In the summer of 1904, Hal and Will Grant started Grant’s. They rowed boatloads of boards down the lake to build their camps. The first camp was called “Ready” as it was the first camp ready for their father, Ed Grant, who was running Beaver Pond Camps at the head of Kennebago River. He left and joined his sons in the running of their new business. The rates were $2/per day per person and $1.25 for guide’s board. Just before the opening of the camp in May of 1977, a fire destroyed 14 buildings and burned 3 acres of woods. They were quickly rebuilt, and the tradition of Maine’s sporting camps continued to this day for sportsmen and their families.
In the summer of 1904, Hal and Will Grant started Grant’s. They rowed boatloads of boards down the lake to build their camps. The first camp was called “Ready” as it was the first camp ready for their father, Ed Grant, who was running Beaver Pond Camps at the head of Kennebago River. He left and joined his sons in the running of their new business. The rates were $2/per day per person and $1.25 for guide’s board. Just before the opening of the camp in May of 1977, a fire destroyed 14 buildings and burned 3 acres of woods. They were quickly rebuilt, and the tradition of Maine’s sporting camps continued to this day for sportsmen and their families.
From Flyrod Crosby’s notebook: “March 26, 1912: What will probably be the most luxuries camp in the state of Maine when completed is being built by the Kennebago Hotel Company. The camp will cost not far from $15,000 and will be fitted with every modern luxury, including four baths and a gas system of illumination. The camp is of peeled logs and has a broad piazza extending nearly around the building. There will be a living room 22 x 25 feet and a dining room 16 x 22 feet. Ten sleeping rooms about 10 x 17 feet with some of them opening off a balcony that will run around the main living room. Two of the bathrooms will be above and two below. There will be toilet facilities and a large guide’s room and servants’ quarters in the rear. A powerful steam heating plant has been installed. The exterior will be of peeled spruce. There will be a stone fireplace with a 5-foot opening in the living room.”
Back from the shore was a logging camp. The loggers lived there, took care of their horses and went into the woods to chop. There was a big field that served as a twitching area. The operation went into full swing as soon as the sap began to run.
The rope swing was first put up in the early 1970’s by a camp owner from the east end of the lake. The perfect spot to climb up, grab the rope, and with a mighty yell of bravado, swing out over the water and splash into the lake below.
Just beyond Flat Iron Brook, there is a dock, which is the start of the trail into Flat Iron pond. A short hike opens into a beautiful little Maine pond that holds some feisty brook trout. In the early 1900’s guides would take their sports into fishing and an overnighter. It was a favorite 2-day fishing trip for the sports from away. Today, Grant’s maintains the trail and keeps two boats there for their guests’ use – both fishermen and families.
The early 1900’s were the years of a proud line of steamers that plied the waters of Kennebago Lake. The last of the steamers on the lake was the Constance, which was later converted from steam to motor. Following the Constance was the Kennebago III, which ferried guest from the train at the foot of the lake down to the Kennebago Lakehouse at the head of the Lake. It also served as a mail boat stopping at camps along the way. Now at rest, the remains can be seen tucked into the shoreline.
Originally started by Ed Grant in 1875, it was known as the Forest Retreat House. Ed sold it in 1888 and started Beaver Pond Camps. It is said that the glory days of Kennebago began in 1908. Soon it featured a large sitting room and a huge dining room. Twenty-six cabins lined the shore at Snowman’s Point. Cabin boys lit the morning fires and brought breakfast to some of the camps. In 1916, electricity was brought to the camps. One of the highlights was in 1939 when ex-president Herbert Hoover and Maine’s Governor Lewis O. Barrows spent time fly fishing as guests of, what by then was called, Kennebago Lake Camps. In the late 1960’s some of the camps were sold to the public. In 1972, the contents of the hotel were sold at auction, and in 1974 the hotel was torn down. All of the camps are now privately owned with a respect to a proud past.
It was 1976 when a little girl named Jeanie Clarke had an idea. She named this little island Treasure Island and divided it into plots, marking the square plots with small flags. She buried some of her treasures in one or more of these plots, and then proceeded to sell the plots to her friends. She let them know that some had buried treasure, and some did not. There was a land rush, but no one found the treasure until 2005, when children, while digging, found a plastic horse buried so long ago near a small tree by a little girl named Jeanie.
After rowing the sports around the lake for a good morning of fly fishing, Fontinalis was a favorite spot to go ashore for lunch. If you were lucky, your guide would prepare a favorite-Trout-Chowder over an open fire. As the years went by, guests from the Kennebago Lake House went there for family picnics, as many still do.
A favorite cove on the lake for fishermen is Wilber Brook, where it runs into Kennebago Lake. It runs hard in the spring, bringing with it lots of feed for the trout and salmon. When fall comes, and the lake is drawn down in preparation for heavy snows, folks like to walk along the almost dry brook, and look for arrowheads.
It was at the time of the Civil War and many of Rangeley’s sons went off to battle, but as in all wars, some did not. They headed north to avoid conscription. They arrived on the shores of the Kennebago in 1861 where they made camp and hid out. They planned to continue on to Canada but the winter was severe, with deep snow, so they stayed in their secret camp on Kennebago Lake trading supplies, brought in by ox team, for the fur they trapped. They had skedaddled and from that day on, it was been known as Skedaddler’s Cove.
It is said that in the early 1900s, one of the guests at Grant’s who was an avid fisherman, was the first to fish in the morning and the last one to come off the lake in the evening. Nothing unusual about that, but for one thing – he always fished in just one spot. You’re probably thinking that because he spent so much time there, he must have himself an outhouse. But not this sport, and he must have been a real “good sport” as his name actually was Mr. Outhouse!
In early spring Black Brook rushes into Big Sag bringing with it abundant feed for the waiting salmon and trout, making for some of the best fishing of the year. Grant’s has now cleared an old trail that roughly follows the brook, opening up hundreds of acres of land for bird hunters in the fall.
In the early 1800s, there was an out camp located here in the woods, where the guides would be ashore and the sports would spend a night or two on their way up river to Little Kennabago Lake for a fine day of fishing. In 1891, the first privately owned camp on Kennebago Lake was built here and was known as Camp Winnebeskaotuc. The cook’s camp (kitchen) was a separate building and it still remains that way.
In the early 1900s guests from Grant’s camps would have their guides row them across the lake for a picnic. Families still enjoy a boat trip to their sandy beach for a picnic and swim.
Smelt run up Norton in the early spring at ice out and moose feed in the shallows on many mornings. It is easily seen from Grant’s dining room and the docks.
In earlier times, logs were sluiced down the Kennebago River making their long journey to the Androscoggin River and the mills in Berlin, NH. Soon came the end of the river drives, and the causeway was improved to accommodate the logging trucks.
Just before you get to the boathouse, you can see the remains of the Hunkey Dorey. It was the fastest speedboat on the lake. During prohibition, whiskey that was smuggled out of Canada, was rowed down the lake, making stops at camps along the way.
Grant’s Camps is more than just a Trophy Fishing and Hunting Destination. During the Summer months, the Rangeley Lakes Region is one of New England’s best kept secrets for escaping peak summer crowds at the more well-known summer vacation spots.
If you like peaceful hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming or just reading in the hammock, unlimited opportunities are right out your front door. And there are still fish to be caught! Truly a hidden gem, Grant’s provides a peaceful, idyllic getaway for guests of all ages whether you are playing in the sun or just relaxing on the porch.
An easy trip floating down the Kennebago River and all you bring is a positive attitude. We provide the kayaks/canoes, paddles, life preservers, and a packed lunch for each paddler. Once everybody is loaded the shuttle will bring you to the drop off location and ensure that everybody is floating before sending you down river. At the end of your trip you’ll arrive back at Grants where you can unload and pick up your vehicle.
Short Run: This trip typically takes 1-2 hours for the average paddler. It begins at drop off point B just beyond the bridge. You enter the river at one of the more popular fishing spots. The next section of the river is filled with wildlife such as ducks, Canadian geese, and other birds. If you look into the shallow waters you may see a few trout or salmon. You’ll paddle under the bridge and around the bend before arriving at the Logans. A shallow grassy area where moose like to graze and loons nest. You might even see a wild fisherman along the banks. There is a little island or a beach which is a perfect spot for a picnic. Then journey under another bridge back into Kennebago Lake and paddle your way along the shoreline back to Grant’s. (Place Side by side with Long Run if possible)
Long Run: This trip typically takes 2-3 hours for the average paddler. It begins higher up the Kennebago River at drop off point A and travels down the river before coming upon Little Kennebago Lake where you’ll be surrounded by mountains before journeying back into the river. Once back in the river you’ll paddle by drop off point B where Short Run starts and continue the journey back to camp.
Rate: $40
We provide the trails; you provide the get-up-and-go! We maintain 5 miles of trails along the river for both hikers and fishermen. There are other hikes such as West Mt. or the Loop around Flat Iron and John’s Pond.
Mountain Biking has quickly become one of the favorite summer activities here at Grant’s. We can help you plan a one-mile tour within our gate or up to a 62-mile route around the region.
Swimming is right off the dock in front of your camp, take a boat ride across the lake to picnic and swim at sandy Norton Brook Beach or boat/drive/walk to the mouth of the lake and swim on the sandy Causeway Beach.
Description: Sail boats, canoes and kayaks are for those who want to get really close to the water! Give it a try!
Enjoy a different view of the lake! With miles of water and no high-speed power boats to contend with – boating makes for an exciting afternoon in the sun. Sailboats, canoes and kayaks are FREE for our guests from July 1st through September 14th.
Features/Benefits: Boating, Sailing, Canoeing, Idyllic Scenery, Adventure, Birdwatching,
Location: Kennebago Lake
Audience: Adults; Families (including children of all ages)
Cost: Free
“Lovingly family run camps on Kennebago Lake near Rangeley, Maine! Weather you are an avid fisherman seeking a renowned location for fly fishing, or just looking for a relaxing and quiet place to getaway surrounded by natural beauty, this is the place to go! Several well maintained, rustic cabins along the lake with three hearty meals a day provided. Many activities to choose from, including canoeing, kayaking, sailing, fishing, swimming, or hiking and nature walks. Staff are all very friendly and attentive. What a great way to unplug and enjoy the abundance that Mother nature has provided!
Enjoy a boat ride around the perimeter of Kennebago Lake with a self-guided map of historical special events, people, and landmarks to learn more about the uniqueness of the lake.
If you’re looking to get away this is the place, everyone is so friendly. The food is excellent. The fresh air is abundant. And the scenery is breathtaking you can even see every star in the sky. I highly recommend this place.
Enjoy a scenic ride through the mountains or go out for a day of fishing and picnicking at Rapid River, Sabboth Day pond and C Pond. Catch a flight right from a dock at Grant’s and be back in time for dinner. Please be sure to make a reservation. Flyout service provided by Acadian Seaplane.
Rate: Rates determined by Acadian Seaplane. Reservations are required. www.acadianseaplanes.com | (207) 864-5307
“Last year my fiance proposed to me here in the restaurant [at Grant’s Camps] after we did the Acadian seaplane tour in Rangeley. The waitress, owners and staff were in on the surprise and went above and beyond to make this special moment just that. Truly thankful for the young lady who even snuck pictures which came out exceptional, while he was popping the question. Thank you all so much for helping make our engagement so memorable.”