Augusta is the capital of Maine, a compact city set on the banks of the Kennebec River in the heart of the state. It pairs state history and colonial landmarks — the granite State House, the country’s oldest surviving wooden fort — with riverside trails, museums, breweries and easy access to central Maine’s lakes and woods, making it a rewarding stop for history buffs and outdoor lovers alike.
Fun Facts About Augusta, Maine
Augusta has been the capital of Maine since 1827 and, on the nation’s east coast, is one of the easternmost state capitals in the United States.
It sits on the Kennebec River, at a spot the early settlers called Cushnoc — a name still carried by the city’s downtown brewery.
Old Fort Western, built here in 1754, is the oldest surviving wooden fort in the United States.
The Maine State House, whose granite dome rises about 185 feet, was designed in the Greek Revival style by Charles Bulfinch, architect of the U.S. Capitol.
Not to be confused with Augusta, Georgia (home of the Masters golf tournament), Augusta, Maine is the state capital — while Georgia’s capital is Atlanta.
The official state museum, the Maine State Museum in Augusta was established in 1901 and gathers a broad sweep of the state's history and artifacts across more than 20 galleries. Native American tools, colonial furniture, and local artworks trace the region from its earliest inhabitants through the settlements and craftsmanship that shaped everyday Maine life over the centuries.
Beyond the historical rooms, the collection reaches into Maine's industries and natural history, connecting the land and its resources to the work and wildlife that define the state. Interactive displays and hands-on features throughout the galleries invite closer looking, making it an engaging stop for curious visitors and families exploring Augusta's cultural side.
Old Fort Western is the oldest surviving wooden fort in the United States, standing on the Kennebec River in Augusta. Built in 1754 during the French and Indian War era, it counted Captain James Howard as its first commander, and he later owned it. Today it holds status as a National Historic Landmark.
Guided tours lead you through the fort while the grounds invite quiet exploration along the riverbank. Living-history programs bring the 18th century to life, from musket demonstrations to period cooking, so the past feels close at hand. It is a rare chance to stand inside genuinely early American history that has endured.
Viles Arboretum spreads across more than 120 acres in Augusta, a free botanical garden laced with trails winding through gardens, open meadows and quiet wetlands. Ponds along the way draw wildlife, so you might spot beavers working the banks or ducks gliding across the water as you wander the grounds.
You can explore at your own pace on a self-guided walk or join a guided tour to learn more about the plantings and habitats. Educational programs round out the experience, including bird-watching sessions that make the meadows and wetlands rewarding for anyone curious about the arboretum's resident wildlife.
The Augusta Civic Center is a large multipurpose event venue anchoring the city's calendar, pairing a spacious arena and auditorium with ballrooms and flexible meeting rooms. It's the kind of place that adapts to almost anything, hosting concerts, trade shows, and a steady rotation of gatherings that draw crowds from across the region.
Sports fans know it well, too. The arena welcomes school and college competitions, and it famously hosts the Maine high school basketball tournament, filling the stands with hometown energy. As one of the region's largest venues, seating several thousand, it remains a dependable draw whether you're here for hoops, live music, or a bustling expo.
Capitol Park is a historic 34-acre downtown green space in Augusta, laid out in 1827 on a rise overlooking the Kennebec River and fronting the State House. Its defining feature is a formal allee of elms, a stately corridor that draws the eye across the grounds toward the Capitol beyond.
The Olmsted Brothers redesigned the park in the 1920s, shaping the open lawns, picnic areas and walking paths visitors follow today. It remains an easy, central spot to stroll, rest on the grass or take in the river views, blending civic setting with unhurried public space in the heart of the city.
Mill Park is a grassy riverfront green at the north end of downtown Augusta, spread along the west bank of the Kennebec River on the site of a former mill. It is an easy place to stroll by the water, launch a kayak or canoe, or simply sit and watch the river roll past.
In the warmer months the park comes alive, hosting a summer concert series, the city’s Fourth of July fireworks, and the Augusta Farmers’ Market. There is an adjacent dog park too, making it a relaxed, all-ages stop right beside the historic heart of Maine’s capital.
The Marketplace at Augusta is one of Maine's largest open-air shopping centers, an easy destination if you'd rather browse under the sky than wander a traditional enclosed mall. Anchored by major stores and lined with a long run of shops, it draws locals and visitors alike into an unhurried afternoon of retail therapy in Maine's capital.
Between purchases, the center's restaurants keep you fueled, spanning quick casual bites to relaxed sit-down dining when you want to linger over a proper meal. The result is a genuine one-stop stop: pick up what you came for, browse what you didn't, and settle in for lunch or dinner without ever moving your car.
The Governor Hill Mansion is a grand Colonial Revival home built for John Fremont Hill, Maine's 45th governor. It was designed by noted architect John Calvin Stevens, whose hand shows in the mansion's dignified proportions and craftsmanship. The result is one of Augusta's most distinguished residences, a fitting reflection of the man it was created to house.
Inside, the mansion remains well preserved, with formal rooms that include a parlor, dining room, living area and library. Today it operates as an events and wedding venue, so the elegant interiors continue to host gatherings and celebrations. Even a passing look at its stately exterior rewards visitors curious about Augusta's architectural heritage.
On the University of Maine at Augusta campus, within reach of downtown, The Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine occupies the Michael Klahr Center. Its exhibits gather artifacts, photographs, documents and personal stories that trace the history of the Holocaust and the broader struggle for human rights.
Beyond the galleries, the center works as an education hub, running programs and teacher workshops that carry its lessons into classrooms across the state. A stop here rewards visitors willing to sit with difficult history, connecting individual testimony to the wider human rights themes the museum keeps in focus.
Set beside the Maine countryside in Augusta, Western View Golf and Pub pairs a public 9-hole course with a pub and events space. The layout winds through open country and suits every skill level, whether you are refining your swing or playing your very first round of the season.
A pro shop keeps you stocked before you tee off, and the pub rounds out the visit with food, drinks and live entertainment on select nights. It makes an easygoing stop for golfers and non-golfers alike, whether you want nine holes, a casual meal or a relaxed evening out.
The 1-7-10 Bowling & Entertainment Center, also known as the 1-7-10 Sports Center, is a family entertainment center in Augusta built around candlepin bowling lanes. Beyond the lanes you'll find an arcade, pool tables, a bar and a snack bar and grill, giving groups plenty of ways to spend an afternoon or evening together under one roof.
The center regularly hosts birthday parties and events, making it an easy pick for a group outing. It's also a reliable rainy-day stop for families, with enough variety of activities to keep every age entertained when the weather turns and outdoor plans fall through, all in a casual, come-as-you-are setting.
The Senator Inn & Spa combines a hotel, restaurant, and full-service spa in one Augusta address, making it a comfortable base whether you are here for a weekend or a longer stay. It sits close to attractions like Old Fort Western and Capitol Park, so much of the city stays within easy reach once you check in.
Downtime is easy to come by here, thanks to an indoor pool and a range of spa treatments including massages, facials, and body wraps. Pair a day of sightseeing with an evening at the on-site restaurant, then unwind with a soak or a treatment, and the property earns its place at the center of an Augusta trip.
Set deep in the Maine woods just outside town, Porcupine Ridge Disc Golf gives players an 18-hole course that rewards a careful eye and a steady arm. Elevated tees and tight, tree-lined fairways keep every throw honest, while natural obstacles shape the line you have to find.
The layout welcomes all levels, so newcomers and seasoned throwers alike can settle into the round. Between the woodland setting and the challenge waiting on each hole, it makes for a scenic outdoor afternoon in Augusta, trading crowds and pavement for open air, forest cover and a satisfying walk through the trees.
Set in Augusta's historic 1911 Gannett House, the First Amendment Museum at the Gannett House explores the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment: speech, press, religion, assembly and petition. It also traces the Gannett family's long history in Maine journalism, connecting those constitutional principles to the real work of reporters across the state.
Rather than a repository of founding documents, this is a hands-on museum built around interactive exhibits and guided tours that invite you to think about how these freedoms shape everyday life. The Gannett House is under a multi-year restoration, so the museum currently welcomes visitors at a temporary downtown location while its landmark home is renewed.
A family-owned aviation business at Augusta State Airport, Maine Instrument Flight has been in operation since 1946. Certified pilots run scenic sightseeing flights alongside flight lessons and charters, making it a longstanding local fixture for anyone drawn to small-airport aviation and the practical side of getting airborne over central Maine.
The sightseeing flights offer an unusual way to see the Maine landscape, trading the road for an open view from the air. Whether you book a scenic loop, sign up for a lesson, or arrange a charter, it is a genuinely different perspective on the region and a memorable addition to a visit to Augusta.
Rising above downtown Augusta, the Maine State House is the granite seat of state government, its neoclassical dome climbing to about 185 feet and visible across the city. The cornerstone was laid in 1829, and lawmakers first convened here in 1832, anchoring Maine's civic life in one commanding landmark.
Free public tours take you inside, tracing historical artifacts, artwork, and the everyday workings of the legislature and state government. It's an easy, worthwhile stop for anyone curious about how Maine governs itself, blending the grandeur of the architecture with a plainspoken look at democracy in action.
Catch the latest releases at Regal Augusta, a modern multiplex cinema with multiple screens and immersive surround sound. Whether you want a spontaneous night at the movies or a planned outing, its convenient location makes it an easy stop for both locals and visitors looking to unwind after a day of exploring.
Choose the seating that suits your mood, from comfortable standard auditoriums to plush luxury recliners that let you sink in and relax. With its crisp sound and range of screens, it is a reliable choice for catching a blockbuster, a family film, or a quiet weeknight showing without straying far from town.
Right in the heart of downtown Augusta on Water Street, Cushnoc Brewing Co. is a popular craft brewery and brewpub with a cozy taproom atmosphere. It pours a rotating lineup of its own beers, from lagers and IPAs to stouts and sours, so there's usually something fresh on tap for every kind of drinker.
Beyond its own brews, the taproom rounds out the list with guest Maine beers and pairs everything with wood-fired pizza straight from the kitchen. It's a genuine local favorite, an easygoing spot to settle in, sample the craft beer scene, and grab a good meal in the middle of town.
The Kennebec River Rail Trail is a paved multi-use path stretching about 6.5 miles along a former railway beside the Kennebec River. Starting from Augusta's waterfront, it winds through Hallowell and Farmingdale before reaching Gardiner, making it an easy and scenic route to explore this stretch of central Maine on foot or by bike.
Walkers, joggers and cyclists share the level, well-surfaced trail, which serves up steady river views along with glimpses of old railroad bridges from its rail-line past. Keep an eye on the water and sky for wildlife, including eagles. It's a relaxed way to enjoy the riverside scenery and connect Augusta with the neighboring communities downstream.
Tucked into the Maine woods, Augusta Disc Golf at Augusta Golf Park gives players an 18-hole course that winds through wooded terrain. It is a genuine destination for the sport, with a layout designed to reward accuracy over raw distance as you make your way through the trees.
Narrow fairways, tight tree-lined lanes and water hazards keep the round interesting for players of all levels, from first-timers to seasoned throwers. It adds up to a scenic outdoor round in the Maine woods, where each hole asks for a thoughtful line and offers a quiet stretch of nature between throws.
Dating to the early 1800s, Mt. Hope Cemetery rests on the banks of the Kennebec River, one of Augusta's older burial grounds. Its peaceful, park-like grounds unfold in quiet greenery beside the water, offering a calm and historic corner of the city that rewards an unhurried visit on foot.
Weathered monuments and markers here honor notable Maine figures, giving the grounds a sense of the state's past woven through the landscape. Quiet pathways wind between the stones, making the cemetery a fitting place for a reflective walk where history and the river's edge come together in one tranquil setting.
Set near the Civic Center, Bond Brook Recreation Area is a city-owned tract spanning roughly 270 acres on the edge of Augusta. Its network of trails threads through the woods for both hikers and mountain bikers, making it one of the area's go-to spots when locals want to get outside without leaving town.
Beyond the trails, the property offers fishing spots and enough wildlife to reward a slow walk with binoculars, which has made it a favorite among birdwatchers. Whether you come to ride, hike, cast a line, or simply take in the quiet, this stretch of preserved ground packs a lot of outdoor recreation into one easy-to-reach corner of the city.
23. Belgrade Lakes Golf Club
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Tucked into the rolling hills and lakes of central Maine, Belgrade Lakes Golf Club is an acclaimed public course a short drive from Augusta. Set in the scenic Belgrade Lakes region, it draws players who want a memorable round framed by the natural beauty that defines this corner of the state.
The course is known for its lush fairways, sweeping scenic views and genuinely challenging play, earning it a strong reputation among golfers who make the trip. As a seasonal course, it offers a rewarding day out during the warmer months, pairing well-kept greens with the rolling, lake-dotted landscape all around.
Just south of Augusta in Pittston, on the banks of the Kennebec, Colburn House State Historic Site preserves the 1765 home of Reuben Colburn, a patriot and shipbuilder. This was the site where Colburn built the bateaux that carried Benedict Arnold's 1775 expedition on its arduous march toward Quebec.
Inside the preserved house, period artifacts, tools and furniture bring the shipbuilder's world into focus and tie the quiet riverside setting to a pivotal moment in Revolutionary history. It is an easy detour from Augusta for anyone drawn to the Kennebec's early colonial story and the men who shaped it.
Housed in a stately building of Norridgewock granite, the Lithgow Public Library has anchored downtown Augusta since 1896. Its Richardsonian Romanesque design earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places, and its stained-glass windows depict scenes from the city's own history. A 2016 renovation expanded the library while preserving its landmark character.
Step inside to admire the ornate frescoed reading room, one of the most striking historic interiors in the state capital. Set just steps from the State House, the library is free to walk in and explore, making it an easy and rewarding stop for anyone drawn to fine architecture, local heritage, or a quiet, beautifully detailed space in the heart of the city.
Best Time to Visit Augusta
Summer and early fall are the best times to visit, with warm, pleasant weather ideal for walking the riverfront and exploring the trails. Fall brings crisp days and vivid foliage across the Kennebec Valley, while winters are cold and snowy.
Each season has its character. Summer sees riverfront activity and nearby town festivals like Old Hallowell Day, and autumn turns the Kennebec River Rail Trail into a prime foliage walk. Winter is quiet, best suited to the city's museums and indoor attractions.
Getting to Augusta
Augusta sits right on Interstate 95, where the tolled Maine Turnpike ends and the free interstate continues north toward Bangor. US-201 and US-202 also converge here, making the capital an easy stop on any drive through central Maine.
The nearest major airport is Portland International Jetport, about an hour south by car, while the small Augusta State Airport handles general aviation. Augusta has no passenger rail; intercity bus service links it to Portland and beyond.
Getting Around Augusta
Downtown Augusta, along Water Street by the river, is compact and walkable, with restaurants, shops and breweries clustered together. Beyond the core, though, Augusta is spread out, so a car is the easiest way to reach most attractions and the Western Avenue commercial strip.
Public transit exists but is limited, so visitors will want a car for day trips and outlying sights. Parking is generally easy and inexpensive around downtown and the main attractions, and the flat riverfront makes walking pleasant in the central district.
Where to Stay in Augusta
Downtown Augusta, near Water Street and the Kennebec River, is the most walkable base, putting you close to the breweries, restaurants and historic core. The area around the State House and Capitol Park is a short walk from the city's main sights.
For easy highway access, the areas near the Interstate 95 interchange and the Western Avenue strip offer the most convenient stops for road-trippers. These commercial corridors also put you close to shopping and casual dining on the edge of the city.
Where to Eat in Augusta
Downtown Augusta's Water Street is the heart of the dining scene, home to local restaurants, cafes and craft breweries along the river, while the Western Avenue strip covers casual and chain options. It's an easygoing food scene rooted in Maine's local produce.
Come hungry for Maine staples: fresh lobster and lobster rolls, wild blueberry treats, hearty Italian sandwiches, and the state's beloved whoopie pies. Central Maine's farms and the nearby Kennebec Valley keep the region's kitchens well stocked through the seasons.
One Day in Augusta
Morning: Start with the state's story at the Maine State Museum, then walk over to tour the landmark Maine State House and its Bulfinch-designed dome.
The free Viles Arboretum offers over 120 acres of trails and gardens, and the trails of Bond Brook Recreation Area are open to all. Simply strolling downtown's Water Street along the Kennebec is an easy, no-cost pleasure in Maine's capital.
Day Trips from Augusta
Augusta's central location makes it a natural base for exploring Maine. Portland is about an hour south, and the midcoast towns of Camden, Rockland and Boothbay Harbor sit roughly an hour away, offering classic Maine harbors, lighthouses and lobster shacks.
Head north on Interstate 95 and you can reach Bangor in a little over an hour, a gateway toward Acadia National Park farther east. The Belgrade Lakes region just outside the city adds an easy lakes-and-woods escape.
FAQ: Visiting Augusta
What is Augusta, Maine known for?
Augusta is best known as the capital of Maine, home to the granite State House and the historic Old Fort Western, the oldest surviving wooden fort in the country. It sits on the Kennebec River and serves as a gateway to central Maine's lakes, woods and the wider Kennebec Valley.
Is Augusta, Maine worth visiting?
Yes, especially for history lovers and outdoor travelers. Augusta packs the state museum, the State House, colonial landmarks, riverside trails and craft breweries into a compact, walkable capital, and it makes an excellent base for day trips to Portland, the midcoast and the Belgrade Lakes.
Is Augusta the capital of Maine, and how is it different from Augusta, Georgia?
Yes, Augusta is the capital of Maine, designated in 1827. It is a different city from Augusta, Georgia, the larger southern city famous for hosting the Masters golf tournament. Note that Augusta is Maine's capital, but Georgia's capital is Atlanta, not its own Augusta.
How many days do you need in Augusta?
One full day is enough to see Augusta's main sights, including the State House, the Maine State Museum and Old Fort Western. A second day lets you add outdoor spots like the Rail Trail and Viles Arboretum, or take a day trip to Portland or the Maine coast.
What is the best time of year to visit Augusta?
Late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable weather and the best conditions for walking the riverfront and trails. Fall foliage in the Kennebec Valley is a scenic highlight, while winters are cold and snowy and better suited to indoor attractions.
Is Augusta, Maine good for families with kids?
It can be a good family stop. The Maine State Museum, Old Fort Western's living-history programs, Viles Arboretum, the Kennebec River Rail Trail and family entertainment spots like the 1-7-10 bowling center all offer kid-friendly things to do in and around the city.
How far is Augusta from Portland and the Maine coast?
Portland is about an hour south of Augusta via Interstate 95. The midcoast towns of Camden, Rockland and Boothbay Harbor are also roughly an hour away, making the Maine coast an easy day trip from the capital.
