Augusta Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque state of Maine, Augusta stands as the charming capital city. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scene, Augusta offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking an authentic taste of New England.

History buffs will be delighted by Augusta's fascinating past, which can be explored through its many historical landmarks and museums. The Maine State Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the state's history, from its Native American heritage to its role in the American Revolution. The majestic Maine State House, with its neoclassical architecture and iconic dome, is another must-see for history enthusiasts.

For those who appreciate the great outdoors, Augusta is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes. The Kennebec River, which flows through the city, offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and scenic boat tours. Hikers and nature lovers will find solace in the nearby Kennebec Highlands, a vast expanse of forests, hills, and trails that provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Art and culture thrive in Augusta, with a vibrant arts scene that showcases the talents of local artists and performers. The Harlow Gallery, located in a historic building, hosts rotating exhibitions and art events that highlight the creativity and diversity of the community. Theater enthusiasts can catch a show at The Gaslight Theater, a beloved local venue that stages a variety of productions throughout the year.

Food lovers will find themselves spoiled for choice in Augusta, with a range of dining options that cater to all tastes. From cozy cafes serving freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries to upscale restaurants offering farm-to-table cuisine, there is something to satisfy every palate. For a taste of authentic Maine seafood, head to one of Augusta's renowned seafood shacks, where you can savor the freshest lobster, clams, and mussels.

Alternative names: Settled: 1754Population: 18.5 thous. (2019)Area: 58.04 mi²Elevation: 180 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 44°18'58"N, 69°47'3"W

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MaineUnited States

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Augusta Top Attractions

Augusta Attractions - What to See and Explore

Augusta offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Augusta Civic Center, Maine State House, The Blaine House, Old Fort Western. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Civic center • Convention center • Sport venue
Augusta Civic Center
The Augusta Civic Center is a convention center located in Augusta, Maine. It has a total of 49,000 square feet and 26 rooms. The main room is 32,000 sq ft.
Architecture • Library
Maine State House
The Maine State House in Augusta, Maine, is the state capitol of the State of Maine. The building was completed in 1832, one year after Augusta became the capital of Maine.
Museum • History museum • Vernacular architecture
The Blaine House
The Blaine House, also known as James G. Blaine House, is the official residence of the governor of Maine and their family. The executive mansion was officially declared the residence of the governor in 1919 with the name "Blaine House". It is located at Capitol and State streets in Augusta, across the street from the Maine State House.

Museum • History museum • Historical place
Old Fort Western
Fort Western is a former British colonial outpost at the head of navigation on the Kennebec River at modern Augusta, Maine, United States. It was built in 1754 during the French and Indian War, and is now a National Historic Landmark and local historic site owned by the city.
Museum • History museum • Natural history museum
Maine State Museum
The Maine State Museum is the official Maine government's museum and is located at 230 State Street, adjacent to the Maine State House, in Augusta. It collections focus on the state's pre-history, history, and natural science.
Garden • Park
Capitol Park
Capitol Park is a state-owned public park in Maine's state capitol complex on the west side of Augusta, Maine.
State park • Park • Field
Viles Arboretum
The Viles Arboretum 224 acres is a botanical garden and arboretum located in Augusta, Maine, United States, with 5 miles of trails, open year round without charge. The plant collection contains over 300 species or varieties of trees and shrubs.
Greek Revival architecture • Neighbourhood
Capitol Complex Historic District
The Capitol Complex Historic District encompasses the principal historic elements of Maine's state administration complex at Capitol and State Streets in Augusta, Maine.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Colonial Theater
The Colonial Theater is a historic movie theater at 139 Water Street in downtown Augusta, Maine. Built in 1913 and rebuilt after a fire in 1926, it is a fine example of Beaux Arts architecture, with features presaging the Art Deco movement. It is the last surviving movie theater building in downtown Augusta.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. Mary's Church
St. Mary's Church is a Roman Catholic church at 41 Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. Built in 1926, it is one of the city's finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
Library
Maine State Library
The Maine State Library is housed in the Cultural Building at the State House facility in Augusta, Maine along with the Maine State Museum and Maine State Archives.
Architecture • Romanesque architecture
Old Post Office
The Old Post Office and Court House is a historic former federal government building at 295 Water Street in downtown Augusta, Maine. Built in 1886-1890, it is one of Maine's finest surviving examples of Romanesque Revival architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Church
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
St. Mark's Episcopal Church was a historic church at 9 Summer Street in Augusta, Maine, just west of downtown. The congregation, founded in 1840, occupied an 1886 Gothic Revival stone building designed by Richard M.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
South Parish Congregational Church and Parish House
The South Parish Congregational Church and Parish House is a historic church at 9 Church Street in Augusta, Maine. Built in 1865, the church is a major Gothic Revival work of Maine's leading mid-19th century architect, Francis H. Fassett, and its 1889 parish house, designed by James H.
Bridge
Calumet Bridge at Old Fort Western
The Calumet Bridge at Old Fort Western is a bridge in Augusta, Maine, over the Kennebec River. It carries Cony Street from Downtown Augusta on the west side of the river to the east side near Old Fort Western.
City hall
Former Augusta City Hall
The Former Augusta City Hall is located at 1 Cony Street in Augusta, Maine. Built in 1895-96, it is a well-preserved local example of civic Renaissance Revival architecture, and served as Augusta's city hall until 1987.
Church
All Souls Church
The All Souls Church is a historic former church building at 70 State Street in Augusta, Maine. Built in 1879, it is one of Maine's finest examples of Stick style architecture. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Archaeological site
Cushnoc Archeological Site
The Cushnoc Archeological Site, also known as Cushnoc or Koussinoc or Coussinoc, is an archaeological site in Augusta, Maine that was the location of a 17th-century trading post operated by English colonists from Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts.
Library
Lithgow Public Library
The Lithgow Public Library is the public library of Augusta, Maine. Established in 1896, and expanded in 1979 and 2016, it holds about 67,000 books.

Day trips

Augusta – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Augusta, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Lost Valley Ski Area (Lewiston), Pemaquid Point Light (Bristol), Bates College Museum of Art (Lewiston).

28 milesSW
Winter sport, Outdoor activities, Park
Lost Valley Ski Area, Lewiston
Nestled between the rolling hills of Auburn, Maine, the Lost Valley Ski Area stands as a winter haven for ski enthusiasts and families looking for a snowy retreat. Established as a local hub for winter sports, this ski area offers a variety of slopes to accommodate...
36 milesSE
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Pemaquid Point Light, Bristol
Perched on the rocky coastline of Bristol, Maine, the Pemaquid Point Light stands as a testament to New England's maritime heritage. This iconic lighthouse, with its classic white-brick facade and black lantern room, has been guiding sailors since its establishment in...
25 milesSW
Museum, Art museum
Bates College Museum of Art, Lewiston
The Bates College Museum of Art is an art museum located on the campus of, and maintained by, Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. It holds various mediums of arts that showcase Maine and the greater American area. The museum's collection offers an overview of modern and contemporary art.
29 milesS
Specialty museum, History museum, Maritime museum
Maine Maritime Museum, Bath
Maine Maritime Museum, formerly the Bath Marine Museum, offers some exhibits about Maine's maritime heritage, culture and the role Maine has played in regional and global maritime activities.
38 milesSE
Specialty museum, Museum, Lighthouse
Marshall Point Light, Port Clyde
Marshall Point Light Station is a lighthouse at the entrance of Port Clyde Harbor in Port Clyde, Maine. The light station was established in 1832.