8 Things to Do in Augusta, Maine

Whether you are visiting the city of Augusta, Maine for the first time, or someone who has lived in or nearby, there are likely a number of things to do that you’ve never tried.

In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite things to do in Augusta, as well as a few helpful tidbits for your visit.

Whether you are trying one of Augusta’s great restaurants for the first time, or visiting one of its historical locations, there are plenty of new experiences to make you love this great city.

Here are my 7 top things to do in Augusta, Maine:

1. Explore State Government Sites

As Maine’s state capital, one of the big draws to Augusta is the government sites.

They’re not as boring as that description makes them sound, though! The Maine State House, the Blaine House (Governor’s residence), and other sites like the Maine State Museum, Archives, and Library are full of history and make for an interesting few hours.

Children will enjoy finding the fossils embedded in the floors of the state house, and anyone who loves history will enjoy perusing the portraits in the hallways.

The Maine State Museum has exhibits that people of all ages will love, and the Blaine House is a walk through time as you learn about the residence and the governors who’ve lived there.

All of these sites are located within the same block, easily walkable from one another, and even have free parking in the state parking garage.

Before visiting, check the websites for the sites to make sure they are open, to sign up for tours as available, and to find out any other details about visiting.

2. Visit Old Fort Western

A National Historic Landmark along the banks of the Kennebec, Fort Western is the oldest surviving wooden fort in the United States.

It dates to 1754, and was the site of one of the stops of Benedict Arnold’s expedition in 1775. You can visit Fort Western to wander through on your own, participate in a tour, or attend during one of their special events or reenactments.

If you’re enjoying a meal in downtown Augusta, a minutes-long walk across the bridge will get you to the Fort Western entrance.

Visit Fort Western’s website for more information on tours and upcoming events.

3. Wander Through The Arboretum

Right off one of the main roads of Augusta is a beautiful area of nature to explore.

The Viles Arboretum is open in every season, so you can explore it in the warmth of summer with a leisurely walk or take a snowshoe trek through the trails in the middle of winter.

As long as you keep it on leash, your dog is welcome to accompany you through the trails.

The six miles of trails take you through the arboretum’s twenty collections of plants and flowers, including collections of lilacs, chestnuts, the “space shuttle pines,” and even a white pine grove where each tree represents a governor of Maine.

Before you visit, check their website for programs and events that you might find of interest.

Beginner bird walks, beekeeping workshops, and others are among the programs available at Viles Arboretum.

Admission to the arboretum is free, and if you visit during one of the open hours for the visitors center, you’ll even have access to bathrooms and a gift shop.

4. Visit The First Amendment Museum

Located in the historic Gannett House, The First Amendment Museum cites its mission, in part, as inspiring “Us to ‘Live Our Freedoms’ by understanding and using our First Amendment rights to advance democracy so that all reap the benefits.”

The Gannett House was built in 1911, and is located nearby the Blaine House and the State House. It was the family home of Guy P. Gannett, a prominent Maine media/business figure.

A visit to the First Amendment Museum is a trip into the history of the Gannett family and its role in Maine’s history, as well as an interactive, thought-provoking dive into the topic of the First Amendment. Check their website for open hours, tours, and other information.

5. Visit The Kennebec Historical Society

If you’re visiting Augusta with a mind towards history, be sure to stop into the Kennebec Historical Society.

Call first to check for hours and to make an appointment, but it’s worth takign the time to step into the historic home that serves as the society’s headquarters to see the maps and displays of local photos and documents, as well as speak to the folks there about their collections – many of which are a goldmine for genealogists or anyone doing local history research.

While in the neighborhood of the historical society, take a walk around to see the many other historic homes in the area.

6. Walk The Rail Trail

The 6.5 mile Rail Trail extends beyond Augusta, but you can start your journey along the Kennebec River right in downtown Augusta.

Walk, jog, or bike along the trail and stop as you need to for a rest on a bench, or to take a detour into the woods where allowed in order to get a closer view of the river.

Whether your trip takes you all the way to Gardiner, or you turn around at the Hallowell line, the Rail Trail is a peaceful, scenic place to get some exercise and fresh air.

Explore Bond Brook Trails

You can bike, hike, cross country ski, snowshoe, or jog through the Bond Brook trails. Situated in the heart of Augusta, the trails can be reached either by entrance by the cemetery and airport at the top of Winthrop hill, or at the entrance closer to the Augusta Civic Center.

In any season, the Bond Brook trails are an escape into nature.

7. Enjoy Historic Downtown Augusta

Downtown Augusta has numerous shops and restaurants set along the Kennebec River. The historic, castle-like post office sits in the midst of downtown.

Now home to offices and shops, it’s still an imposing and impressive site. Cross the street and sit in Market Square Park, where Santa visits in winter and other events are held throughout the year.

A quick walk from these sites are numerous restaurants – BBQ, a diner, pizza and beer, burritos, and higher-end dining are all right on Water Street.

Take time to browse the unique shops, and don’t be surprised by the sense of community you’re likely to find throughout downtown.

There are plentiful things to do in Augusta – take a day, a weekend, or a week and enjoy all that Maine’s capital city has to offer!