Smyrna

Smyrna, Maine, is a rural town located in southern Aroostook County in northeastern Maine, situated west of Houlton. For anyone planning a visit, understanding the layout and amenities of Smyrna Maine will help you navigate the community.

Geography and Demographics

The town covers an area of 35.20 square miles, consisting of 35.11 square miles of land and 0.09 square miles of water, at an official elevation of 879 feet (268 meters) above sea level. It shares borders with Ludlow to the east, Oakfield to the south, and Merrill to the west. The East Branch Mattawamkeag River runs through Smyrna, flowing near the village of Smyrna Mills in the southern portion of town.

According to the 2020 Decennial Census, Smyrna has a population of 439 residents. Census estimates list the median household income at $57,750, with a municipal poverty rate of 15.79%.

Local Economy and Businesses

Agriculture and local retail make up a key part of daily business in Smyrna. Enterprises throughout the town include:

• The Back 40 Farm Market: A retail cooperative hub for approximately 12 to 26 local Amish farm families that sells produce, dairy, grass-fed beef, pastured poultry and pork, and baked goods.
• The Pioneer Place, U.S.A.: An off-grid general store established in the late 1990s supplying dry goods, tools, and farming items.
• Moosehead Meats: A USDA-certified slaughterhouse serving the agricultural community.
• Farms: Local commercial agricultural operations include Lilley Farms Inc., which raises and sells beef, and Marley Mountain Poultry.
• Trades and Services: Local shops offer metal roofing, Sturdi-Bilt storage buildings, bicycle repair, greenhouse goods at Merri-Gold Greenhouse, furniture making, rustic woodworking, and leather and harness work.
• Dining and Lodging: The Brookside Inn is located along Route 2, providing lodging and a sit-down restaurant.

Community and Cultural Life

The Smyrna – Merrill Historical Society is located at 3411 County Road in Smyrna Mills. Housed in a former United Methodist Church building, the organization preserves area history and hosts cultural activities, including community dinner theater plays performed by local actors.

Outdoor Recreation

Smyrna offers four-seasons outdoor recreation, nature access, and wildlife viewing:

• Fishing: The East Branch Mattawamkeag River is used for catching brook trout and bass.
• Snowmobiling: Snowmobile routes connect to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS), maintained in cooperation with groups such as the nearby Smoki-Haulers Snowmobile Club on Oakfield Smyrna Road.
• ATV Riding: The town connects to the southern Aroostook County ATV network, with neighboring trailheads and park-and-ride facilities maintained by the Knowles Corner ATV Club off the Smyrna-Oakfield Road.

Schools

Smyrna is part of Regional School Unit #50 (RSU 50), which also includes Crystal, Dyer Brook, Hersey, Island Falls, Merrill, and Oakfield. Public education facilities and programs include:

• Southern Aroostook Community School: A comprehensive PK-12 public school operated by RSU 50.
• Region Two School of Applied Technology: Located in Houlton, offering career and technical education training to Southern Aroostook Community School students.
• Adult Education: RSU 50 provides adult education programming.

Town Government and Public Services

Smyrna operates under a Selectmen, Town Manager, and Town Meeting form of government. The Board of Selectmen and Commissioners consists of Perry Lilley, Kevin Brannen, John Graham, Ross Crandall, and Clifford Folsom.

• Town Office: Located at 3391 Route 2. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with extended hours until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The fax number is (207) 757-7155.
• Administration: Candis Nevers serves as Town Manager, Tax Collector, Deputy Treasurer, and Clerk. Alberta McDonald serves as Treasurer, Deputy Clerk, and Deputy Tax Collector.
• Emergency Services: Law enforcement is provided by the Maine State Police and the Aroostook County Sheriff's Office, supported by a local Animal Control Officer. Fire protection is contracted through the Oakfield Fire Department, and local fire wardens handle town fire duties.

Transportation

U.S. Route 2 runs east-west through Smyrna and Smyrna Mills, paralleling Interstate 95 before connecting with it at Exit 291. Houlton, the county seat, is located about 15.5 miles east via U.S. Route 2 and Interstate 95. Houlton International Airport is accessed to the east off I-95 Exit 305 and Route 2. For public transit, the Aroostook Regional Transportation System (ARTS) operates bus and demand-response services connecting Smyrna Mills to Houlton and neighboring communities on designated weekly schedules.