Penobsquis combines a historic landmark with a named starting point for ATV tours: Brick House at Oak Lawn Farm is designated a historic site, and Trail 3409 starts on the grounds of the Timberland Motel/Animaland Campground. For trip planning, these represent two distinct interests—a home with a specific settlement history and an ATV experience that starts in Penobsquis.
Brick House and early land history
Brick House at Oak Lawn Farm is located at 12558 Route 114 in Penobsquis. The two-storey residence is designated a historic site and is associated with William Freeze. Freeze was a stonemason who initially settled 640 acres of land that included this property.
The house was built from the original bricks on the same foundation. Together with Freeze’s connection to this land, that offers two perspectives on the place: the construction of the residence and early land settlement. If you are interested in local architecture or settlement history, the house provides a specific historical reference point for your plans.
ATV tours, starting point, and parking
The Sussex Valley Quad Trail includes seven one-day experience tours with seven different destinations. In Penobsquis, Trail 3409 starts on the grounds of the Timberland Motel/Animaland Campground. The seven tours describe the overall offering; the specific starting point in Penobsquis applies to Trail 3409.
For day trips that do not require an overnight stay, free parking is available at The Timberland. Since parking policies can change, it is best to check them before you travel.
Agriculture through events
Tait Heritage Farms offers opportunities to experience agriculture through specially curated farm events. This is distinct from the focus on house history and ATV tours: here, the emphasis is on a themed introduction to agriculture. If you would like to include this activity in your plans, ask in advance about specific event dates and access options.
Additional experiences in the wider destination of Kings County
The wider destination of Kings County offers other historical attractions. The Intercolonial Railway Station is a one-and-a-half-storey brick railway station in the Craftsman style. A covered passage connects the station to the freight building. The station is designated a Local Historic Place because it played a prominent role in the early development of the community of Sussex. Today, it houses the 8th Canadian Hussars Museum.
Sussex has 21 historic sites designated under the Local Historic Places Program. The Kings County Museum and Old County Gaol presents changing exhibitions on the history of Kings County and is located in the Centennial Building and the adjacent old Kings County Gaol. The Agricultural Fair is still held every year at the Agricultural Museum. Another historical milestone: the first in a series of fall exhibitions organized by the Sussex and Studholm Agricultural Society took place in 1820.
Nature and water activities also offer different perspectives in the wider Kings County area. The Sussex Nature Walkway is a 5 km self-guided trail along Trout Creek and passes through an area with diverse flora and fauna. Hampton Marsh is part of the St. John River floodplain and lies within a network of oxbows, tributaries, and backwaters of the Kennebecasis River. Opportunities there include birdwatching and photography, as well as recreational boating, canoeing, and kayaking. This means a clearly defined walking route and several wildlife observation and water activities are available as distinct ways to enjoy nature.
Discover more destinations: Hampton, Sussex, Norton, Rothesay.
Back to the main travel overview: Kings County.
