This Beautiful 224-Acre Botanical Garden In Maine Is A Sight To Be Seen
When people come to Maine to enjoy the Great Outdoors, they might head to Acadia National Park or one of the many state parks that dot the landscape. And we wouldn’t blame them! All of these are great spots to visit when you want to get as close to nature as possible. But that doesn’t mean you can’t escape the hustle-and-bustle when you’re in the city. This beautiful botanical garden is located in Augusta, Maine, making it a great way to take a break.
Viles Arboretum in Augusta used to be known as the Pine Tree State Arboretum. But no matter what you call it, it's one of the best ways to escape from city life and enjoy some peaceful fresh air.
The area is also rich with history. Back in the 1800s, this land was owned by a few different farms. In 1835, the area was purchased by the State Hospital and used to help rehabilitate patients through agricultural labor until about 1905.
Today there are remnants of the farm along with educational placards to help visitors imagine what life might have been like before it was the garden area it is today.
One of the best things about this beautiful natural area is that it's open 365 days a year, which means you can explore the grounds in lots of different seasons. In addition to hiking and walking, they encourage activities snowshoeing, biking, and cross-country skiing.
Set aside some time one weekend each season and explore just how great Maine can be without even having to venture out into the middle-of-nowhere.
The Viles Aboretum is open year-round from sunrise to sundown and is free to visit, though contributions are certainly welcome. The Visitors Center, which has bathrooms and a souvenir shop, is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can learn more about it by checking out the official website. You can learn more about the hiking trails located here by visiting Maine Trail Finder or alltrails.com. They even have a Facebook page! They can be reached via phone at (207) 626-7989.
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
