📍 Location & Geography
Caribou is a city located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Maine, in Aroostook County. It is situated approximately 13 miles southwest of the Canada–United States border. The city is surrounded by sprawling farmland and dense forests, with the Aroostook River running through it.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Caribou, Maine, are approximately 46.86 degrees North latitude and 68.01 degrees West longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Caribou is part of the New England region of the United States. It is the most northeastern city in America. The city covers a total area of approximately 80.10 square miles, of which 79.28 square miles is land and 0.82 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Caribou was approximately 7,622 people. The city’s population is predominantly Caucasian, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Caribou is around 43 years.
🏛️ History
Caribou was first settled in 1824 and was incorporated as a town in 1859. It was originally part of a larger town called Lyndon, but separated and was renamed Caribou in 1869. The city’s economy was initially based on farming and lumbering, with the introduction of the potato industry in the late 19th century providing a significant boost. Caribou was officially incorporated as a city in 1967.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Caribou is renowned for its beautiful natural surroundings. It is home to the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for a variety of wildlife species. The city also boasts several parks, including the Collins Pond Park and the Teague Park. The Aroostook River and numerous smaller streams provide opportunities for fishing and boating.
🏫 Education
Education in Caribou is managed by the RSU 39 School District, which operates several schools in the city, including Caribou High School, Caribou Middle School, and Teague Park Elementary School. The city is also home to the Northern Maine Community College, offering a range of two-year degree programs.
🚧 Transportation
Caribou is served by U.S. Route 1 and Maine State Route 89. The city also has a municipal airport, Caribou Municipal Airport, which offers general aviation services. For public transportation, the Aroostook Regional Transportation System provides bus services in the city and surrounding areas.
📜 Trivia & Events
Caribou is known for its annual events, including the Caribou Marathon, the only USATF-certified marathon in Maine. The city is also home to the Nylander Museum of Natural History, which houses a collection of over 10,000 specimens. An interesting piece of trivia about Caribou is that it is the snowiest city in the eastern United States, often experiencing heavy snowfall during the winter months.