Free & Cheap Things to Do in Augusta

History & Architecture

Maine’s capitol, designed by Charles Bulfinch and completed in 1832, crowns a hill above the Kennebec with a granite façade and a copper dome topped by a gold “Lady Wisdom.” The building is free to enter on weekdays, with free guided tours by appointment.

Address: 210 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330

Tip: Free guided tours run weekday mornings (with added afternoon tours late June–October) and are limited to 20 people — book ahead through the Maine State Museum at 207-287-2301. Walk-in self-touring is welcome weekdays 8–5.

History & Architecture

Across from the State House, the Blaine House has been the home of Maine’s governors since 1919. The 1833 mansion — once home to statesman James G. Blaine — offers free guided 25-minute tours of its public rooms by advance reservation.

Address: 192 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330

Tip: Tours run Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings and must be booked in advance — no walk-ins. Adults need photo ID and a security form submitted ahead. Schedule through the Maine State Museum.

Parks & Nature

A free 224-acre botanical garden and arboretum on Augusta’s east side, with six-plus miles of trails winding through tree collections, meadows, wetlands, and outdoor sculpture. Open dawn to dusk year-round — hiking in summer, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter.

Address: 153 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME 04330

Tip: Trails and the visitor center are free. Pick up a map at the trailhead. Leashed dogs are welcome. A genuinely peaceful, uncrowded spot just minutes from downtown and I-95.

Hiking & Trails

A flat, paved 6.5-mile rail trail follows the Kennebec River from Augusta’s waterfront through Hallowell and Farmingdale to Gardiner, mostly hugging the riverbank. Popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists, with multiple access points and river views the whole way.

Address: Waterfront Park, Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330

Tip: The Augusta-to-Hallowell stretch (about 2 miles) is the most scenic and links two walkable downtowns with cafés. Ten feet wide and stroller-friendly. Free parking at Augusta’s Waterfront Park trailhead.

History & Museums

The oldest surviving wooden fort in New England, built on the Kennebec in 1754, with an original garrison house and reconstructed blockhouses, watch boxes, and palisade. Costumed interpreters bring colonial trading-post life on the river to life for visitors.

Address: 16 Cony Street, Augusta, ME 04330

Tip: A $35 family rate (two adults, up to three kids) is the budget pick. Open weekends from late May, daily July–August, then weekends into mid-October. Last tour starts at 3:30; active military are free.

History & Museums

Maine’s official state museum tells the story of the state’s people, land, and industries — from Ice Age fossils to a working water-powered woodworking mill — with refreshingly low admission. It is closed for a major renovation and is scheduled to reopen in late 2026.

Address: 230 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330

Tip: Closed for renovation — confirm the reopening (planned for late 2026) before visiting. When open, teachers, students, and homeschool groups visit free. Sits beside the State House and Blaine House for an easy capitol-complex loop.

Parks & Nature

The forested hill that forms the iconic green backdrop behind the State House is a 164-acre public preserve with free trails. The Kennebec Land Trust’s paths climb through oak and pine to quiet overlooks just minutes from downtown.

Address: Ballard Street / Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04330

Tip: Trailheads are off Ballard and Capitol Streets; maps are at the kiosks and on the Kennebec Land Trust site. The climb is moderate. A surprising pocket of wild woods right behind the capitol.

Arts & Culture

Augusta’s 1896 Romanesque public library is a downtown landmark of stone, stained glass, and carved oak, free to explore. A modern addition gives it a bright reading room and children’s area alongside the historic rotunda.

Address: 45 Winthrop Street, Augusta, ME 04330

Tip: Free to walk in and admire the historic rotunda and reading rooms. The library lends Maine state-park and museum passes to cardholders. A short walk from the Kennebec River Rail Trail and Water Street downtown.