Millinocket seeks new life after paper mill closure with tourism and small firms

Great Northern Paper Company once owned much of Millinocket, Maine, providing housing, high-paying school jobs and the town’s fiscal backbone until its 2008 closure. The loss left the community with dramatically fewer students and a lingering sense of loss, as longtime resident Dick described. Today, the town leans on its proximity to Mount Katahdin and the Appalachian Trail to attract hikers, while small firms like Jamie’s reclaimed-wood company employ a handful of staff and sell beyond the local market.

Former mill employee Joe retrained as an electrician, and the historic Blue Ox Saloon remains open despite reduced patronage. Residents also mention potential new ventures such as a salmon farm and the nonprofit Our Katahdin’s plans for the old mill grounds, but many stress that tourism alone cannot replace the wages once generated by manufacturing.