Waterville, Maine Travel Guide
Introducing Waterville, Maine! Waterville is a small college town home to Colby College. Waterville is near Augusta in the southern part of the state. The town is small, with only 15,000 permanent residents, and the college brings in about 2,000 students. Waterville is an up-and-coming spot, as the college and the public have been focused on restoring the downtown area and bringing in new businesses. Nearby, visitors can hike, ski, and explore Maine. Waterville is not close to many major cities. The nearest cities are Portland, ME (1hr 10min, 75 miles), Boston, MA (3hr, 185 miles), and Montreal, QC (4hr 30min, 400km). The closest major airport is Portland International Jetport.
No trip to Waterville could be complete without walking around Colby College. While on campus, be sure to check out the Colby College Museum of Art! Sticking with the art theme, Waterville has several art-focused stops. Consider seeing a film or a movie at the Railroad Square Theatre, home to the annual Maine International Film Festival! Opera House and the Paul J. Schupf Arts Center both feature performing arts too. For some history, visit Fort Halifax. Built during the French and Indian War, the lone blockhouse that survived is the oldest one in the United States! Additionally, take a walk across Two Cent Bridge, an old pedestrian bridge that used to have a toll. Can you guess how much it cost to walk across the bridge? While you are in town, consider visiting Yardgoodsfor yarn and fabric or Bull Moose for all things entertainment.
Maine is a beautiful, forested state, from green trees in the summer to the stunning autumn colors. Waterville is no different, and there are many places to enjoy the great outdoors nearby. Consider walking in the RiverWalk in town or along the banks of the Messalonskee River in North Street Park. Quarry Road Trails is a local favorite spot for hiking, cross-country skiing, disc golf, and mountain biking. Kennebec Highlands is nearby too and offers great hiking. Here for the winter? Hit the slopes at Sugarloaf, the largest ski resort in Maine!
For a small town, Waterville has a large food scene. Start your day at Sunrise Bagel for breakfast and coffee, and head to Holy Cannoli for some bakery items. For lunch, stop by Grand Central Cafe for brick oven pizza, Asian Cafe for a variety of Asian dishes, or The Jewel of India, a local favorite. For a drink, head to one of Waterville’s numerous pubs including the local favorite Silver Street Tavern, Lion’s Den Tavern, or Mainely Brews Restaurant and Brewhouse for some live music. For some dinner, try Proper Pig for local favorite pork BBQ, 18 Below for their raw bar, Opa for Greek, or Front and Main for a fine dining experience. Finish off the night with ice cream from Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream or a cocktail from Meridians!
If you are looking to spend the night in Waterville, there are several chain hotels nearby including Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, and Best Western. Consider staying at the boutique hotel downtown, Lockwood Hotel. To enjoy the beauty of Maine, consider staying at Two Rivers Campground.
Need a place to yourself? Consider a Vrbo, here are some of our favorites: Cozy, Apartment for 2, Downtown Apartment for 4, and Waterfront Home for 8
Not sure when to visit? Consider staying at one of Waterville’s many festivals including the Maine International Film Festival, Taste of Waterville, and the Atlantic Music Festival. Whatever you’re into, Waterville, Maine has something worth seeing. We hope this travel guide gave you a glimpse into life in Waterville that can inspire a future visit.
Happy Travels!
The Modern Travel Guide
