Dexter, Maine

Dexter, Maine is a charming rural town located on the Moosehead Trail in the heart of the State on the south side of pristine Lake Wassookeag. Referred to as being in the Maine Highlands, it is part of a particularly beautiful area that includes rolling hills, lush valleys, and numerous lakes and ponds. The 2020 Census recorded Dexter's population at 3,803. This was 92 less than the Census population of 3,895 that was recorded in 2010, an approximate 2.3% drop. The town has a combined land and water area that covers 37.16 sq. miles (96.24 sq. km). It is at the western edge of Penobscot County where it shares a border with Somerset County and Piscataquis County to the North.

Historical Society   Grist Mill Campus

Maine Vacationland

The state of Maine is described as being Vacationland and Dexter fits this designation well. Let there be no mistake about it, this part of New England experiences all four seasons full force and “Mainers,” in particular, embrace them all through a variety of recreational activities that can include boating, kayaking, fishing, sailing, swimming, 4 wheeling, snowmobiling, hiking, biking, golfing, hunting, and much more. There is a deep appreciation for nature and the forests here that often spans several generations. Maine is a rugged state with a diverse landscape and character. This is largely what draws so many visitors to the state each year - the need to get in touch with this and be refreshed.

Discover Lake Wassookeag

Sunrise at Lake Wassookeag
Dexter, Maine showing four landmarks

Dexter, Maine Landmarks

The business center of Dexter sits in a valley between Zions Hill on the west side and Bryant, or Main Street Hill on the east with Lake Wassookeag on the north side. The East Branch of the Sebasticook River flows from Lake Wassookeag in a southerly direction through the town. There are several landmarks of historic importance within close proximity of each other. In the photo to the left (or above if viewing this on a mobile device), the Abbott Memorial Library (1894) is to the left, the steeple at the upper left is the Universalist Church (1869), and the Town Hall (1857) is the building to the right of this. The Memorial in the foreground dated 1861 - 1865 reads “Erected by the citizens of Dexter in memory of her patriot sons.”

Learn About Dexter History

Government, Schools, Etc.

Dexter, Maine has a seven member Town Council / Town Manager form of government. The current Manager's name is Shelley Watson. The town is part of Alternative Organizational Structure No. 94, School Administrative District No. 46 which serves Dexter, Garland, and Exeter for grades K - 8 (at Ridge View Community School) and Dexter, Exeter, Garland, Ripley, and Harmony for grades 9 - 12 (at Dexter Regional High School). The current AOS94 / SAD #46 Superintendent is Kevin Jordan. Dexter also has an excellent 9 hole golf course, a public beach at a spring fed lake, a public boat launch, a regional airport, and a Tri-County Technical Center.

Ridge View Community School
Dexter, Maine coffee mug

Start Your Day With A Great Memory™.

“When I received my first order I was surprised at how good it looked and how it set the mood in the morning. We only needed to select what image to use.” (There are many.)

This photo shows Main Street from Zions Hill late at night after a light rain. The Town Clock, church steeple, Renys, Town Office, etc., are visible. The same image may also be ordered as a print, cellphone case, throw pillow, blanket, bath or beach towel, even a shower curtain or face mask.

Ceramic mugs are available in 11 oz and 15 oz sizes. We suggest the 15 oz version. They are dishwasher and microwave safe. Mugs are made-to-order and usually ship within 1-3 days.

Products are sold by Pixels.com • Photo by Greg A. Hartford

Coffee Mug   Prints

Dexter Resources

  • Dexter, Maine Town Office: (207) 924-7351
    23 Main Street, Dexter, ME 04930
    Town GPS: 45.028889, -69.286667
  • Dexter Historical Society: (207) 924-5721
    P.O. Box 481, Dexter, ME 04930
  • Fire Dept: (207) 924-7301   Emergency: Dial 911
  • Police: (207) 924-7622   Emergency: Dial 911
    Located at 1 Main Street
  • Abbott Memorial Library:
    1 Church Street, (207) 924-7292
  • Abbott Museum & Gift Shop:
    12 Church Street, (207) 924-5721
  • United States Post Office:
    2 Post Office Road, (207) 924-7500
  • Ridge View Community School:
    175 Fern Road Suite 3, (207) 924-6000
    School Website
  • Dexter Regional High School (DRHS):
    12 Abbott Hill Road, (207) 924-5536
  • Tri-County Technical Center:
    14 Abbott Hill Road, (207) 924-7670
  • Recreation Dept: (207) 270-0195
    Open Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Website
  • Utility District: 25 Main St., (207) 924-7367
  • Mayo Emergency Medical Services EMS:
    (207) 924-6268 • Emergency: Dial 911

Dexter Reinvents Itself

Dexter, Maine has gone through a huge amount of changes over the last few decades. It has always been an almost idyllic small rural town in appearance situated in a valley between two hills next to a beautiful spring fed lake. During the fifties and sixties, it was a dynamo of activity, an economic hub for many of the smaller villages and towns that surround it. There were numerous restaurants, a movie theater, bowling alley, pool hall, two plus woolen mills, and a national shoe company. Much has changed since then. There has needed to be big adjustments since, like so many northern and New England towns have had to do with the demise of many past industries. Dexter has settled into itself and is poised to define itself in a new way. The town is smaller but the beauty is still here all around.