Tekαkαpimək Contact Station (National Monument Visitor Center)

The Tekαkαpimək Contact Station is the official visitor orientation site for Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, accessible from Swift Brook Road just off Route 11 in Stacyville, Maine. Opened in 2020, this modern and welcoming facility serves as the primary entry point for visitors, providing essential information, maps, and cultural context to help them explore the monument’s 87,500 acres of forests, rivers, and trails.

The name Tekαkαpimək (pronounced de gah-gah bee mook) comes from the Penobscot language, meaning “as far as one can see.” This name reflects both the sweeping views of Katahdin and the monument’s commitment to honoring the deep cultural ties of the Wabanaki people, who have lived in and stewarded this region for millennia. Inside the contact station, exhibits highlight the history, traditions, and enduring presence of the Penobscot Nation and other Wabanaki Tribes. Visitors gain a better understanding of the land’s significance, its ecosystems, and the human stories that have shaped it.

The Tekαkαpimək Contact Station offers:

Visitor orientation and information about Katahdin Woods and Waters trails, rivers, scenic byways, and recreation opportunities:

• Exhibits on Wabanaki culture, logging history, and the monument’s natural resources.
• Maps, brochures, and trip planning resources to help make the most of a visit.
• Knowledgeable staff and volunteers who answer questions and provide insight on current conditions.
• The building itself was constructed with sustainability in mind, using local materials and designed to complement the surrounding North Woods landscape. Its location along the Katahdin Woods & Waters Scenic Byway makes it easy to reach, and its exhibits create a deeper appreciation for both the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.

For first-time visitors to the monument, the Tekαkαpimək Contact Station is the ideal starting point. It connects people not only to the trails, rivers, and overlooks of Katahdin Woods and Waters but also to the stories of the people who continue to call this land home.

Tekαkαpimək is Penobscot for as far as one can see - pronounced de gah-gah bee mook.

How to get there?

- The Contact Station is situated on a parcel of land known as Lookout Mountain, designated by the State of Maine as T3 R7 WELS, Penobscot County, Maine.

- The contact station is in the monument’s southern section; enter Swift Brook Road from Route 11 and continue west on Swift Brook for 5 miles; at the Tekαkαpimək sign, turn right on a new access road and continue north for 2.6 miles to reach the contact station.

The National Park Service recommends that visitors check nps.gov/kaww for the latest updates and download the National Park Service app before traveling to the monument. This new station will provide visitors with information about the monument’s history, culture, and natural resources.  In 2020, the Monument was recognized for its brilliant dark skies and designated the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary on the U.S. eastern seaboard.

Sunday and Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed
Thursday-Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The contact station is generally open from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day. These dates are subject to change depending on road conditions. Weather permitting, the contact station may be open through the end of October. In 2026, the contact station will be open through Sunday, November 1.

Closures & Seasonal Exceptions

Closed November 2 – May 27

Holidays 2026–2027 | Closed

New Year's Day January 1, 2027 Closed
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. January 18, 2027 Closed
Washington's Birthday February 15, 2027 Closed
Veterans Day November 11, 2026 Closed
Thanksgiving Day November 26, 2026 Closed
Christmas Day December 25, 2026 Closed

For the latest information, please visit this https://www.nps.gov/kaww/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm or Facebook page.