15 Fun Things to Do in Augusta Maine

*Links in this article may be affiliate links, from which we may earn commission. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Are you planning a trip to the Maine state capital? If you’re looking for things to do in Augusta Maine, you’re in the right place!

Located in the heart of beautiful Kennebec Valley, Augusta ME things to do include exploring the great outdoors and plenty of fun indoor attractions, too! Augusta is also a town rich with history and culture, so an Augusta Maine trip offers points of interest that are sure to appeal to everyone.

Oh, and if you’re looking for things to do in Augusta Maine this weekend or what to do in Augusta Maine today, be sure to check out this local Augusta events calendar for what’s happening in town during your visit!

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Augusta Maine

Viles Arboretum

Viles Arboretum is one of the best places to go in Augusta to enjoy the beautiful outdoors! Not only is this botanical garden free to visit from sunrise to sunset, but you’ll also find a variety of classes and workshops on offering throughout the years. You can walk the gorgeous trails, snowshoe or cross-country ski in the winter (rentals are available onsite), check out the sculpture exhibit, and stop in the visitors center and gift shop before you leave! Viles Arboretum is 224-acres of Maine beauty!

Maine State Museum

While the Maine State Museum is currently closed for major renovations as of this writing in 2022, it is one of the most underrated museums in the state and could not be left off this list of things to do in Augusta ME. With multiple floors of exhibits and collections detailing important historical moments throughout Maine’s history, including a three-story working mill, this incredible museum is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts!

Until the Maine State Museum opens up in person again, you can check out their remote museum experience here!

Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine

The Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine is an Augusta museum dedicated to education and documentation regarding the Holocaust and other civil rights issues. Onsite you’ll find exhibits, artifacts, performances, events, and more, all designed to continue education and community awareness.

Kennebec River Rail Trail

The Kennebec River Rail Trail stretches 6.5 miles along the Kennebec River and begins at Augusta’s Waterfront Park, and it’s a fantastic place to go for a scenic river walk in Augusta. People stroll, rollerblade, bike, or walk their dogs along this trail that parallels the rail bed, and if you stay on it, you’ll make your way through the neighboring towns of Hallowell, Farmingdale, and Gardiner.

One of Augusta Maine's top tourist attractions, the Kennebec River, is seen at sunset with a bridge spanning it — Just look at these views of the gorgeous Kennebec River!

Maine State House

Built in 1832, the Maine State House is a historic building of architectural significance in Augusta. The Maine State House is open to the public throughout the year, and guided tours are available for those who would like to learn more about this interesting historic building and its rich history housing Maine’s state capitol business throughout the years.

Cushnoc Brewing Company

Whether you’re looking for Augusta places to eat or things to do in Augusta when its raining or you just love checking out local breweries, Cushnoc Brewing Company is a perfect place to enjoy a bite and a brew. On the menu at the restaurant are wood-fired pizzas, salads, and snacks, and their craft beer menu consists of interesting brews like the Peasant Pilsner, a dry hopped Italian Pilsner with a grassy aroma; the perfect complement to their yummy wood-fired pizza!

Fort Western

The oldest wooden fort in the United States, Fort Western is a National Historic Landmark and a museum of living museum that has been carefully preserved throughout the years to show what life would have been like when it was first built 300 years ago! You can walk through and see the many home antiques and historical fort features in the warm weather months, but be aware that Fort Western typically closes for the winter.

First Amendment Museum

The First Amendment Museum is an interesting Augusta museum dedicated to the First Amendment. Housed in a historic building built by publishing magnate William H. Gannett as a wedding gift for his son, a staunch supporter of First Amendment rights, today its mission is to inspire and motivate US citizens to continue to embrace and defend their First Amendment freedoms.

Capitol Park

Capitol Park was created in 1827 and offers fantastic views of the Maine State Capitol Building. Broad expanses of grassy lawn are the perfect places to set up with a blanket and a picnic lunch on a warm day, and community events are often held in these spaces as well. There are plenty of walking trails that wind their way through this Augusta park, so if you’re looking for a lovely park to spend some time outdoors in Augusta, this is it!

Samantha Smith Monument

If you’ve not heard of the namesake of the Samantha Smith Monument, she was a bright young girl who became famous for writing a letter to then Soviet leader Yuri Andropov expressing her concern over nuclear war rhetoric, and was received with reassurances and an invitation to visit Soviet Union, where she became known as an advocate for peace. Her life was tragically cut short in a fatal plane crash, but she is remembered to this day in her Augusta monument.

Governor Hill Mansion

Beautiful Governor Hill Mansion is one of the most gorgeous buildings in Augusta Maine! Built in the Colonial Revival style, this impressive architectural building has been lovingly maintained throughout the years and today hosts a variety of events within its walls, both private and open to the community. Even if you aren’t attending an event inside Governor Hill Mansion, be sure to swing by to marvel at the beautiful architecture for yourself!

Red Barn

One of the top places to eat in Augusta Maine, Red Barn has been serving up some of the finest eats in the community since the 1970s! On offering at Red Barn are a variety of breaded seafood classics like scallops, haddock, clams, oysters, and more, but also on the menu at Red Barn is a Maine staple: the lobster roll. This is absolutely one of those must visit places in Augusta!

An impressive architectural building with towers and granite walls is one of the top tourist attractions in Augusta Maine — Editorial credit: Ken Morris / Shutterstock.com; just look at how impressive of an Augusta tourist attraction the Old Post Office is!

Old Post Office

Yes, the Old Post Office! This gorgeous historic building is an impressive sight to see, built in the Romanesque Revival style and used as a post office and courthouse until the 1960s. The towers and the granite exteriors create a magnificent visual aesthetic, and it is one of the last remaining buildings in Maine that were built in this particular architectural style.

Senator Inn and Spa

If you’re looking for where to stay in Augusta Maine, you’ve got to consider Senator Inn and Spa! With generous amenities like an indoor mineral lap pool and hot tub, a heated outdoor pool, picturesque gazebo and patio by the pool, onsite restaurant and lounge, steam room, sauna, spa, and more, this is one of those Augusta hotels that provide the full experience.

Click Here to Check Prices & Book!

The Colonial Theater

The Colonial Theater is a historic gem of a theater in Augusta that has been in the process of renovations for decades, in an attempt to bring it back to its former glory. There are a variety of community events including movies, concerts, and more that take place within this historic theater’s walls, so be sure to take note of The Colonial Theater events calendar to see what might be happening there during your Augusta visit!

If you’re planning a trip to the capital city of Maine, you’ll find there’s plenty to see and do on your visit. Hopefully this list of things to do in Augusta Maine helps to point you in the right direction!