Waterville Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

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Welcome to Waterville, a charming city located in the beautiful Maine region of the United States. Nestled along the banks of the Kennebec River, Waterville offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant cultural scene.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of outdoor activities that Waterville has to offer. Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Kennebec River Rail Trail, which stretches for miles and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. For those seeking more adventurous pursuits, head to Belgrade Lakes, just a short drive away, and indulge in fishing, boating, or swimming in the crystal-clear waters.

History buffs will find plenty to explore in Waterville as well. Visit the Colby College Museum of Art, home to an impressive collection of American art, including works by renowned artists such as Winslow Homer and Alex Katz. Step back in time at the Redington Museum, housed in a beautiful 19th-century mansion, and discover the fascinating history of the region through its exhibits and artifacts.

For a taste of the local culture, make sure to visit the Waterville Opera House. This historic venue hosts a diverse range of performances, including theater productions, concerts, and dance shows. Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene by attending one of the many events that take place throughout the year.

Food lovers will be delighted by the culinary offerings in Waterville. Indulge in delicious seafood delicacies at one of the waterfront restaurants, where you can savor fresh lobster, clams, and other local specialties. For a more upscale dining experience, head to one of the charming bistros or fine dining establishments in the city center, where you can enjoy a variety of international cuisines.

Alternative names: Population: 16.3 thous.Area: 14.05 mi²Elevation: 89 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 44°33'3"N, 69°37'50"W

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MaineUnited States

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Waterville Top Attractions

Waterville Attractions - What to See and Explore

Waterville offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Colby College Museum of Art, Two Cent Bridge, Waterville Opera House and City Hall, Perkins Arboretum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Art museum
Colby College Museum of Art
The Colby College Museum of Art is an art museum located on the campus of Colby College in Waterville, Maine.
Bridge
Two Cent Bridge
The Ticonic Footbridge, popularly known as the Two Cent Bridge or the Two Penny Bridge, is a suspension bridge that spans the Kennebec River between the city of Waterville and the town of Winslow in Kennebec County, Maine.
Performing arts • City hall
Waterville Opera House and City Hall
The Waterville Opera House and City Hall is a historic civic building at Castonguay Square in downtown Waterville, Maine. Built at the turn of the 20th century, it is one of a small number of multifunction civic buildings, housing both a live performance venue and municipal facilities, functions it continues to perform today.

Botanical garden
Perkins Arboretum
The Perkins Arboretum is the Colby College arboretum, located at 5600 Mayflower Hill Drive in Waterville, Maine, United States. It is used for teaching and research, but its trails are also open to the public. The Arboretum was established in 1946, later dedicated to the memory of Professor and Mrs.
Museum • History museum
Redington Museum
The Redington Museum or Redington House is a historic house and museum in Waterville, Maine that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is the headquarters of the Waterville Historical Society. Built in 1814, it is one of the best-preserved houses of the period in the city.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Universalist-Unitarian Church
The Universalist Unitarian Church is a historic church on Silver Street and Elm Street in Waterville, Maine in the United States.
44°32'58"N • 69°37'46"W
Common Street Arts
Art gallery • Museum • Shopping
Library
Waterville Public Library
The Waterville Public Library is the public library serving Waterville, Maine.
Museum
Redington Museum
The Redington Museum or Redington House is a historic house and museum in Waterville, Maine that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is the headquarters of the Waterville Historical Society. Built in 1814, it is one of the best-preserved houses of the period in the city.
Church
First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church is a historic church at 1 Park Street in Waterville, Maine. Built in 1826, it is the city's oldest standing public building. It was renovated in 1875 to a design by Francis H. Fassett. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Shingle style architecture
Alvin O. Lombard House
The Alvin O. Lombard House is a historic house at 65 Elm Street in Waterville, Maine. Built in 1908, it is a distinctive local example of late Shingle style architecture. It is further notable as the home of inventor Alvin O.
44°32'46"N • 69°37'47"W
Lockwood Mill Historic District
The Lockwood Mill Historic District encompasses the only major 19th-century mill complex in Waterville, Maine. Located south of the city's downtown, it was designed by Amos D. Lockwood, a nationally known industrial designer of the period. Its #2 building was for 45 years home to the Hathaway Shirt Company.
44°33'13"N • 69°38'14"W
Heald House
The Heald House is a historic house at 19 West Street in Waterville, Maine. Built in 1916 to a design by Herbert E. Knapp, it is the city's only substantial example of Prairie School architecture.
44°33'7"N • 69°37'52"W
Professional Building
The Professional Building is a historic commercial building at 177-179 Main Street in Waterville, Maine. Built in 1923 to a design by Miller & Mayo of Portland, it is a rare early example of Art Deco architecture in the state.
Greek Revival architecture
Old Waterville Post Office
The Old Waterville Post Office is a historic post office facility at 1 Post Office Square in central Waterville, Maine. Built in 1911, it is a fine local example of institutional Greek Revival architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, and presently houses a restaurant and brewpub.
44°33'8"N • 69°38'1"W
Foster-Redington House
The Foster-Redington House is a historic house at 8 Park Place in Waterville, Maine. Built in 1883, it is a fine example of Queen Anne architecture, supposedly the city's first example of the style. It was built by Moses Coburn Foster, a well-known builder in the state, as his private residence. Moses owned M.C.
Neighbourhood
Waterville Main Street Historic District
The Waterville Main Street Historic District encompasses the best-preserved portions of the historical commercial downtown area of Waterville, Maine.
Universities and schools
Colby College
Colby College is a private liberal arts college in Waterville, Maine. It was founded in 1813 as the Maine Literary and Theological Institution, then renamed Waterville College after the city where it resides.

Day trips

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

In the vicinity of Waterville, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Fort Knox (Bucksport), Cole Land Transportation Museum (Bangor), Lost Valley Ski Area (Lewiston).

41 milesE
Historical place, Museum, Military museum
Fort Knox, Bucksport
Fort Knox, not to be confused with the famed gold depository in Kentucky, is a historic gem nestled in the town of Prospect, Maine. This state park offers visitors a glimpse into America's past through well-preserved military architecture and scenic surroundings.
44 milesE
44°47'6"N • 68°48'17"W
Cole Land Transportation Museum, Bangor
Museum, Specialty museum
43 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...
50 milesS
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...
41 milesE
Observation decks and towers, Bridge
Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory, Bucksport
The Penobscot Narrows Bridge is a 2,120 feet long cable-stayed bridge that carries US 1/SR 3 over the Penobscot River. It connects Verona Island to Prospect, in the U.S. state of Maine. It opened in December, 2006, replacing the Waldo–Hancock Bridge, built in 1931.