Augusta (Maine)

Augusta is the capital of Maine, but at 19,000 (2020), it is one of the least populous state capitals in the United States.

Understand

🌍 Augusta State Airport (AUG ^IATA), 75 Airport Rd (Located about 1/2 mile west/northwest out Western Ave (US-202/ME-17/ME-100/ME-1) from roundabout/rotary nearest the State Capitol), ☏ +1 207 626-2306. Small regional airport with regular Cape Air flights to Boston's Logan International Airport.
Maine Instrument Flight, ☏ +1 888 643-3597. Air charter and private aircraft, 123.00 MHz

From Portland: take US Interstate I-295 North toward Falmouth; this becomes I-95 North; follow signs for Augusta. Exit at Augusta/Western Ave, and turn right, east, into Augusta; trip is under 60 miles, about one hour total in reasonable traffic.
From Bangor: Take I-95 South to Augusta/Western Ave, and turn left, east, into Augusta; trip is about 80 miles, a bit under 1 1/2 hours in reasonable traffic.
From Belfast: Take Maine State Route 3 South (really west/southwest); trip is about 47 miles, or about one hour in reasonable traffic.

🌍 State Capitol Building, State St, ☏ +1 207 287-2301. The west entrance is open to the public M-F, 8AM-5PM. Free guided tours are offered M-F 9AM-1PM. Free.
🌍 Maine State Museum, 83 Maine 27 (Across parking lot from the State Capitol Building), ☏ +1 207-287-2301. Tu-F 9AM-5PM. Sa 10AM-4PM. Closed Su, Mo, and state holidays. Exhibits focus on Maine-specific natural history; prehistory and archaeology; natural resources and agricultural and industrial history; working people and manufacturing; and identity. Of particular interest is the reassembled two-story woodworking mill. Entrance $2, $1 for children aged 6-18 and senior citizens aged 62 and over, free for children under 6.
🌍 Old Fort Western, 16 Cony St, ☏ +1 207 626-2385. Jul-Aug 10AM-4PM, Sep-Oct F-M 10AM-4PM. Built in 1754, this is the oldest surviving wooden fort in North America (the main house is original). It is a National Historic Landmark. Near the rebuilt stockade overlooking the Kennebec River is a 1912 marker recording the September 1775 departure from the fort of an expedition under Benedict Arnold for the capture of Quebec. $10/adult, $8/concession, $6/child, $25/family. (updated Aug 2019)
🌍 Lithgow Public Library, 45 Winthrop St, ☏ +1 207-626-2415. (updated Mar 2025)
🌍 Blaine House, 192 State St, info@blainehouse.org. Official residence of Maine's Governors since 1919. Tours of the first floor offered by appointment. (updated Mar 2025)

🌍 Viles Arboretum, 153 Hospital St., ☏ +1 207 626-7989. Daily, Dawn-dusk. Office staffed M-F 8AM-4:30PM. Free. (updated Jan 2018)
🌍 The Colonial Theater, 139 Water St. Historic movie theater which is listed on the national register of historic building. The current building dates back to 1926. After being abandoned for a long time, the theater now once again hosts shows and events. (updated Sep 2022)

There are a number of restaurants and bars located along the historic Water St.

🌍 Riverfront Barbeque & Grill, 300 Water St, ☏ +1 207 622-8899.
🌍 Lisa's Restaurant and Lounge, 15 Bangor St, ☏ +1 207 621-0599. Good food, great drinks, American food with Mexican items too! Prime rib, rib eyes, etc.

🌍 Quality Inn, 65 Whitten Rd, ☏ +1 207 622-3776, fax: +1 207 622-3778.
🌍 Senator Inn and Spa, 284 Western Avenue @ Turnpike 95, ☏ +1 207 622-5804, toll-free: +1-877-772-2224, fax: +1 207 622-8803.
🌍 Best Western Plus Civic Center Inn, 110 Community Dr, ☏ +1 207 622-4751.
🌍 Days Inn by Wyndham Augusta, 18 Edison Dr, ☏ +1 207-579-1839, fax: +1 207 622-1048.
🌍 Comfort Inn Civic Center, 281 Civic Center Dr, ☏ +1 207 623-1000.

Routes through Augusta