Visitor Information
Explore Viles Arboretum - A Botanical Garden in Augusta, Maine
Located in Maine's capital city, Viles Arboretum is a 224-acre botanical garden and nature preserve where visitors can experience the beauty and diversity of Maine's landscapes. Our grounds feature intentional plantings, reforested areas, scenic trails, and diverse natural habitats that invite exploration and learning in every season.
With over six miles of trails winding through meadows, forests, wetlands, and gardens, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Admission is always free, and the Arboretum is open every day from sunrise to sunset.
In addition to our beautiful grounds, the Arboretum features a Visitor Center with educational and wildlife exhibits, restrooms, water fill station, and gift shop. We host youth and community programs, educational workshops, and seasonal events that inspire people of all ages to connect with nature.
Viles Arboretum - where nature, education, and recreation come together!
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.
Leave No Trace
- Stay on marked trails
- Respect all plants and wildlife. Collection, damaging, or harassing plants and wildlife is not permitted
- Dispose of trash and pet waste in appropriate bins
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
Thank you for enjoying our space respectfully.
Use of the Arboretum
The Arboretum is free to access for recreational use. If you would like to use our space for a gathering or commercial purposes, such as photography, please visit our Facility Rentals page for more information.
Winter at the Arboretum
Discover the magic of winter at Viles Arboretum! Our trails are open year-round, offering a variety of ways to explore and enjoy the season:
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Sledding
- Winter Biking
- Hiking
Equipment Rentals
Make the most of your visit with our selection of cross-country skis and snowshoes, available to rent during our visitor center hours on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Members and children 17 and under: FREE
- Adults: $15
Winter Trail Etiquette
Please note that our trails are not groomed. Winter recreation is welcome on all trails except for the boardwalk, which is closed in the winter. To preserve the experience for everyone, non-skiers are kindly asked to stay to the side of cross-country ski tracks.
Visitor Center & Gift Shop
The Perfect Place to Begin or End Your Visit!
Inside the Visitor Center at Viles Arboretum, you'll find helpful information about our trails, plants, events, programming, volunteering, and membership.
Our Gift Shop offers a curated selection of nature-inspired gifts, local artisan goods, books, toys, and Arboretum merchandise. You can grab a snack and drink, or fill your bottle up at our fill station.
Accessible Restrooms and a Diaper Changing Station are available inside the Visitor Center during business hours. There is also a portable toilet located in the parking lot.
Explore our nature and wildlife exhibits, featuring hands-on learning displays and local species that highlight Maine's ecosystems. Don't miss our observation beehive, where you can watch honeybees at work, or our pond tank, home to a resident turtle and brown bullhead catfish.
Visit Center Hours: Wednesday-Saturday from 10:30am-4:30pm
VILES ARBORETUM
153 Hospital St
Augusta, ME 04330
CALL US
Phone: (207) 626-7989
TRAIL HOURS
Trails open daily, sunrise to sunset, all year round
Visitor Center
Wednesday through Saturday
10:30AM-4:30PM
Our visitor center may occasionally be closed during regular hours to observe state and federal holidays or to allow our small team to take well-deserved time off. We appreciate your understanding.
