritage and quiet community feel.
Today’s Hollis: Facts & Figures
-
Population: ~4,745 (2020 U.S. Census), giving Hollis a close-knit, small-town feel. The community is predominantly white, and the median age is in the early 40s.
-
Area: 33 sq miles (about 32.0 land / 0.96 water). Much of the town is rural forest, farmland and waterways.
-
ZIP Code: 04042 (Hollis Center). (Many mailing addresses use “Hollis Center, ME 04042.”)
-
County: York County (southern Maine). Hollis is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metro area, though it feels much more rural than the city.
-
Income: Median household income is roughly $81,000 (above Maine’s average), reflecting relatively comfortable family incomes in this small town.
-
Government: No big city hall here – Hollis is run by a Board of Selectmen. Community decisions often happen at town meetings or the Hollis Community Building.
-
Fun Facts: Hollis’s official website is hollismaine.org. The town’s school district is RSU 57 (serving Hollis and neighboring Dayton) if you’re curious about local schools.
Top Things to Do in Hollis and Nearby
Despite its quiet size, Hollis has plenty to offer outdoorsy visitors and folks who want an authentic Maine experience:
-
Paddle the Saco River: The Saco River flows through town with gentle stretches perfect for canoeing or kayaking. You can launch near Messler’s (off Hollis Road) or at the Hollis Sports Complex and float downstream. Bring fishing gear – the river here offers trout and bass fishing amid peaceful forested banks.
-
Hollis Country Club & River Tap: Golfers can tee off at the Hollis Country Club (membership required), but anyone can dine at The River Tap & Grill. This charming riverside pub/restaurant overlooks the Saco River. Enjoy hearty New England pub fare (steaks, seafood, burgers) and local brews with a sunset view from the covered deck.
-
Hiking and Nature Trails: Stretch your legs on the Googins Woods Preserve, a 150-acre town forest with easy woodland trails and wetlands (parking on River Rd). Just a few miles away, the Indian Cellar Preserve (off Western Rd) offers about 3 miles of trails and even shallow waterfalls on the Saco River – once a Native American corn-grinding site. Both preserves are great for a nature walk, birdwatching or a summer picnic in the woods.
-
Pleasant Lake: A short drive from Hollis Center, Pleasant Lake is a 950-acre reservoir spanning Hollis, Limerick and Waterboro. With public boat ramps and a small beach, it’s ideal for boating, swimming and fishing (trout, salmon and bass). Rent a kayak or pontoon from local providers, or just relax on the sandy shore in summer. The lake’s calm waters and forest backdrop make every sunrise stunning.
-
Local Farms & Markets: Hollis still has working farms. In summer, stop by Joan & Brad’s Berry Farm to pick strawberries and blueberries (they also sell pies and jams). On Route 117, Uncle’s Farm Stand grows vegetables, flowers and pumpkins and sells local honey and maple syrup. Visiting these farm stands is a great way to taste genuine Maine farm flavors and chat with local growers.
-
Hollis Sports Complex: At the end of Military Rd you’ll find sports fields, walking trails and a playground. It’s a hub of activity on warm weekends – youth soccer games, community events, or just kite-flying in the open fields.
-
Scenic Drives and Fall Foliage: Take a drive on Cape Road or Lower Main Street (Route 117) for quintessential Maine scenery. Rolling green farms, red barns and the sight of the Saco River in the distance give a picture-postcard feel. Fall color season is spectacular here, with maples and oaks painting the roadsides bright red and orange.
-
State Parks Nearby: Hollis is a great base for exploring Southern Maine’s parks. About 15 minutes north is Bradbury Mountain State Park (in Pownal) – hike the trail up Bradbury Mountain for panoramic views. To the west, Sebago Lake State Park (in Casco) offers beach swimming and camping on Maine’s second-largest lake. In winter, Pleasant Mountain’s Shawnee Peak ski resort (Bridgton) is less than an hour away for downhill skiing and snow tubing.
-
Portland & Coast Getaways: You’re only a 20-minute drive from Portland, so it’s easy to enjoy city life too. Explore the Old Port’s shops, art galleries or harbor cruises. Likewise, Old Orchard Beach’s sandy shore (with Palace Playland amusement park) is about a half-hour south for a classic beach day. If you fancy shopping, the outlets of Freeport (including LL Bean) are also nearby.
-
Winter Fun: When snow falls, Hollis gets a nice blanket of white. Locals cross-country ski and snowshoe on area trails. Nearby, Pleasant Mountain (Shawnee Peak) offers skiing and snowboarding. In January and February, you can even try ice fishing on local ponds or join a winter festival in a neighboring town.
From quiet riverside mornings to starry woodland nights, Hollis is all about enjoying nature and Maine traditions. Pack a picnic and make a day of it – you’ll likely bump into friendly neighbors waving hello along the way.
Dining & Eateries in Hollis
Hollis doesn’t have big chains, but its homey restaurants and taverns serve up big flavors. Most menus lean American comfort food and pub fare:
-
River Tap & Grill (52 Golf Course Ln, Hollis Center): The most upscale spot in town, located at the golf club. Enjoy steak, fresh seafood and creative cocktails on a covered deck overlooking the Saco River. The River Tap is perfect for a relaxed dinner or weekend brunch – they often have live music on the patio in summer.
-
Ole Station Crossing Grill & Tavern (415 Hollis Rd, Hollis Center): A classic Maine bar & grill housed in a 19th-century railroad station. Features include burgers, fried seafood platters, pizza and hearty sandwiches. It’s casual dining (sometimes BYOB nights), and the outdoor beer garden and old train artifacts give it unique character.
-
Town Line Family Restaurant (10 New County Rd, near Hollis): A beloved local diner just over the line in Lyman (but with a Hollis-area vibe). Serves breakfast all day, plus home-style lunch and dinner specials (chicken pot pie, meatloaf, fish & chips, etc.). Stop by in the morning for pancakes and a cozy, down-home atmosphere.
-
Just Julie’s (1393 Long Plains Rd, Buxton): A short drive away in Buxton, this tiny café is a locals’ favorite. Menu items include paninis, soups and scratch-made daily specials. (Hours can be limited, so check before you go.) It’s praised for friendly service and delicious comfort eats.
-
Kirin Asian Kitchen (171 Main St, Waterboro): If you’re craving Thai food or sushi, Kirin in nearby Waterboro is your spot. They offer spicy curries, noodle bowls, hibachi and a sushi bar – quite a range for a small town. It’s great for takeout or a casual dine-in night when you want something different.
-
Tory Hill Café (15 Pinkham Dr, Buxton): A funky café just a few miles from Hollis. Known for breakfast sandwiches, waffles and coffee during the day. They also host live music nights occasionally. The cafe’s eclectic decor and hometown vibe make it a fun stop for brunch or a cup of coffee.
-
Dunkin’ (Route 112, Hollis Center): For fast, reliable snacks and coffee on the go, Dunkin’ is in town. It’s not Maine cuisine, but handy for morning coffee runs or a quick doughnut before hiking.
For wood-fired pizza, Tex-Mex or finer dining, you’ll head a bit farther to Saco, Biddeford or Portland. But don’t miss the local charm of Hollis’s spots – the soups, chowders and classic Maine dishes here taste like home.
Where to Stay in and around Hollis
Hollis itself has no large hotels, but there are cozy local options and nearby lodgings that feel just as convenient:
-
PineCrest Inn & Cabins (Bar Mills Rd, Hollis Center): A historic country inn built in the 1800s, now a B&B with a few attached rustic cabins. Guests love the antiques-filled rooms, gourmet breakfast, and quiet countryside setting along the Saco River.
-
Ocean House Motel (Bar Mills Rd, Hollis Center): A simple family-owned motel right off Route 202. Clean, basic rooms at a budget price – perfect for road-trippers who just need a no-frills place to sleep. It’s a 5-minute drive to Hollis Center’s shops and eateries.
-
Sunnyside Cottages (Pleasant Lake Rd, Hollis/Waterboro): If lakeside lodging appeals to you, these year-round cottages on Pleasant Lake are ideal. Each cottage has a private dock. They rent by the week in summer (off-season is quiet as they mostly close in winter). Imagine waking up to a lake view!
-
Camp Laughing Loon (North Hollis Rd): A family campground with tent sites, RV hookups and cabin rentals. Great for campers who like a few conveniences – there’s a camp store, outdoor pool and playground. The forested setting is peaceful, and it’s still just 10 minutes from town.
-
Nearby Inns and B&Bs: Just outside Hollis, Jeremiah Mason House (Limerick) is a beautifully restored 1830s B&B about 10 minutes away. It’s very popular with weekend visitors. There are also guesthouses and B&Bs in Dayton, Buxton and Waterboro if you need more variety.
-
Hotels in Portland/Saco: For more traditional hotel comforts (fitness center, on-site restaurant, etc.), consider staying in Portland or Saco. Most major chains and plenty of restaurants are there, and Hollis is only a 20–30 minute drive away, making it an easy day trip into town.
No matter where you stay, the whole region is rural and safe, so even hotels in neighboring towns feel like you’re a part of Hollis’s countryside. Many visitors split their stay between a night on the coast and a night in the woods!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hollis, Maine
-
Where is Hollis, Maine? Hollis is in York County in southern Maine. It’s about 20 miles north of Portland. Major roads nearby include Routes 35, 117 and 202. The town sits along the Saco River, bordering Buxton and Dayton. (From I-95 you can exit at 36 and drive a few miles on local routes to reach Hollis.)
-
What is the population of Hollis? Roughly 4,745 (as of the 2020 census). Hollis is a small town, and its population has grown slowly – up from 4,281 in 2010. It’s still very rural compared to nearby cities.
-
How did Hollis get its name? In 1810 the town’s name was changed from Phillipsburg to Hollis. Why “Hollis”? Historians aren’t completely sure. Many believe it was inspired by Hollis, New Hampshire (an older town with that name) or possibly the family name of a British duke (Newcastle’s family was called Holles). The exact reason wasn’t officially recorded.
-
What is the ZIP code of Hollis? The primary ZIP code is 04042 (Hollis Center). If you’re sending mail, use “Hollis Center, ME 04042.” (Some rural outlying areas might use neighboring town zip codes, but Hollis Center itself is 04042.)
-
What county is Hollis in? Hollis is in York County, which is the southernmost county in Maine. It’s part of the Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area but maintains its distinct country-town character.
-
What are the main attractions in Hollis? Hollis is prized for its outdoor activities. The Saco River (canoeing, fishing), Pleasant Lake (boating, beach), and local hiking spots like Googins Woods and Indian Cellar are big draws. The town also has a few cozy restaurants and farm stands. Most visitors come for the small-town Maine charm, fresh air and nature.
-
Where can I eat in Hollis? Hollis has family-run restaurants and taverns. The top pick is the River Tap & Grill (American cuisine on the river). Ole Station Crossing (in an old train depot) and Town Line Family Restaurant (classic diner cooking) are local favorites, plus there’s a Dunkin’ for coffee and snacks. For more variety, you can easily drive into nearby Saco or Portland for anything from lobster rolls to fine dining.
-
Where can I stay near Hollis? Hollis itself has a few B&Bs and motels like PineCrest Inn and Ocean House Motel. There’s also lakeside cottage rentals on Pleasant Lake and a family campground. If you want a hotel chain experience, Portland and Saco are nearby (20–30 min away). In general, any lodging in the immediate area (Limerick, Waterboro, Buxton, etc.) feels just as convenient as staying in Hollis, thanks to the short drives.
-
What is the climate like in Hollis? Hollis experiences the typical four seasons of Maine. Summers are warm and humid (highs often in the 80s°F), great for kayaking and swimming. Fall brings cool crisp air and spectacular foliage. Winters are cold with plenty of snow (can be 20–30 inches a year), which is perfect for skiing or cozy fires. Spring is mild and often rainy. In short, Hollis is lush and green in summer and white with snow in winter.
-
Is Hollis a good place to live? Many residents think so! Hollis is known for its peaceful rural lifestyle, good local schools, and safe neighborhoods. The community is small but active (town meetings, sports leagues, volunteer fire department, etc.). People often say the quality of life is high – you get country living with easy access to Portland for jobs and city amenities. If you enjoy nature and a friendly town, Hollis is a top choice.
Summary
Hollis, Maine is a charming country town that offers a bit of everything: historic New England character, hearty local eats, and plenty of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re waking up to a quiet lake sunrise or winding down by a campfire in the woods, Hollis delivers a warm Maine welcome. Enjoy the friendly locals, the scenic river and forest views, and real small-town atmosphere. Pack your hiking boots, fishing pole or paddle – with every visit you’ll see why Hollis is a delightful hidden gem. Plan your trip to Hollis soon and make yourself at home in this peaceful Maine setting.