⛳ Mt. Kineo Golf Course: A Historic Masterpiece on the Shores of Moosehead Lake

Writer: Gerry Caron | May 18, 2025 | 6 min read

🏌️‍♂️ Tee Off with Legends: Where Gilded Age History Meets Raw Maine Wilderness

Are you ready for the most unique golfing experience in New England? Step back in time and onto the green at the Mt. Kineo Golf Course. Thought to be the second oldest golf course in New England, this historic 9-hole gem has been challenging golfers since the 1880s.

Originally built to serve the elite guests of the Mount Kineo House—once the largest inland waterfront hotel in America—the course remains a living monument to the region’s golden era of travel. Today, it offers an unparalleled blend of technical play and staggering natural beauty, with the 1,789-foot sheer flint cliffs of Mount Kineo serving as your permanent backdrop.

🌊 The Course: 9 Holes of Pure Adrenaline & Serenity

This public course isn’t just scenic; it’s a masterclass in technical layout. From tight, tree-lined fairways to fast greens that demand precision, Kineo is a “bucket list” destination for every serious golfer.

• The Signature Challenge: Hole #4 (The Overwater Par 3): Measuring 138 yards, this iconic hole requires a nerve-wracking shot directly over the crystal-clear waters of Moosehead Lake to a green tucked at the base of the mountain cliffs. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful—and demanding—holes in Maine.

• Wild Neighbors: Don’t be surprised if your gallery includes a grazing moose, a soaring bald eagle, or the haunting call of a loon. This is Maine golfing at its wildest.

💵 2025 Mt. Kineo Golf Course Rates

Golf at Kineo is as accessible as it is legendary. 2025 Pricing:

• Memberships: Single ($750), Couple ($850), and Family ($1,050) options available.

🚤 Getting There: The Mount Kineo Shuttle

Since there are no roads to the Kineo peninsula, your adventure begins with a scenic 10-minute ferry ride from the Rockwood Public Landing.

2025 Shuttle Schedule (May 23 – Oct 13)

• May & June: Depart Rockwood at 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM.

• July & August: Hourly service from 8 AM to 6 PM.

• Sept & Oct: Hourly service from 9 AM to 4 PM.

• Fare: $15.00 Round-trip (Ages 6+). Pay the captain in CASH onboard.

🏨 Your Elite Golfing Basecamp: Moose River Lookout

Why rush home after the 9th green? Retreat to the premier sanctuary of the Highlands. Moose River Lookout in Rockwood is a fully renovated, high-energy vacation rental just minutes from the shuttle docks.

• Riverside Luxury: Nestled on the Moose River with a private dock, perfect for paddling directly to Kineo or watching the sunset over the water.

• Adventurer’s Dream: Sleeps 7 with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Features fast WiFi, Smart TVs, and direct access to ITS66 for ATVing and snowmobiling.

• Location: A short walk or paddle to the Kineo Ferry.

Book Your Stay:

• Phone: 800-544-0300

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: Moose River Lookout

🧭 Plan Your 2025 Adventure

• Season: Memorial Day Weekend through Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

• 📍 Address: Mount Kineo Golf Course, Rockwood, ME 04478

• 📞 Pro Shop: (207) 534-9012

• 🌐 Web: www.mooseheadlakegolf.com