Scenes of the Kennebec RegionPause or browse photos with controls below.
RAFTING
For a guaranteed adrenaline rush, there's nothing better than a day of whitewater rafting.
More about rafting
HIKING, BIKING
Looking for a place to go hiking or mountain biking? The Kennebec region offers many options.
Search for hiking trails
RELIVING THE PAST
The Maine State Museum and Old Fort Western in Augusta offer a hands-on look into Maine's past and its rich cultural heritage.
Maine museumsForts & historic houses
Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 676, Augusta, ME 04332-0676
Phone: (207) 623-4559; Fax: (207) 626-9342 Areas covered: Augusta, Chelsea, Dresden, Farmingdale, Fayette, Gardiner, Hallowell, Jefferson, Litchfield, Manchester, Monmouth, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, Somerville, Wayne, West Gardiner, Whitefield, Windsor, Winthrop
E-mail: info@augustamaine.com
Kennebec Valley Tourism Council
179 Main Street, Waterville, ME 04901
Phone: (800) 393-8629
The Upper Kennebec Valley-Moose River Valley offers opportunities for hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and viewing fall foliage. Call for a free four-season guidebook and snowmobile map.
E-mail: info@kennebecvalley.org
Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 142, One Post Office Square, Waterville, ME 04903-0142
Phone: (207) 873-3315/3316 Areas covered: Albion, Belgrade, Benton, Burnham, Clinton, Fairfield, Hinckley, Oakland, Pittsfield, Rome, Sidney, Unity, Vassalboro, Waterville, Winslow
Skowhegan Chamber of Commerce
23 Commercial Street, Skowhegan, ME 04976
Phone: (207) 474-3621 or (888) 772-4392; Fax: (207) 474-3306 Areas covered: Athens, Anson, Canaan, Cornville, Embden, Madison, Mercer, Smithfield, Skowhegan, Solon
E-mail: exdir@skowheganchamber.com
At first, you may think this region is merely sitting in between the drama of Katahdin and the allure of the ocean. But the Kennebec region, defined by the Kennebec and Moose River valleys, is one of Maine's most picturesque, with mirror-flat lakes, swaths of woodlands and tumultuous rivers. Visitors come for foliage, lakeside vacations, whitewater rafting and snowmobiling...
At first, you may think this region is merely sitting in between the drama of Katahdin and the allure of the ocean. But the Kennebec region, defined by the Kennebec and Moose River valleys, is one of Maine's most picturesque, with mirror-flat lakes, swaths of woodlands and tumultuous rivers. Visitors come for foliage, lakeside vacations, whitewater rafting and snowmobiling.
Most visitors to this region aim for the lakes: the Belgrade Lakes, China Lakes, and Winthrop Lakes. This is summer as you remember it: unpacking your bags in a cottage with that slightly stale smell, swimming out to the float, rowing around in circles. For people who want more action, the Kennebec and the Dead Rivers provide some of the best whitewater rafting in New England, and The Forks are the most popular jumping off point.
Augusta is the state's capital and though, with a population of just over 18,000, it's not a teeming metropolis, it has some fine attractions in the Maine State Museum, the State House and the governor's mansion, the Blaine House. Look to sister city Hallowell for antique stores, bookshops, cafes and diners.
Waterville, almost as large as Augusta, is a mix of a classic central Maine mill town and a northern college town, with students piling out of Colby College buildings. The college's Georgian buildings are worth a look, as are the Art Museum and Arboreteum.
Upward and onwards, you'll reach Skowhegan, Norridgewock and Madison. The farther inland you go, the more scenic. Fall is a good time to visit as the foliage is usually dramatic in this area. Waterfall spotters will be spoiled for choice.
In the Upper Kennebec Valley area, recreation is the focus, with outfitters offering rafting, kayaking and caneoing tours. In winter, snowmobilers congregate in Jackman, packing this tiny town to the brim. It's on the Interconnecting Trail System, at a major crossing, and is the gateway to Canada.
Fairs, Festivals & Annual Events in the Kennebec region
Blistered Fingers Family
Bluegrass Festival 06/14/2007 - 06/17/2007
Some of the greatest bluegrass
music at one of the largest family events in New England. Don't just
hear about it - experience it! Check the Web site for more information.
Fees: $55 weekend pass which covers 4 days of music and camping. Daily
passes available. Times: Vary - check Web site. Location: Silver Spur
Riding Club, Rte 104, Exit 120 off I - 95, Sidney. www.blisteredfingers.com.
The Whatever Family Festival
- 30th Annual 06/22/2007 - 07/04/2007
Free family fun! Don't miss
this 13 - day fun - packed festival with celebrations in Gardiner, Augusta,
and surrounding towns. Events will include music, sports tournaments,
races, dancing, fireworks, parades and much, much more. Fees: Most
events free. Location: Greater Augusta. www.augustamaine.com.
Kennebec Valley Chamber of
Commerce Day 06/30/2007
Fun events for all ages with three stages of entertainment and over 85
events. Lots of family fun! Location: Capitol Park, Augusta. Fees:
Free. www.augustamaine.com.
Maine International Film
Festival 07/13/2007 - 07/23/2007
This 10th annual event will
feature over 80 films from more than a dozen countries, representing
the best of American and independent and international cinema. The
Maine Student Film & Video Festival will be held in conjunction
with this event. Fees: $8; $10 special events; $150 full festival pass;
10 - pass $75. Location: Railroad Square Cinema, 17 Railroad Sq,
Waterville Opera House, 1 Common St, Waterville. www.miff.org.
Maine Quilts 2007 Show 07/27/2007 - 07/29/2007
The largest quilt show in
Maine! Featuring special exhibits, workshops, lectures, demonstrations,
quilt appraisals, door prizes, merchants mall and over 400 displayed
and judged quilts. Fees: $6. Times: Fri & Sat 9:00 a.m. - 5:00
p.m.; Sun 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location: Augusta Civic Center, 76
Community Drive, Augusta.
www.mainequilts.org.
The County Bluegrass Festival 07/27/2007 - 07/29/2007
This 5th annual festival will
include Blistered Fingers White Mountain Bluegrass and more. A food
court with a diverse menu of foods and beverages. Fees: Check Web site.
Location: Farm Park, West Limestone Road, Ft. Fairfield. www.countybluegrass.com.
Taste of Greater Waterville 08/01/2007
The intimate dining experience under the stars is sure to be a great
time for all. Restaurants serve delicious meals a la carte style in
Waterville's downtown area. Times: 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Location:
Downtown Waterville.
www.midmainechamber.com.
Skowhegan State Fair 08/09/2007 - 08/18/2007
Excellent exhibits, livestock,
pulling, stage shows, arts and crafts, and racing. Evening concerts in
the park. Location: Madison Avenue, Skowhegan. www.skowheganstatefair.com.
Blistered Fingers Family
Bluegrass Festival 08/23/2007 - 08/26/2007
Some of the greatest bluegrass
music at one of the largest family events in New England. Don't just
hear about it - experience it! Fees: $50 (in advance) weekend pass
which covers 4 days of music and camping; after August 1st $55. Daily
passes available. Times: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Location: Silver Spur
Riding Club, Rte 104, Exit 120 off I - 95, Sidney. www.blisteredfingers.com.
Common Ground Country Fair 09/21/2007 - 09/23/2007
Come and join in the
celebration of rural, sustainable living. Sample organic foods
featuring Maine grown ingredients. The fair truly offers something for
everyone, including a dynamic children's area. Times: Gates open at
9:00 a.m. Fees: $10 adults (13 & over); free children 12
& under; $8 seniors (65 & over). Location: Crosby Brook
Rd, Unity.
www.mofga.org.
Electric Christmas Parade 11/23/2007
Come watch as a Touch of Country lights up downtown Waterville with the
Electric Christmas Parade. The parade brings Santa to town and ends
with the lighting of the giant spruce in Castonguay Square. Free and
open to the public. Fees: Free. Location: Downtown Waterville. www.watervillemainstreet.org.
Arts, Entertainment and Heritage
- There are many beautiful drives to be taken in this region - be sure to drive the scenic Route 201 byway just north of Skowhegan in Lakewood and runs 78 miles, primarily along the Kennebec River, through Moscow, the Forks (where the Kennebec meets the Dead River) and Jackman through to the Canadian Border.
More about Arts, Entertainment and Heritage in Maine >
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