Historical sites in Augusta Maine

Question

What are the most interesting historical sites to see in Augusta? We will be visiting on a Saturday and Sunday in August.

Answer

Augusta has a surprisingly rich history for a small capital city, with important sites tied to early Maine settlement, the Kennebec River trade route, and state government. Visiting on a Saturday and Sunday in August gives you good access to both indoor museums and outdoor historic areas, many of which are within a short distance of each other.

Below are the most interesting and worthwhile historical sites to see, along with what makes each one special.

Top Historical Sites in Augusta

Maine State Museum

The Maine State Museum is one of the best state museums in New England, covering everything from Maine’s Indigenous history to logging, shipbuilding, early industry, wildlife, and textiles. It’s engaging and very family-friendly. It pairs well with a visit to the State House right across the plaza. Note: Hours can vary, but summer weekends typically include Saturday hours.

Highlights: Logging exhibits, textiles and mills, early Maine artifacts, dioramas.
Why visit: Excellent overview of Maine’s cultural and industrial history.

Maine State House (Capitol Building)

Completed in 1832 and designed by Charles Bulfinch, who also designed the Massachusetts State House, Maine’s Capitol is a beautiful granite structure overlooking the Kennebec River. Weekend entry varies, but even if closed, the grounds and external architecture are worth walking.

Highlights: Legislative chambers, museum-quality artwork, classical architecture.
Why visit: Central piece of Maine’s political history.

Blaine House (Governor’s Mansion)

The Blaine House is one of the oldest continuously used governor’s mansions in the U.S. Tours typically require advance arrangements on weekdays, but the exterior is still interesting to see on weekends. It pairs nicely with a walk around Capitol Park across the street.

Highlights: Colonial Revival design, political history of James G. Blaine.
Why visit: Iconic state residence with national political ties.

Old Fort Western

This is arguably the most significant historical site in Augusta. Built in 1754, Fort Western is the oldest surviving wooden fort in the United States. During summer weekends, it’s open for guided or self-guided tours, offering an immersive look at colonial frontier life, Benedict Arnold’s 1775 expedition, and early settlement on the Kennebec River.

Highlights: Restored garrison, trading post, costumed interpreters, military history.
Why visit: One of the best-preserved colonial forts in the nation.

Viles Arboretum (Historic agricultural and land-use exhibits)

While mostly known as a nature preserve, Viles Arboretum includes several outdoor exhibits that highlight Maine’s agricultural and land-use history. Its historic apple orchard, stone structures, and sculpture installations add context to how land in central Maine was shaped by settlement.

Highlights: Historic apple varieties, interpretive trails, scenic walking paths.
Why visit: Beautiful outdoor history/nature blend close to downtown.

Augusta’s Downtown Historic District

This compact district includes 19th-century commercial buildings, early mills along the river, and several preserved storefronts. A weekend stroll gives you a sense of Augusta’s past as a river trade hub and vibrant mill town.

Highlights: Early industrial architecture, bridge views, waterfront walking trail.
Why visit: Easy, free, and a good way to connect the city's historical layers.

If you only have time for the “must-see” historical stops:

Old Fort Western — absolutely top priority.
Maine State Museum — best overall history experience.
State House + Capitol Park — beautiful and symbolic.

If you have more time or want outdoor options:

Viles Arboretum for history woven into nature.
Downtown Historic District for a riverfront walk with historic structures.
Blaine House exterior viewing (tours generally not available on weekends).

With a full weekend in August, you can comfortably see nearly all of these, with Old Fort Western and the museum serving as highlights that bring Maine’s early colonial and state history to life.

Historical sites in Augusta Maine

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