Maine's Capital Area

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Plan your visit to the Kennebec Valley!


Kennebec Valley 2025 Region Guide

Maine's Kennebec Valley 2025 Explorer

Discover the Kennebec Valley – Where History, Nature, and Culture Meet

The Kennebec Valley is a vibrant region spanning 23 communities, including Maine’s capital city of Augusta, as well as Gardiner, Windsor, Monmouth, Readfield, and more. This region blends historic charm with modern convenience, making it a unique and welcoming place to live, work, and explore.

A Capital Rich in History and Opportunity

Founded as an original Pilgrim settlement in 1629, Augusta serves as both the state capital and the economic center of a micropolitan area home to over 75,000 residents. Here, you’ll find a dynamic mix of government services, educational institutions, healthcare, retail, and industry.

Experience Local Culture and Culinary Delights

The Kennebec Valley is rich in culture, art, and culinary experiences. Historic downtowns are filled with beautifully preserved architecture, boutique shops, and locally owned restaurants that celebrate Maine-made products and farm-to-table dining. Catch a live performance at one of the region’s theaters or enjoy outdoor concerts along the riverfront during the warmer months.

Outdoor Adventures in Every Season

The mighty Kennebec River flows through the heart of the region, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. For those who prefer land-based activities, the Kennebec River Rail Trail stretches 6.5 scenic miles from Augusta to Gardiner—perfect for walking, running, or biking year-round.

When winter arrives, the Kennebec Valley transforms into a cozy escape. Warm up with a visit to a local café or day spa, explore local art galleries and shops, or embrace the season with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on one of the area’s many trails.

The Maine You’ve Been Looking For

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, the Kennebec Valley offers a taste of the authentic Maine experience—rich in natural beauty, community spirit, and year-round adventure.



The Kennebec Valley has lodging options for both leisure and business, family vacations, and solo travel. From the convenience of the city to the seclusion of the lakes, whatever you need is here. Businesses in our region work closely with local hotels, motels, and inns to accommodate traveling clients and also utilize the many conference spaces available.

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As Maine's capital region, the Kennebec Valley is teaming with attractions from the State Capitol Complex to museums, statues, and historic buildings.

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The Capital Area offers a variety of year- round recreational activities for residents and visitors alike. The region is filled with hundreds of thousands of acres of forests, with several hundreds of acres dedicated to conservation and recreation. The region is filled with opportunities for locals and visitors alike to enjoy nature and exercise in the outdoors.

 

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augusta bags©Marketplace at AugustaFrom small, locally owned stores to national retail stores, the Kennebec Valley has it all. Your shopping experience will include visiting several shopping centers, mini-malls and traditional Main Street settings of the downtown business districts.

Each community in the region offers its own unique downtown shopping experience. Visit the varied selection of stores owned by our very own community members. Find a treasure trove of antique pieces, stay warm with a handmade hat, or bite into a scrumptious treat made with local products.

The capital area is also home to several shopping centers with an extraordinary retailer mix with likes of Walmart, Target, Lowes, Home Depot, TJ Maxx, Best Buy, Barnes and Noble Booksellers, and more.

Whatever your shopping pleasure, you are sure to discover it in the Capital Area.

The Kennebec Valley is filled with unique dining opportunities. Try something new or find comfort in an old favorite. You can find local, fresh ingredients at many of the locally-owned restaurants. The range of culinary options will please visitors and life-long residents alike!

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