Augusta

Archives & Museums

Blaine House ( Governor's Mansion )

192 State Street

Built in 1833 with updates in 1872 & 1919.  Since 1920, the Governors and their families have lived in the Blaine house while serving the State.  

Harriet Blaine Beal donated the house in memory of her son who died in WWI and was buried in France.

Open: Tues - Thursday 2 - 4pm for public tours.

207-624-7500

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Children's Museum ( recommended for children up to the 5th grade  for maximum enjoyment )

171 Capital Street

207-622-2209

www.childrensdiscoverymuseum.org

hands on exhibits include a restaurant, grocery store, bank.  Musueum includes a reading loft, theater and rainforest for toddlers.  Kids can learn about engineering, construction, and transportation.  There is a Birthday Party Room as well.

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Holocaust & Human Rights Center of Maine

46 University Drive

207-621-3530

infohhrc@maine.edu

Through lessons about the Nazi Holocaust and other genocides this facility tries to combat prejudice and discrimination in Maine and beyond.

Special Note:  this facility houses many group events & public programs, therefore it is not always fully open to the general public.  please check website before arrival.

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Maine State House

Built in 1829 by Charles Bulfinch.  Granite comes from neighboring town Hallowell.  In 1910, C Henri Desmond doubled the size of the original building.  The dome rises 185 feet and Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom stands atop the dome

Open for tours weekdays only  year round .

207-287-2301

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Maine State Museum

230 State Street

The official Maine government museum.  It is one of the oldest state funded museums in the Country.  It's goal is to connect the visitor o Maine's natural resources and historical richness.

Hours
Tuesday – Friday – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Old Fort Western - Built in 1754

The Nation's oldest Surviving wooden Fort!  The fort complex includes he original main house ( barrack & store ), reproduction blockhouses, watchboxes and palisade.  

Benedict Arnold fought here during the American Revolution.

Open:  (No reservations necessary)

• Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day:10:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Weekdays)CLOSED TUESDAYS11:00a.m. to 4:00p.m (Weekends)

• Labor Day to Columbus Day:11:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Weekends only)

*See our calendar page for a schedule of our Special Events and Lecture Dates.

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Bike Club

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club

Jim Merrick - 207-293-3784

The Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club (KVBC) sponsors recreational road rides in the Central Maine area. TheKVBC welcomes all cyclists to join the rides  along the many scenic back roads and lakes, rivers, and forests that grace the area.

Viles Arboretum aka The Pine Tree State Arboretum

This park has 224 acres of beautiful farm land.  This piece of property was once owned by the State and home to many psychiatric patients at the turn of the 1900's.  It was believed and probably correct to some degree, that being outside was therapeutic to the patients, isn't it to everyone?

In 1981 the Maine Forestry started the project of transforming this property into what it is today.  They planted 120 trees, contructed fences, bridges and trails.  

Since then a board of directors has been added the name has changed and the following gardens have been addeed for your enjoyment:

The American Chestnut

The Conifer / aka Evergreens

Governors Grove - White Pine Planted for Each Governor

DAR Garden / Daughters of the American Revolution 

( plants that were associated with homesteads of that time )

Lilac Collection

Ellis Island Sycamores

Rock Garden

( with over 50 species )

Hosta Garden

( largest public hosta garden in Maine ) 

The Arboretum is free to walk around and a great many of the events that they host are also free to the general public.  This is a wonderful place to burn off a few calories after you pigged out at one of the local restaurants!

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