Augusta

Augusta sits on the Kennebec River and had a population of 18,899 at the 2020 census, making it the third-least populous U.S. state capital and the easternmost one in the country. The site was a fur-trading post called Cushnoc as early as 1628, and the Kennebec Proprietors built Fort Western nearby in 1754; the settlement was incorporated as Hallowell in 1771, split off and renamed Augusta in 1797, and became Maine's capital in 1827.

The Maine State House, completed in 1832, was designed by Boston architect Charles Bulfinch and built of granite quarried in nearby Hallowell; it resembles his earlier Massachusetts State House, since Maine had been part of Massachusetts until 1820. Directly across the street stands the Blaine House, the governor's official residence since 1919; the house itself dates to 1833 and was later owned by 19th-century political figure James G. Blaine, and it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964.

Old Fort Western, on the Kennebec's eastern bank, is the oldest surviving wooden fort in America still standing, restored in 1920 and opened as a museum in 1922; it also served as a supply stop for Benedict Arnold's 1775 expedition toward Quebec. The Maine State Museum, adjacent to the State House, is currently closed for a major renovation of the building that houses it, the State Archives and the State Library; the museum's own site lists a first-phase reopening date of October 24, 2026.

The Maine State House has been the seat of Maine's government since the legislature's first session there on January 4, 1832. Designed by Charles Bulfinch and built of Hallowell granite, the building was enlarged in 1909-1910 to its present appearance.

Downtown Augusta, around Water Street near the Kennebec River, holds a mix of casual dining within reach of the State House.

Hallowell, just south of Augusta, has its own compact historic downtown with additional restaurant options.

3 brewpubs within 10 miles of Augusta, all with a kitchen.

Brewpub locations from Open Brewery DB (MIT)

Augusta has no professional, minor-league or college team based in the city itself.

16 more Highway Heads places lie within about 180 miles of Augusta in a straight line — far enough that most are a night away rather than an afternoon.

• FreeportMaineabout 35 mi
• PortlandMaineabout 50 mi
• North Conway (White Mountains)New Hampshireabout 70 mi
• Acadia National ParkMaineabout 75 mi
• Bar Harbor (Acadia)Maineabout 80 mi
• PortsmouthNew Hampshireabout 100 mi
• ConcordNew Hampshireabout 120 mi
• ManchesterNew Hampshireabout 120 mi
• MontpelierVermontabout 140 mi
• SalemMassachusettsabout 140 mi
• StoweVermontabout 140 mi
• BostonMassachusettsabout 150 mi
• WaterburyVermontabout 150 mi
• Provincetown (Cape Cod)Massachusettsabout 160 mi
• BurlingtonVermontabout 170 mi
• PlymouthMassachusettsabout 170 mi

A half day covers the State House grounds, the Blaine House and a walk downtown; adding Old Fort Western or Viles Arboretum extends a visit to a full day.

Old Fort Western is open seasonally, from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day, according to its own history.

The Maine State Museum is closed for renovation through at least October 24, 2026, when its own site lists a first-phase reopening; check the museum's site before planning a visit around it.

Downtown Augusta sits directly on the Kennebec River, which is prone to spring flooding in low-lying areas near downtown.

Maine State House

Address

State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333

Hours

Open weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; guided tours by appointment at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and noon

Price

Free

Link

legislature.maine.gov

We checked closures, seasonal opening and opening hours on 2026-09-22. These change without notice — confirm with mainestatemuseum.org, en.wikipedia.org and legislature.maine.gov the week you travel.

Straight-line distance from Augusta, not drive time.

• Augusta State (AUG) — 1 mile
• Brunswick Executive (NHZ) — 30 miles
• Knox County Regional (RKD) — 38 miles