Wildlife Tours at NEOC: Looking for Moose and More in the Highlands of Maine

We love getting to spend time at the New England Outdoor Center (NEOC), and one of the things they offer for visitors and guests are wildlife tours. I know, “wild” is a part of the word wildlife, so that means that you’ll be out in the wilderness and hoping you’ll get to see something cool, but don’t worry as the experience is fun and beautiful whether or not you get to cross a moose off your Maine bucket list. The NEOC wildlife tours are flexible and totally worth adding to your visit.

Have you ever been on a moose tour before? While the NEOC Wildlife Tours aren’t only for moose, it’s what a lot of people expect to see when they head out on their adventure. We’ve got the full scoop on what a wildlife tour with NEOC is like and tips to have a great time. If you have any additional questions about NEOC or seeing moose in Maine, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a fun trip!

What to Expect on a NEOC Wildlife Tour

I love any opportunity to be out on the water or see wildlife, and when the two come together it makes me extra happy. As I said, NEOC offers two types of wildlife tours: via van on land or via pontoon boat on Millinocket Lake. Which tour you pick or gets recommended to you is dependent on a few factors from the weather to what wildlife has been around lately. Let’s talk about the NEOC pontoon boat tour first.

Pontoon boats are wonderful for being out on the water and relaxing for an afternoon, but they’re also wonderful for wildlife watching. I find that the stability of the pontoon boat is great for wildlife photography, whether it’s up in Lake Clark National Park in Alaska or right here on Millinocket Lake. For the NEOC wildlife boat tour, you leave from the dock at the lodge and head out across the lake with Mount Katahdin looking down on you. Once you pass some small islands you come to a very different part of the lake with streams, sandy beaches and pristine wilderness perfect for wildlife watching. The habitats you visit are perfect for moose, beavers, loons, eagles and more. It’s really lovely and a great addition to a visit to the Highlands.

For the wildlife van tours at the New England Outdoor Center you can expect a very different experience as your guide takes you through the many backroads around the Millinocket area and even into Baxter State Park if that’s where the vibe directs. Again, depending on the weather and time of year where you visit and what you’ll see can vary. There are so many ponds in the area you may see something different at each stop.

Tips for Enjoying a Wildlife Tour at NEOC

Wildlife tours are unpredictable, but always fun. Something I enjoyed about going out with NEOC to look for moose and birds was our guide’s outlook. He was just happy to be able to enjoy nature and the outdoors with us, and even though we didn’t get to see a moose together, he still had the best attitude because even a slow day on the water is a great day on the water. That’s the attitude to have when you’re doing a wildlife tour: any time outdoors is better than not being outdoors. Keeping a positive outlook is key to an enjoyable wildlife tour.

Another tip for having a great wildlife tour with NEOC (or any guide) is to be patient. Being out with a guide is good because they both know the best places to see creatures AND they tend to be very patient people. Sometimes you have to sit and quietly wait for the wildlife to show up and sometimes it’s just a fast experience. If it’s the former, being patient and helping kids maintain their patience is important. Being flexible with both the activity you’re doing and your expectations is another key to a successful wildlife tour.

Since wildlife can vary their behaviors and locations, it well may be that you’re on a tour that is visiting places you don’t expect. You may be having an off-road adventure instead of a boat tour because there have been more sightings in one place than another. You’ll talk with the NEOC staff in advance about the tour you want and what you’re hoping for, and then they’ll work with you to create the best experience. Be flexible with how your wildlife tour takes shape!

Being Prepared for Wildlife Tours in Millinocket

I’m all about the rubber boots, even if I don’t think I’m going to go tromping through the mud. It’s nice to be prepared for those moments when you may need to move through odd terrain to get a better look or photo, and I don’t ever want to regret not being ready. With that, you can wear regular shoes for a wildlife tour at NEOC, whether it’s on the boat or in a van. I like the rule of dressing for the weather I see and being ready for the weather I don’t. For sure bring at minimum a light jacket, and if the forecast suggested more cold weather, dress appropriately.

Visitors going out on the pontoon boat for their wildlife tour should be ready for much cooler temperature on the lake with more breeze. Bring your camera gear for your wildlife tour! Make sure your batteries are charged and that you have your telephoto lenses. Guides will do their best to get you close to wildlife, but also they are good about respecting distance and not harassing the wildlife. I wouldn’t say you need a tripod for your wildlife tour, unless you have talked with your guide and are planning a bit of a stakeout for moosing. Being flexible and ready to move is important. If you have a favorite pair of binoculars, bring those as well. Your wildlife tour guide will have binoculars available as well, so if you don’t want to bring your own or don’t have a great pair, don’t stress it.

Getting to NEOC in Millinocket, Maine

The New England Outdoor Center is in the middle of the eastern Highlands. From Bangor it’s about 2 hours, from Bar Harbor about 3.5 hours and from Portland around 4 hours driving. As you head up into the hills approaching Millinocket you’ll lose cell service in a few spots. I recommend downloading offline maps of the area, including Baxter State Park, before you start your drive. Once you make it to NEOC, you’ll have three different areas you may be heading: Mountain Biking hub, Millinocket Lake (the lodge) or the Penobscot Outdoor Center area (for paddling). They’re all very close to one another, but double check where you should be heading just to save a few minutes. People are pretty chill though, so if you cut it close for a scheduled tour or rental, they’ll understand. Be sure to call the office if you’re going to be late though.

More Things to do in the Highlands of Maine

The Highlands of Maine stretch from Bangor and sprawl to the north and west following the rise of the Appalachians. There are lots of small towns and state parks, and some of the most beautiful sights in Maine. I know that most people think of coastal Maine and its lighthouses when they think of what they’ll see when they come for a visit, but the Highlands are really the playground of Mainers. This region is why Maine is called “Vacationland” and you’ll see why when you come for a visit.

And you cannot forget that the Highlands is an epic winter playground too, with destinations like Sunday River, Saddleback and Sugarloaf. In winter you’ve got downhill and Nordic skiing, and in summer it’s all about hiking and fishing. During fall this is where you come for leaf peeping and to look for moose and other Maine wildlife.

Here are some great ideas for ways to enjoy the Highlands of Maine.

Where to Stay in the Highlands

Depending on the season you’re visiting the Highlands, you will have different options for where to stay. If you’re planning on climbing Mount Katahdin or doing a portion of the Appalachian Trail, Millinocket is a great place to be based. For other Appalachian Trail launch points you can find fun places to stay in Eustace, the Carrabassett Valley, and Rangely. Another amazing summertime destination is Greenville and Moosehead Lake.

For skiing you can stay in Newry or Hanover (for Sunday River), Rangely or Phillips (for Saddleback), or Carrabassett Valley for Sugarloaf. You’ll find lots of cross country / Nordic skiing all over, but the Katahdin Area Trails are great for it!