Auburn MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Auburn, Maine.
1. Lost Valley
YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lost Valley is a popular ski area in Auburn that offers well-maintained slopes for skiing and snowboarding during winter months. In the summer, the area transforms into a hub for mountain biking and hiking, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere and variety of terrain suitable for different skill levels.
2. Mt. Apatite
HISTORIC GEM QUARRIES
Mt. Apatite Park is a 325-acre recreational area famous for its scenic trails and historical gem quarries. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking while also participating in rockhounding activities to find tourmaline, quartz, and apatite. The park offers a unique combination of outdoor adventure and geological exploration that attracts nature lovers and mineral enthusiasts alike.
3. Side by Each Brewing
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Side by Each Brewing is a highly-rated brewery in Auburn offering a variety of craft beers in a welcoming atmosphere. The establishment combines quality brewing with a casual, community-focused environment where visitors can sample unique beer creations. Many patrons enjoy the tasting room experience and the opportunity to try locally-made beverages.
4. Auburn Riverwalk
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATH
The Auburn Riverwalk is a mile-long paved path that stretches along the Androscoggin River, connecting Auburn and Lewiston. This popular walking trail offers beautiful views of Great Falls and serves as a gathering spot for community events like the Liberty Festival and Great Falls Balloon Festival. Visitors can enjoy the natural scenery while traveling between the twin cities on foot.
5. Community Little Theatre
LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS
Community Little Theatre is a beloved cultural institution in Auburn that showcases local theatrical talent through various productions throughout the year. The theater provides entertainment through plays, musicals, and other performances that highlight community creativity and artistic expression. Audiences appreciate the intimate setting and the opportunity to support local actors and directors.
6. Norway Savings Bank Arena
SPORTS AND EVENTS
Norway Savings Bank Arena is Auburn's premier sports and event venue hosting ice hockey games, figure skating, and various community activities. The modern facility features two NHL-sized ice surfaces that serve local teams and recreational skaters throughout the year. Beyond sports, the arena functions as a multipurpose space for concerts, trade shows, and other large gatherings.
7. Auburn Mall
SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Auburn Mall offers a convenient shopping experience with a variety of retail stores, dining options, and services under one roof. The indoor shopping center provides a climate-controlled environment for year-round shopping regardless of Maine's weather conditions. Visitors can find national retailers alongside local businesses, making it a practical destination for everyday needs and casual browsing.
8. Spring Road Trail
POPULAR HIKING PATH
Spring Road Trail is a highly-rated hiking path in Auburn that offers peaceful woodland scenery and well-maintained routes. The trail provides opportunities for walking, running, and observing local flora and fauna in a natural setting. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the accessibility and serene environment of this recreational pathway.
9. Lake Auburn
SCENIC NATURAL ATTRACTION
Lake Auburn is one of Auburn's most picturesque natural attractions, providing breathtaking views and opportunities for fishing and picnicking. The lake serves as a critical water source for the area, resulting in a well-preserved and serene environment for nature enjoyment. Visitors can fish for bass or lake trout while appreciating the tranquility of this important local waterway.
10. Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
HISTORIC FRENCH-INSPIRED CATHEDRAL
The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is Maine's only basilica, located in downtown Lewiston adjacent to Auburn. Its architecture was modeled after the cathedral at Chartres in France, featuring a stunning rose window and impressive Gothic design. The basilica stands as a testament to the region's rich Franco-American heritage dating back to the 1800s when French-speaking Canadians came to work in the area's mills and factories.
11. Simard-Payne Memorial Park
RIVERFRONT FESTIVAL GROUNDS
Simard-Payne Memorial Park is a riverside public space in Lewiston connected to Auburn via the pedestrian bridge from the Riverwalk. The park serves as the primary venue for major annual events including the Great Falls Balloon Festival in August and the Dempsey Challenge fundraiser. Visitors enjoy the open green spaces and river views while participating in community gatherings throughout the year.
12. Crescent Beach
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Crescent Beach is a popular recreational spot in Auburn offering swimming and sunbathing opportunities during warmer months. The beach area provides a family-friendly environment for water activities and picnicking along the shoreline. Locals and visitors alike appreciate this accessible outdoor space for cooling off and relaxing on hot summer days.
13. Dempsey Center
CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
The Dempsey Center in Lewiston was founded by actor Patrick Dempsey to provide support and education for individuals and families impacted by cancer. The center offers a wide range of services including counseling, wellness programs, and educational resources at no cost to clients. Each fall, the center benefits from the Dempsey Challenge, which brings thousands of cyclists, runners and walkers to the Lewiston-Auburn area for a major fundraising event.
14. Great Falls
DRAMATIC RIVER FEATURE
Great Falls is an impressive waterfall on the Androscoggin River that divides the twin cities of Lewiston and Auburn. The falls played a crucial role in the industrial development of both communities, powering mills and factories throughout their history. Today, visitors can view the dramatic cascade from several vantage points including the small park beside the falls in Auburn or from the Auburn Riverwalk.
15. Great Falls Balloon Festival
COLORFUL ANNUAL CELEBRATION
The Great Falls Balloon Festival is a signature annual event held in August that brings hot air balloons to the skies above Lewiston and Auburn. The festival features mass balloon launches, tethered balloon rides, food vendors, crafts, and entertainment for all ages. Thousands gather along the Androscoggin River at Simard-Payne Memorial Park and the Auburn Riverwalk to witness the colorful spectacle and participate in community celebrations.