Augusta Parks and Gardens

(Augusta, Maine - ME, USA)



There are only a few parks and green spaces within the city of Augusta itself, offering valuable recreational attractions, with horticultural enthusiasts favoring the beautifully laid-out Viles Arboretum.

Conveniently providing valuable green space on the southern side of downtown Augusta is Capitol Park, which is encircled by Capitol Street, State Street and Union Street, and sits next to both the Kennebec River Trail and its namesake, the Maine Capitol (Maine State House.

Savage Park lies on the northeasterly side of Augusta, on Riverside Drive (Highway US-201) and across the Kennebec River, being close to the Route 3 bridge. Covering in the region of 3 hectares / 7 acres in total, this piece of parkland is surprisingly green and features a mixture of wooded areas and open grassland - the perfect place for children to let off steam and have a run-around.


Viles Arboretum

Address: 153 Hospital Street, Augusta, Maine (ME), 04330, USA
Tel: +1 207 626 7989
Just down the road from the Capital Area Sports Complex, the Viles Arboretum lies on the eastern side of the city, over the other side of the Kennebec River and along Hospital Street. This botanical attraction was previously named the Pine Tree State Arboretum and covers an area of approximately 225 acres / 91 hectares, with trails stretching for more than 5 miles / 8 km and leading past some 300 different plant species and varieties. These include a native plant garden, along with collections of chestnuts, conifers, lilacs and hostas. Particularly interesting is the Daughters of the American Revolution Historical Garden, which is home to a group of culinary and medicinal plants, while the Tree Farm Demonstration Area contains the biggest selection of specimen trees.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: free

Capitol Park

Address: Capital Street, Augusta, Maine (ME), 04330, USA
Capitol Park is a very popular place to enjoy a lunchtime picnic and attracts office workers, locals and tourists alike, with benches overlooking the plants and the Governor's monument. There is plenty of space for children to play ball games, although don't come expecting lots of flowers and plants - this is more a functional space than a pretty landscaped garden. Next-door you will find the city's police station, the YMCA and the Maine State Museum.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Savage Park

Address: Riverside Drive, Augusta, Maine (ME), 04330, USA
There is a relatively short hiking trail within the grounds of Savage Park, which at approximately 1 mile / 1.6 km in length, will take in the region of 30 minutes to complete, although it can become a little overgrown at times. Many locals simply come here to make use of the picnic area, which is partially enclosed by a group of mature birch trees. If you are walking along the trail, do be sure to watch out for the poison ivy and other potential hazards along the old railway line.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free