The Kennebec Valley serves as the seat of Maine's government and a major hub for American art.
Maine State House (Augusta): Take a tour of the state’s capitol building, which features historic flag collections and wildlife dioramas.
Colby College Museum of Art (Waterville): A premier destination for American art (including works by Winslow Homer and Alex Katz). Admission is free.
Old Fort Western (Augusta): Built in 1754, this is the oldest surviving wooden fort in New England and was the staging ground for Benedict Arnold’s march to Quebec.
Fort Halifax (Winslow): Visit the site of the oldest log blockhouse in the United States, located right on the Sebasticook River.
L.C. Bates Museum (Fairfield): A "cabinet of curiosities" style museum featuring 19th-century natural history dioramas, minerals, and Maine wildlife.
Outdoor Recreation
From gentle walking paths in the south to the "Whitewater Capital" in the north.
Kennebec River Rail Trail: A 6.5-mile paved trail connecting Augusta, Hallowell, Farmingdale, and Gardiner—perfect for biking or a scenic river walk.
Moxie Falls (The Forks): One of Maine’s tallest waterfalls with a 90-foot vertical drop. It’s an easy 1-mile hike to the viewing platforms.
The Forks Whitewater Rafting: Known as the adrenaline headquarters of Maine, offering Class II to Class V rapids on the Kennebec and Dead Rivers.
Mount Pisgah Fire Tower (Winthrop): Hike the Blueberry Trail to the summit for panoramic views that stretch to the White Mountains on clear days.
Viles Arboretum (Augusta): Explore 224 acres of botanical collections and 6 miles of accessible trails featuring local art installations.
Lakes & Waterways
The valley is defined by its massive lake systems and "quiet water" routes.
Belgrade Lakes Region: A chain of seven lakes perfect for bass fishing, kayaking, and hearing the calls of loons.
Cobbosseecontee Lake: Home to Ladies Delight Light, Maine's only inland lighthouse, and renowned as a world-class bass fishing spot.
Moose River Bow Trip (Jackman): A legendary 34-mile wilderness canoe loop through Attean and Holeb Ponds—often cited as the best place to spot moose from a canoe.
Unique Stops & Local Favorites
Antique Row (Hallowell): Water Street in Hallowell is famous for its concentration of antique shops, art galleries, and riverside pubs like The Liberal Cup.
Hussey’s General Store (Windsor): Famous for its slogan: "Guns, Wedding Gowns, and Beer." It’s a quintessential Maine experience.
Two-Cent Bridge (Waterville/Winslow): One of the last surviving wire-cable toll footbridges in the country, offering great views of the Kennebec.
Skowhegan State Fair: Held every August, this is the oldest continuously operating state fair in the United States.
Upcoming Events (April 2026)
Sugarloaf Reggae Fest (April 10–12): A major spring tradition in the Carrabassett Valley with live music and spring skiing.
Maine Culinary Fest (April 18–19): Held at the Augusta Civic Center, featuring local flavors and Maine-made food products.
Maine Seaweed Week (April 24 – May 3): A statewide celebration where local restaurants and breweries feature seaweed-inspired dishes and drinks.
