City: Swanville, ME

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (207) 941-4014 (off-season)

Address: 100 West Park Lane

Description: Swanville is not Maine’s prettiest town, and Swan Lake is not the state’s most attractive lake, but somehow Swan Lake State Park manages to transcend its surroundings. It’s a fine little park—and little it is at just 67 acres. Located 6 miles north of Belfast at the north end of Swan Lake, it is far enough away from the overdeveloped sections of waterfront and the depressing hovels on the roads on either side of the lake. The focus here is on swimming and picnicking, and there are changing areas and lifeguards for the former and grills and tables for the latter. The bathing area is a sandy horseshoe backed up to a section of woods. Groups will also find a large shelter for gatherings as well as facilities for volleyball and other family-reunion-type games. The park’s open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9 a.m. to sunset.