Limestone, Maine

Home of the Maine School of Science and Mathematics.

Overview

Limestone is a unique northern Maine community in Aroostook County with deep roots in agriculture and aviation history. Settled in 1849 by Mark Trafton and incorporated around 1869, the town was named for its distinctive limestone deposits. Limestone became synonymous with Loring Air Force Base, a major Strategic Air Command installation from 1947 until its closure in 1994. Today, the former base operates as Loring Commerce Centre, an industrial park, while the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge occupies portions of the old runway. The town is also home to the prestigious Maine School of Science and Mathematics and serves as a gateway to the remarkable Maine Solar System Model.

Key Facts

Population 1,526

Region Aroostook

County Aroostook

Founded 1869

Nearest City Caribou (10 mins)

Town Office Visit official website

What Limestone Is Known For

Limestone Local Highlights

Former Loring Air Force Base

Historic Strategic Air Command base operational 1947-1994, now transformed into Loring Commerce Centre industrial park and nature refuge.

Maine School of Science and Mathematics

Prestigious public magnet school for academically talented students from across Maine, providing advanced STEM education.

Maine Solar System Model

The largest 3-D scale model solar system in the western hemisphere, stretching 100 miles along Route 1 with Limestone near the inner planets.

Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge

4,700-acre wildlife sanctuary on the former airbase runway, providing habitat for grassland birds and other species.

Things to Do

Explore Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge

Visit this unique wildlife sanctuary on a former Air Force Base runway, observing grassland birds and diverse wildlife habitats.

Tour the Maine Solar System Model

Experience the world's largest scale solar system stretching 100 miles, with Limestone near Mercury and Venus along Route 1.

Visit Loring Air Museum

Discover aviation history and artifacts from Loring Air Force Base's Strategic Air Command era at this specialized museum.

Enjoy Trafton Lake

Fish, kayak, or relax at this scenic lake offering peaceful recreation in northern Maine's potato country.

Living in Limestone

Limestone offers affordable living in Maine's far north with a unique blend of agricultural heritage and aviation history. The town of 1,526 residents provides access to world-class education at MSSM and peaceful rural living near Caribou's services. Harsh winters and remote location attract hardy residents who value community, wide-open spaces, and northern Maine's distinctive character.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Mild, 65-78°F

winter

Very cold and snowy, -5-20°F

spring

Cool, 32-52°F

fall

Crisp, 35-58°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Moose Black Bears Snowshoe Hares Grassland Birds

How to Get There

Limestone is located in northern Aroostook County along Route 89, approximately 10 minutes south of Caribou and 15 minutes from the Canadian border. From Presque Isle, take Route 1 north to Caribou, then Route 89 south to Limestone. The town sits at 46.9°N latitude, making it one of Maine's northernmost communities.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Limestone outline

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Loring Air Force Base?

Loring Air Force Base closed in 1994 after serving as a Strategic Air Command installation from 1947. Today, the former base operates as Loring Commerce Centre industrial park, and portions serve as Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge.

What is the Maine Solar System Model?

It's the largest 3-D scale model solar system in the western hemisphere, stretching nearly 100 miles from the Sun in Presque Isle to Eris in Topsfield. Each mile represents one astronomical unit, with planets along Route 1 featuring pocket parks and information panels.

What is the Maine School of Science and Mathematics?

MSSM is a prestigious public magnet high school located in Limestone, offering advanced STEM education to academically talented students from across Maine. It provides a rigorous residential program on the former Air Force Base campus.