A Free Botanical Garden In Augusta, ME
6 MILES OF TRAILS, EXCELLENT WILDLIFE WATCHING, SKIING & SNOWSHOEING, INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE , 20+ BOTANICAL COLLECTIONS, VISITOR CENTER & GIFT SHOP, AND MUCH MORE!
Viles Arboretum is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 1982 in conjunction with the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands in order to provide educational, recreational, and inspirational opportunities through the conservation of land and the cultivation of trees and other woody plants from around the world. Located in Maine's Capital City, the Arboretum is a no-fee 224 acre botanical garden which features miles of trails, a rotating suite of programs and events, a full service visitor center, and a variety of habitats home to flora and fauna of Statewide importance.
Visiting Viles Arboretum
Are you planning your first trip to our Arboretum? Here's what you need to know:
Fee
There is no fee for visiting Viles Arboretum. Access to our hiking trails, walking paths, and botanical gardens is free for everyone. We are a private, non-profit corporation supported by membership fees, donations, and gifts. Click here to support Viles Arboretum or become a member.
Leave No Trace
- Stay on marked trails
- Respect all plants and wildlife. Collection, damaging, or harassing plants and wildlife is not permitted
- Carry out all trash and pet waste
Rules
- Dogs are welcome and must be on leash at all times. Please pick up after your pet. Dog-waste stations and complimentary bags are available at trail head kiosks
- No climbing trees or art installations
- No smoking, fires, grills, or combustibles of any kind
- No hunting, fishing, trapping
- Individuals or businesses looking to host an event or other function at the Arboretum must obtain prior authorization
Commercial photographers must obtain a permit to utilize the Arboretum. Click here to purchase.
Recreational Opportunities
Viles Arboretum offers a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the recreational activities you can enjoy during your visit:
Hiking and Walking: over six miles of trails that wind through gardens, forests, wetlands, and meadows. These trails offer great opportunities for hiking, walking, and exploring the natural areas of the arboretum.
Bird & Wildlife Watching: The diverse habitats found within Viles Arboretum provide excellent wildlife watching opportunities. Throughout the year you can spot a variety of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles, and fish.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: During the winter months, Viles Arboretum's trails provide excellent opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Equipment rentals are available in the visitor center.
Picnicking: There are several picnic areas throughout Viles Arboretum that offer scenic views and peaceful settings for enjoying a picnic lunch or snack.
Geocaching: Viles Arboretum is home to several geocaches, which offer a fun and interactive way to explore the arboretum while searching for hidden treasures.
Photography: Viles Arboretum is a beautiful and scenic location for photography. The gardens, trees, and natural areas provide endless opportunities for capturing stunning photos. Commercial photography by permit only.
Located in downtown Augusta, ME, Viles Arboretum is the perfect location for your next meeting, conference, party, wedding, or other special event. We offer a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces in a beautiful, yet convenient setting.
- Wireless high speed internet access
- Full commercial kitchen on site
- Newly renovated indoor spaces with tables and seating for up to 100 people
- Stunning outdoor spaces perfect for weddings or other events
Weddings & Large Events
Meetings & Small Gatherings
Recent News

Governor Mills Declares November 24 as "Maine Grown Christmas Tree Day
Monday, 20 November 2023 14:07Christmas Trees and wreaths grown in Maine generate $18 million in annual economic impact Augusta, MAINE – The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that...

Viles Arboretum Receives $25,800 Boost from Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund for Forest of the Future Project
Thursday, 16 November 2023 06:14In a significant stride towards sustainable forestry practices, Viles Arboretum has been awarded $25,800 from the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund to bolster its Forest of the Future Project. The funding...

Fairytales and Fungi: The Magical World of Amanita Muscaria
Thursday, 05 October 2023 15:28While looking out the window of my office on a gray October morning I noticed an abundance of mushrooms had sprouted up on the lawn seemingly overnight. Considering this wasn’t the busiest morning...

A Guide to Autumn at the Arboretum
Saturday, 30 September 2023 14:27As the days get shorter and the air becomes cooler, you can feel a noticeable change in the world. The leaves, dressed in shades of gold, amber, and crimson, slowly fall to the ground like a...

2023 State of Maine Fall Foliage Forecast
Wednesday, 13 September 2023 13:29September 13, 2023, AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) fall foliage spokesperson Gale Ross has announced the start of foliage season throughout...

Help Us Launch Our New Community Agriculture Program
Thursday, 31 August 2023 12:15Viles Arboretum is excited to introduce our new Community Agriculture Program (CAP), scheduled to launch in 2024. After dedicated efforts over the past several years by our gardeners, we paused the...