Location: Augusta
Top Things to do in Augusta
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Augusta, United States
Originally an English trading post on the Kennebec River, Augusta has since grown to be the capital of Maine, and is focused on preserving and celebrating the state’s history. Visit the magnificent Maine State House or Old Fort Western, the oldest surviving wooden fort in the United States. The city is also the home of the Pine Tree State Arboretum, a 224-acre park and botanic garden, with six miles of hiking, biking and cross-country skiing trails, open for free, all year round.
Restaurants in Augusta
1. Maine State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
The museum's four floors of world-class exhibits provide a chance to explore and discover the best of Maine, from the Ice Age to the 1960s. The museum is open from Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and all state holidays.
Reviewed By MHP8473 - Rocky Mount, North Carolina
We spent over three hours touring this outstanding museum and learned a lot bout the State of Maine. It was a very informative and educational experience. It is very well laid out to show the history and the making of Maine. I would recommend this museum to anyone even if you are not a native Mainer.
2. State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By BigMerk - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The Capitol is located out of town facing a fantastic parkland lined with trees. Parking is free as is entry to the Capitol. We did the self tour because we had just missed the start of the guided tour -sometimes it's better to take things at your own pace.
The architecture is great and the surrounding area is very well kept. It was great to see into the Senate chamber and the hall of Representatives. Don't miss the great views from the second storey.
3. Fort Western
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Home of the country's oldest wooden garrison building, built in 1754, Old Fort Western is a living history museum offering tours to groups and individuals, engaging hands-on activities and unique interactive experiences involving the history of the Kennebec Valley and New England during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
Reviewed By WorldTravelOne - Breukelen Ut
This place is for history buffs that are into what happened over two hundred years ago in Augusta Maine. The upkeep is reasonable. It does give you a picture of how things used to be.
4. Viles Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Over 200 labeled species of trees, shrubs and "Space Trees" (from seed that traveled on the Space Shuttle) are on display at this 224-acre garden. The grounds are open dawn to dusk, seven days a week. There are six miles of trails, all marked and signed, and the largest outdoor sculpture display in Maine. Trail maps are available at the trailhead kiosk. A good introductory trail is the one to Viles Pond, which takes one through the hosta garden, past the rock garden, and to Viles Pond, often alive with birds, dragonflies, and frogs croaking. Depending on how long one lingers to enjoy the sights, this one mile trail takes about 45 minutes. Dogs are allowed on the trails, on a leash at all times. Pet owners must pick up after their dogs.
Reviewed By Tara D - Augusta, Maine
The arboretum has lots of small trails to explore and has some amazing landscaping. I find the hosta garden interesting to see how many varieties exist and thrive in Maine. The trails aren't very long, but they are nice.
5. Capitol Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
A botanical garden and 20 acres of land in front of the State House.
Reviewed By Andrei S - Clemmons, North Carolina
Capitol Park is a large park in Augusta stretching from the State House down almost to the Kennebec River. A large part of the park is a well-maintained lawn, though it is ringed by trees, and the western side of the park is lightly wooded. Walking paths and trails crisscross the park, and it's a makes for a great walk. There are monuments scattered throughout the park and great views of the State House from most areas of the park.
6. State House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
The seat of government in Augusta.
Reviewed By Wanderlassie - Oldsmar, Florida
We were lucky enough to catch the 10 a.m. tour. The docent was impassioned and well-informed, so was able to share a 'treasure' that quite obviously is important to her. The pictures, mostly portraits, were diverse and the nearly-hour tour flew by! Most State Houses are stuffy, be prepared for this one ... it may be a bit plain inside, but it is airy and light. If you've postcards or correspondence to mail, DO bring it to be mail-stamped at their internal post office!
7. Children's Discovery Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 51 reviews
A good rainy day attraction offering crafts and exhibits.
Reviewed By Joy E - Belgrade, Maine
Lots of toys set up In a big room. My grandchildren 5 and 3 thoroughly enjoyed the grocery store, Bank, manual train area. I enjoyed that there were places to sit. Good for a two hour activity but a little pricey.
It was difficult to find. I had the number to call twice.
8. The Governor Hill Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
We offer elegant and affordable convening spaces and quality catering for your business meetings, special occasions, and weddings. Let us help you make your next function memorable.
Reviewed By Seniordad - Saint Paul, Minnesota
We held a statewide meeting here. A nice large room and a cople of smaller rooms. This is a pleasant place. Very close to state capitol. Unfortunately, for reasons never made clear, carts rolled along the hallway throughout the day when we were hold a meeting. Strongly recommend having an agreement about noise before finalizing an agreement to meet here.
9. Augusta Civic Center
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 32 reviews
This venue features top performers and expositions.
Reviewed By Ladyjeyes
I am thinking that the Civic Center might want to check on the heat. Very uncomfortable and borrowed a stranger's jacket who was more than willing to supply. If you are attending an Event here make sure that you dress for warmth.
10. Samantha Smith
Overall Ratings
4 based on 7 reviews
Statue of Maine schoolgirl who became famous after writing to the Soviet Union to appeal for peace.
Reviewed By Badgerjim - Augusta, Maine
It's a nice, small statue of a young girl from Maine worth remembering named Samantha Smith. She became an international celebrity with her letter to the leader of the USSR pleading for peace. She was going to be a TV show actress when she died in an airplane crash at the age of 13. It is definitely worth seeing if you are going to the Maine State Museum; it's outside it on the front lawn. The reason I give it only two stars is because you can see it in a couple of minutes, and it should not be listed above other Augusta attractions that offer much more to see. Incidentally, there is another statue on the State Museum grounds nearby of a CCC worker.
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