Maine

The Maine State Legislature was in session the day my uncle and I made a stop in Augusta, ME to visit the Maine State House. Despite the activity, we were welcomed with the friendliness of “Wow, you found us!”.

The Maine State House is in downtown Augusta overlooking Capitol Park near the Kennebec River. Even with the Maine State Legislature in session, I found it easy to park. Learn more about the Maine State House history or plan your visit.

The Maine State House isn’t as remote as it seems. If you are headed to the Atlantic Provinces of Canada, you’ll pass through Augusta on I-95.

If you can go in time for fall foliage in late September, I highly recommend it, because trees along the I-95 corridor between Augusta and Houlton (at the U.S./Canada border) turn brilliant red, orange, and yellow earlier than the rest of New England.

Augusta is also on the way to Bangor, Stephen King’s hometown; there, you can sit in front of his house in a way that is not creepy at all.

The Maine State House is home to the Maine Governor and Maine State Legislature, which consists of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Neither chamber was on the floor during our visit, so we were able to go into both the House of Representatives and the Senate. A Senate staffer brought us into the Senate chamber herself and gave us a personalized tour. All I had to do was mention that my uncle and I had arrived from lands afar, and we were warmly welcomed.

I think our visit to the Maine State House tested my introverted uncle a bit. He keeps his own company, but I’ll talk to almost anyone who doesn’t creep me out or offer candy at a van door.  And the Maine State House staffers are very friendly; if they seem OK with it, please chat with them, but plan to talk for a bit.

The balcony overlooking Capitol Park was also open, providing a peaceful space to sit and relax after touring and talking, especially if the weather is good.

When you are done at the Maine State House, I recommend heading over to Water Street to enjoy some local restaurants, coffee, and shopping. Our stop in Augusta was regrettably a quick one since our goal was to make it to Montreal by that afternoon, but if you want to stay longer, learn more about Augusta community events.

State Capitols Home