Augusta, ME Tourist Attractions
|
|
Augusta, the state capital, lies some 40 mi. inland. Founded by English settlers in 1628, it is now predominantly an industrial town. Features of interest are the massive State House (by Charles Bulfinch, 1832), with the Maine State Museum (natural history, economic and social history of Maine); Blaine House, the Governor's residence; and Old Fort Western (1754), with "living history" presentations.
Children's Discovery Museum
The Children's Discovery Museum in Augusta features hands-on exhibits and role playing opportunities. Simulated work place areas, including a new construction exhibit, give children a basic understanding of various occupations. Also of interest are a stage and puppet theater, and a party room that maybe reserved for birthdays
Pine Tree State Arboretum
The area of the Pine Tree State Arboretum in Augusta features more than 200 species of trees and shrubs. There is also a 4mi/6km trail available for hiking, bird watching, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.
Augusta State Park
The park contains the Maine Vietnam Veterans Memorial and is home to a variety of native and exotic trees and plants.
Maine State Museum
The Maine State Museum in Augusta features displays on the natural and cultural history of Maine from prehistoric times to the industrial era.
Old Fort Western Museum on the Kennebec
The Old Fort Western Museum on the Kennebec is a wooden fort which was built in 1754. It has been restored and features interpreters in period costume.
State House
The Maine State House in Augusta was finished in 1832 by Charles Bulfinch. It is built of Hallowell granite.
Surroundings
There are a number of towns and attractions in the area surrounding Augusta which can be easily visited on a day trip.
Matthews Museum of Maine Heritage, Union
The Matthews Museum of Maine Heritage is located on the Union Fairgrounds off Common Road about 1000 feet east of Heald Highway, Route 17. The Museum houses over 8000 items relating to Maine Heritage dating from pre-revolutionary times. An extensive collection of carriages and wagons includes one of two existing Collins and Wingate one horse shays. Boasting the nation's largest public collection of Moxie memorabilia, the Museum is currently planning a major construction project to house the Moxie Bottle Stand, a 32 foot tall advertising item. There is also the Hodge School, a complete one room school house, from Washington Maine, that operated from 1864 through 1954.
W W & F Railway Museum, Alna
The Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway operated between the early 1900s and 1933. It was a two-foot gauge common carrier railroad which ran from Wiscasset in the south, to Albion and Winslow in the north.The museum displays artifacts related to the history of the railroad. Visitors can ride the trains.
L C Bates Museum, Hinckley
Located in an impressive 1903 building, the L C Bates Museum features natural history, archeology and ethnology exhibits related to Maine. The top floor is a gallery which displays changing art exhibits. Also on the property is an arboretum, and nature trails.
Waldoborough Historical Society Museum, Waldoboro
The Waldoborough Historical Society Museum consists of three building, Boggs School House, the Hauck Building and The Barn. The museum features a wide range of historical items including house hold items, fire fighting equipment, ship models, farming equipment, and other miscellaneous artifacts.
| Highlights: |
|---|
Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor was once a shipping port and is now a summer resort. Ocean-related activities are popular with tourists, including deep-sea fishing, river and ocean cruises, and whale watching.
Monhegan Island
Monhegan Island is a small island that lies 10mi/16km off the coast of Maine. There are no cars or paved roads on the island and it is mainly a fishing and lobstering area. The population is less than 75 people. During the summer months visitors often take day trips to the island from Boothbay Harbor, New Harbor, and Port Clyde.
Boothbay Railway Village
The Boothbay Railway Village operates a narrow gauge coal fired steam train which runs through a re-created historic village. The village features antique cars and trucks, a general store, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and the 1847 Boothbay Town Hall.
Cap'n Fish's Whale Watch and Scenic Nature Cruises
Cap'n Fish's Whale Watch and Scenic Nature Cruises in Boothbay Harbor offers a variety of sightseeing cruises including whale watching, river cruises, harbor cruises, and seal watching cruises.
Hendricks Hill Museum
The Hendricks Hill Museum in Southport is housed in a 19th century house and displays period furnishings, fishing gear dating to the mid 1800s, and navigational equipment. A separate building contains boats, tools, and ice harvesting equipment.
Boothbay - Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is located on 248 acres of waterfront and features native wildflowers, views of the water, miles of trails and stonework.
Round Top Center for the Arts, Damariscotta
The Round Top Center for the Arts in Damariscotta is the major cultural venue for the town. It hosts concerts, lectures, classes and contains an arts and crafts gallery featuring the work of local artists.
Pownalborough Courthouse, Dresden
The Pownalborough Courthouse was built in 1761 and is the only pre-Revolutionary courthouse in the state. It displays period courtroom furnishings as well as antique tools and equipment.
Norlands Living History Center, Livermore
The Norlands Living History Center is a living history museum and a working farm. It features a number of other restored buildings, including a stone library, schoolhouse, cottage, church, and barn.
Monmouth Museum, Monmouth
The Monmouth Museum features a wide range of artifacts pertaining to the history of the region. The museum owns nine buildings in the area including, a stencil shop, blacksmith shop, and carriage house.
Lakewood Theater, Madison
Lakewood Theater in Madison is a summer theater that presents theatrical events throughout the season. Comedies, dramas, musicals and children's shows are featured.
History House, Skowhegan
The Skowhegan History House is a home that was built by Aaron Spear for the Deacon James Lord in 1839. The home features historical artifacts and antiques.
Georges River Canal System, Warren
The Georges River Canal System is the second oldest in the US. It was built in 1795 and stretches for 28mi/45km.
