Visit Augusta, Maine’s capital, to appreciate the history and culture of this northern New England state. The city of Augusta lies along the Kennebec River. Kayak on its smooth waters or hike along the shoreline. Venture into the surrounding Kennebec Valley for fishing, hunting and whitewater rafting.
In downtown Augusta, browse through the Maine State Museum’s commercial heritage, social history and national environment exhibits that have earned it a reputation as one of the country’s best state museums. Learn about logging, boatbuilding, fishing, farming, wildlife and Maine’s Native Americans. Nearby, Children’s Discovery Museum lets young children play contentedly for hours in a variety of interactive centers while developing important life skills.
Tour the Maine State House, a gleaming white colonnaded building topped by a green copper dome. Check the legislative schedule if you want to observe the House or Senate in session. Have a picnic next to the State House on the wide grassy lawns or along the shaded trails of Capitol Park. Stroll through the park and view several monuments, including a Vietnam Memorial. Across the river from Capitol Park, see the national historic landmark, Old Fort Western, built in 1754.
Enjoy the outdoor spaces in and around Augusta. Walk, run or bike along the Kennebec River Rail Trail, which stretches about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Augusta to Gardiner. Viles Arboretum, east of the river, has Maine plants, including chestnuts, sycamores, lilacs, hostas and a large conifer collection on more than 200 acres (80 hectares). Use its trails for free throughout the seasons for hiking to see spring flowers and autumn leaves or winter snowshoeing. Play golf or disc golf at several courses around the city. Lost Valley and Camden mountains are all within about a 1-hour drive from Augusta for winter skiing and snowboarding.
Fly into the Portland Airport and drive about 1 hour north to Augusta or drive about 2.5 hours north from Boston to reach the city. Enjoy the four seasons in this New England capital city.
