Shin Pond Village is a family-operated recreational facility located just 15 miles from the North entrance of Baxter State Park. We offer campsites, cottages, guest suites, and multiple homes on Lower Shin Pond. Our Main Building features; a general store, restaurant, bar, and gift shop.
THE HISTORY OF SHIN POND VILLAGE
In 1981, Craig purchased 40 acres of land from a local bank foreclosure with the intention to build a store, laundry facilities, public showers, and an apartment. In the Fall of that year, Craig, along with his brother, Leslie started to frame a 30×80 building and they were able to close that building before the first snow. Craig and his dog Efrom lived in a camper in the basement of what is now the Main Building at Shin Pond Village, until he was able to finish the apartment in February of 1982. The basement also housed a fire truck that was used to respond to fires in the Mount Chase Area. In July of 1982 he opened the store, laundry facilities, game room, and showers. In the Fall of that year, Craig started building the campground. He worked for the next four years as a bachelor with his trusted friend, Efrom by his side. In May of 1986, Craig and Terry met, a year later she and her then 3-year old son, Blaine moved up to Shin Pond from Old Town. In February of 1988, Craig and Terry were married. In May of that year, Craig's parents helped them with the purchase of the property across the road from the store; this was part of the original Shin Pond House property which included five original log cottages and a "motel" with six rooms. Craig and Terry were excited to bring all the former Shin Pond House property back together again, unbenounced to what a struggle the following years would bring. They fought against the age and neglect for several years and eventually decided to replace most of the cottages and completely gut the motel. Today, our property consists of our Main Building, eight Cottages, three Guest Suites, two Homes on Lower Shin Pond, and thirty Campsites. In 2018, we became a Polaris Outdoor Adventure Outfitter and now offer brand new Polaris Side by Sides, ATV's and Snowmobile rentals (depending on the season). We also offer canoe, kayak, and paddle board rentals. We are active in the Bowlin Matagamon Shin Pond Snowmobile Club and maintain 140+ miles of groomed trails in our area. Craig has been involved with the Volunteer Fire Department since he moved here in 1976 and has been Mt. Chase Fire Chief for the past 44 years!
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In 2015, Blaine returned home to contribute to the family business with his Wife, Elka and their 3 children. Together they have big plans for Shin Pond Village. Today, in 2021, Craig and Terry are taking small steps towards retirement, which included moving out of their apartment in the Main Building and finally building the home of their dreams, though Craig and Terry will always be apart of Shin Pond Village. Craig and Terry will be forever grateful to Craig's parents, Dick and June Hill, for helping and supporting them through all the tough times and for always believing in them. Shin Pond Village wouldn't be what it is today without Dick's vision and love for Shin Pond. They are forever grateful to have been so fortunate in making this business succeed and couldn't have done it without their amazing staff, supporting families, and loyal customers.