The Kennebec Explorer 2014 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 38
Augusta: A capital experience awaits you.
Area Attractions
Maine State Museum
230 State St., Augusta
Old Fort Western
16 Cony St., Augusta
Viles Arboretum
153 Hospital St., Augusta
Maine State House
210 State St., Augusta
Governor’s Mansion —
Blaine House
192 State St., Augusta
Children’s Discovery Museum
171 Capitol St., Augusta
Augusta Marketplace
197 Civic Center Dr., Augusta
Bond Brook Park
Winthrop St. via
Mt. Hope Cemetery, Augusta
Lithgow Public Library
45 Winthrop St., Augusta
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Come shop, learn and play in Maine’s capital city.
Clouds float across the smooth-as-glass surface of the majestic Kennebec River as it flows
past the City of Augusta. This meandering river is a far cry from the Class IV rapids for which
the Kennebec is known. While the waters here reflect the serenity of a summer’s day, just
steps away on the broad avenues and side streets of the capital you’ll find history in the
making, bustling commerce and the business of government under way.
No visit to Augusta would be complete without
touring the Capitol Complex, home to the
Maine State Museum, Capitol Park and of course
The State House (call ahead to secure a space on
the tour). The governor resides at Blaine House,
named after James G. Blaine — one of Maine’s
most illustrious political leaders.
The Maine State Museum is a cross-section of all
that our state has to offer, beginning with it being
home to a three-story water-powered factory mill
that has been re-assembled inside. An excellent
Maine Native American collection and The Lion,
one of the nation’s oldest locomotives beautifully
restored and on permanent display.
Maine is known as the
Pine Tree State.
Every corner of our state is filled
with the plentiful economic,
environmental and recreational
resource of the pine forest.
The winds from the Atlantic Ocean are greatly softened by the time they reach Augusta’s
Capitol Park, a lovingly tended public garden adjacent to the Maine State House and
Museum. Also home to the Vietnam Memorial, the park boasts some of the best shade
trees in the city. Bring a blanket and a picnic. Or maybe head over to the Farmers’ Market
at Mill Park on Water Street (Tuesdays from May to October) to pick up a fresh local
treat or takeaway lunch.
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