Augusta, ME Local Area Information

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You're visiting Augusta and want to enjoy a nice walk or hike – but don't have the time to leave the city to find a nature preserve.  You're in luck – Capitol Park has just what you're seeking for a quick stroll in the heart of the city. This 20-acre parcel features was impressively designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, probably best known for his work on Central P... (read more)

The Maine State Museum offers a fascinating retrospective of Maine's rich history – from its settling by prehistoric Paleo-Indians to its rich lumber, fishing, industrial and technological legacies. The museum features a vast collection of artifacts detailing life and work in Maine over the centuries. Its public exhibits are especially well designed – both colorful and compelling and very acce... (read more)

The Kennebec River Rail Trail offers a superb opportunity to view Augusta's scenic vista along the Kennebec River, the main waterway through Maine's capitol city. Managed by Friends of Kennebec River Rail Trail, this path runs parallel to the Augusta-Portland railroad tracks which, though unused, still remain intact. The 6.5 mile route, which travels through the communities of Augusta, Hallowell, ... (read more)

Unlike many National Historic Landmarks which pay tribute to more familiar milestones in U.S. history, Old Fort Western in Augusta is a reminder of an often overlooked period of conflict in early America – the struggle between England and France for ownership of North America. Built in 1754, the fort served as an outpost for colonial American and British interests exploring the Province of Massa... (read more)

Children's Discovery Museum (Augusta). This museum offers opportunities for children to explore as well as indulge their interests. Budding naturalists, for instance, will enjoy the museum's Touch Tank for Kids where they can witness crabs eating or hold a starfish. Youngsters interested in cooking can prepare imaginary meals at the museum's play area restaurant while would-be capitalists can lear... (read more)

Recently acquired by the City of Augusta, the 268-acre Bond Brook Recreation Area has already become a favorite with cross country skiers in the capitol region. Along with resources provided by Augusta's city government, the newly organized non-profit Augusta Trails and the central Maine chapter of the New England Mountain Biking Association are lending their efforts to shaping this property into ... (read more)

Those seeking to indulge in the serenity and colorful displays of nature will particularly enjoy the Viles Arboretum, formerly known as the Pine Tree State Arboretum. This expansive arboretum is sectioned to highlight its impressive collection. Lovers of flowers and bushes will find this place especially delightful. It is a true gem for gardeners seeking to get ideas for their plantings or simply ... (read more)

The Augusta Nature Center is a "green" gem in the heart of urban Augusta. Operated by the Augusta Nature Club, the center features 5 miles of trail that winds its way through 175 acres of surprisingly diverse natural features. Visitors will enjoy viewing a wide variety of native Maine flowers as they pass by historic quarries, lily ponds, beaver dams, small waterfalls and even a cave. Most of the ... (read more)

Maintained by the City of Hallowell, in conjunction with the Kennebec Land Trust, the Jamies Pond Wildlife Management Area features several expansive trails which wind their way through a compelling, rich wilderness environment only minutes from Augusta. This massive 800-acre property is dominated by Jamies Pond, a 107-acre pond rich with aquatic life such as fish and frogs. Wildlife is abundant a... (read more)