activities

Swimming

In the summer it becomes nearly impossible to resist diving into the lake. The water is clear and crisp, and the temperature (while somewhat variable) is perfect for swimming. Many make a practice of swimming out to floating docks near the island, some endeavor to swim or float around the island, and a few athletes even swim out to other neighboring islands.

There is abundant life in Great Pond, and some kids spend entire afternoons catching crayfish. Adults and kids alike can enjoy snorkeling and discovering the wide variety of fish and aquatic life that call the lake home.

Boating

A canoe and/or a kayak and paddles are provided at each dock, free of charge. Lifejackets are available although guests might want to bring their own for small children. Many cabins also have stand-up paddleboards, or these can be rented from the Great Pond Marina in Belgrade Lakes Village.

Waterskiing and tubing are popular activities for all ages. Contact Great Pond Marina or Belgrade Boat Shop for motorboat rentals. Book early! Delivery of your boat right to the Taconnet dock is available for a nominal fee.

Please be aware that the use of jet skis is not permitted.

Fishing

Anglers, be sure to bring your fishing rods! Great Pond is known for its largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, brown trout, brook trout, salmon, smelt, white perch and pickerel. Fishing licenses are available at Day's General Store in Belgrade Lakes Village. You can also purchase a license online.

If interested in a fishing guide experience, contact Bronze Bass Guide Service in Belgrade.

Tennis

Three well-maintained Har-tru tennis courts are available on the island for guests at no charge. Each year we hire a dedicated professional to oversee tournaments, provide individual lessons, offer children’s tennis clinics, and maintain the courts. When not providing lessons or otherwise occupied, the tennis pro will be accessible for practice play or being a fourth for doubles.

Guests are invited to join an introductory round robin each Monday morning to meet other guests and players of similar abilities. On Monday afternoons, a free tennis clinic is held for children. During the week, private or group lessons are available at low rates.

Yoga

Enjoy relaxing yoga and stretching sessions in our open pine clearing. Classes are held throughout the week at various times of day to meet everyone’s vacation schedule. Yoga mats are provided. A nominal charge goes directly to the instructor.

Golf

The award-winning Belgrade Lakes Golf Club in nearby Belgrade Lakes Village was ranked a 2018 Top 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest. Other courses in the area include Waterville Country Club, Clinton Golf Course just north of Waterville, and two 18-hole courses at Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro.

Children's Activities

Unstructured: Taconnet has a small kids’ court where children can play basketball, soccer, wiffle ball, or whatever else imagination permits. Next to the Kiddie Court, there is a horseshoe pit and a small field which is perfect for tossing a frisbee or other games. For rainy days there are lots of puzzles and board games both in the lodge and in your cabin, as well as art kits available in the Office.

Structured: Arts, crafts or games keep the kids occupied each weekday morning. For children three years of age and older, activities are from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Younger children may participate with a parent. Meet at the picnic table by the Kiddie Court or in the Main Lodge in case of inclement weather.

Evening Activities

Fun for all ages! After supper, start a game of wiffle ball, kick ball, basketball, soccer, Capture the Flag and Movie Night. Join the fun or enjoy an after-dinner cup of coffee and watch. Another favorite activity is a trip to the lakeside Sunbeam Roller Rink in Smithfield; rent skates or bring your own rollerblades.

Sundays after dinner, there is a meet-and-greet which allows you to meet other Taconnet guests and enjoy coffee and desserts.

Local Hiking Trails

There are several local hiking trails including Mount Phillip (near the entrance to Starbird Lane), "The Mountain" on Route 27 north of Belgrade Village, French Mountain and Sanders Hill Trail (about 4 miles from Taconnet), and Round Top Trail (about 7 miles from Taconnet). Information is available at the 7 Lakes Alliance (formerly the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance and the Maine Lakes Resource Center).

Other Local Activities

For those who want to explore the towns near our island, there are many nearby attractions. Maine souvenirs and pantry items are available at several shops in Belgrade Lakes, an easy walk from end to end. Making a trip to Day’s Store for fudge and fishing lures is a classic that kids have enjoyed for generations. The ice cream at Gifford’s holds a similar place in the hearts of many. While you are there, be sure to play a round of mini-golf and take some swings in the batting cages.

If you want to try disc golf, there are two courses at Belgrade Lakes Disc Golf.

There are also two movie theaters nearby. Flagship Cinemas is about 20 minutes away in Waterville, and Regal Cinema is about 30 minutes away in Augusta.

For those with more refined tastes, the Colby College Museum of Art is nearby, as are various antiquing resources.

Additional Amenities

We are always trying to find ways to improve your stay at Camp Taconnet. As such, we offer additional services for a reasonable fee. These include: