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Did you know that Auburn, Maine is home to the last remaining Shaker community in the world? The Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village offers a rare glimpse into this unique religious society that once flourished across America. This hidden gem is just one of many fascinating attractions in Auburn, a city where rich industrial heritage meets natural beauty along the banks of the Androscoggin River. As part of Maine’s “Twin Cities” with neighboring Lewiston, Auburn offers visitors an authentic slice of New England charm with a surprising variety of activities and attractions.
Getting to Auburn, Maine
Auburn is conveniently located in south-central Maine, making it accessible by various transportation methods. The closest major airport is the Portland International Jetport, about 40 minutes south of Auburn. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to reach the city.
Plan Your Journey to Auburn
Ready to explore Auburn’s charm? Book your flights and arrange transportation in advance for the best rates.
If you’re driving, Auburn is accessible via Interstate 95, with the city located just off Exit 75. From Boston, the drive takes approximately 2.5 hours, while from Portland it’s only about 45 minutes. The city is also accessible by bus services that connect to major regional hubs.
Best Time to Visit Auburn
Auburn experiences four distinct seasons, each offering unique attractions. Summer (June-August) brings warm temperatures perfect for outdoor activities along the Androscoggin River and Lake Auburn. Fall (September-October) transforms the landscape with spectacular foliage, making it an ideal time for scenic drives and hiking.
Winter (December-February) offers opportunities for skiing at nearby Lost Valley Ski Area, while spring (April-May) brings blooming landscapes and less crowded attractions. For festival enthusiasts, plan your visit in August for the Great Falls Balloon Festival or in October for the Dempsey Challenge, a major fundraising event founded by actor Patrick Dempsey.
Getting Around Auburn
While having a car provides the most flexibility for exploring Auburn and its surroundings, the city does offer some public transportation options. The Citylink bus system connects Auburn with Lewiston and provides access to major attractions and shopping areas.
Explore Auburn at Your Own Pace
Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to discover Auburn’s hidden gems and nearby attractions.
Downtown Auburn is relatively compact and walkable, with the Auburn Riverwalk offering a scenic mile-long paved path along the Androscoggin River. This connects Auburn to Lewiston via a pedestrian bridge, making it easy to explore both cities on foot.
Where to Stay in Auburn
Auburn offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. The Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch provides upscale rooms with beautiful views of the Androscoggin River and Great Falls, located right in the heart of historic Auburn.
For a more intimate experience, the Inn at the Agora in neighboring Lewiston offers unique accommodations in a restored former church rectory. Budget-conscious travelers will find several national chain hotels along Center Street and near the Auburn Mall.
Find Your Perfect Stay in Auburn
Book your accommodation early, especially if you’re visiting during fall foliage season or during major events.
Top Attractions in Auburn Maine
Auburn Riverwalk
The Auburn Riverwalk is a mile-long paved path that stretches from a small park beside Great Falls to a pedestrian bridge crossing to Lewiston. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll with scenic views of the Androscoggin River. The path is particularly beautiful during sunset and serves as a popular viewing spot for the Liberty Festival fireworks on July 4th.
Museum L/A
Learn about Auburn’s rich industrial heritage at Museum L/A, which preserves the history of the city’s working people, particularly mill workers. The museum offers fascinating exhibits on shoe manufacturing, which was once Auburn’s dominant industry. By the late 19th century, Auburn had positioned itself as the shoe manufacturing center of Maine, with one factory producing 75% of the world’s white canvas shoes by 1917.
Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary, a 450-acre wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary. It offers excellent trails for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography. The sanctuary is open year-round and provides a peaceful retreat from the city.
Mount Apatite Park
Geology enthusiasts will enjoy Mount Apatite Park, where visitors can discover minerals like feldspar, tourmaline, and apatite. The park features old quarries and mining areas where you can search for your own mineral specimens to take home – a unique activity that sets Auburn apart from other Maine destinations.
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village
Located in nearby New Gloucester, the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village is the last active Shaker community in the world. Visitors can tour the museum to learn about Shaker history, crafts, and lifestyle. The village also offers craft workshops and demonstrations during the summer months.
Explore Auburn’s Top Attractions
Make the most of your visit with guided tours and skip-the-line access to popular sites.
Outdoor Activities in Auburn
Lost Valley Ski Area
During winter, Lost Valley Ski Area becomes a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. This family-friendly ski resort offers 15 trails suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers, night skiing, and a terrain park. It’s also home to the Auburn Winter Festival in January, where visitors can embrace the Maine winter with various outdoor activities.
Lake Auburn
Lake Auburn provides excellent opportunities for fishing, with bass and lake trout being common catches. While swimming is prohibited (as it’s a public water supply), the lake offers beautiful scenery and peaceful surroundings for boating and fishing enthusiasts.
Androscoggin Riverlands State Park
Just a short drive from Auburn, this 2,675-acre park offers 12 miles of multi-use trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. In winter, the trails are ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park also provides access to the Androscoggin River for canoeing and kayaking.
Events and Festivals
Great Falls Balloon Festival
Held annually in August, the Great Falls Balloon Festival is one of Maine’s premier summer events. The festival features hot air balloon launches, live entertainment, food vendors, and crafts. Simard-Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston serves as the main venue, with balloons launching at dawn and dusk, creating spectacular photo opportunities against the backdrop of the Androscoggin River.
Dempsey Challenge
Founded by actor and Auburn native Patrick Dempsey, the Dempsey Challenge takes place each October. This fundraising event features cycling, running, and walking routes of various distances to support the Dempsey Center, which provides support for individuals and families impacted by cancer. The event attracts thousands of participants and creates a festive atmosphere throughout the Twin Cities.
Liberty Festival
Celebrate Independence Day at the Liberty Festival, held annually on July 4th. The festival features live music, food vendors, family activities, and culminates with a spectacular fireworks display over the Great Falls and Androscoggin River. The Auburn Riverwalk provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the fireworks.
Where to Eat in Auburn
Auburn’s dining scene has flourished in recent years, offering everything from traditional Franco-American cuisine to contemporary fare. For a taste of local history, try Grant’s Bakery, where you can sample tourtière, a flaky meat pie that reflects the region’s Franco-American heritage.
Fish Bones American Grill, located in the historic Bates Mill Complex in Lewiston, offers upscale dining with a focus on fresh seafood and local ingredients. For a more casual experience, DaVinci’s Eatery serves Italian-American favorites in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Beer enthusiasts should visit Baxter Brewing in Lewiston or Gritty McDuff’s in Auburn, both offering craft beers in lively pub settings. For breakfast, Forage Market is known for its hand-made bagels and was once named by Food & Wine Magazine as having some of the best bagels in America.
Practical Tips for Visiting Auburn
Weather
Auburn experiences cold, snowy winters with temperatures often below freezing from December through February. Summers are generally mild and pleasant, with temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F (21-29°C). Spring and fall can be variable, so layering clothing is recommended. Always check the forecast before outdoor activities, especially during winter when snowstorms can affect travel plans.
Local Transportation
While having a car is recommended for exploring the region, the Citylink bus system connects Auburn and Lewiston with hourly service on weekdays and limited service on Saturdays. Taxis and rideshare services are also available but may have limited availability during off-peak hours.
Local Etiquette
Mainers are known for their friendly but reserved nature. A simple greeting goes a long way in local establishments. Tipping is customary in restaurants (15-20%) and for taxi services. When exploring natural areas, follow the “leave no trace” principle by taking all trash with you and staying on marked trails.
Day Trips from Auburn
Auburn’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring other parts of Maine. Portland, Maine’s largest city, is just 40 minutes south and offers award-winning restaurants, the charming Old Port district, and cultural attractions like the Portland Museum of Art.
Nature lovers can head west to the Western Maine Mountains for hiking and scenic drives, especially during fall foliage season. L.L. Bean’s flagship store in Freeport is about 30 minutes away and is open 24/7 year-round, surrounded by outlet shopping opportunities.
For beach lovers, the coastal towns of the Southern Maine coast, including Ogunquit and Old Orchard Beach, are within an hour’s drive. These offer sandy beaches, coastal walks, and classic New England seaside charm.
Explore Beyond Auburn
Having your own transportation makes it easy to discover the many attractions within a short drive of Auburn.
Experience the Charm of Auburn, Maine
Auburn offers visitors a genuine Maine experience away from the more touristy coastal areas. With its rich industrial heritage, outdoor recreation opportunities, and vibrant cultural scene, this riverside city provides a perfect blend of history, nature, and small-town New England charm. Whether you’re watching hot air balloons drift over the Androscoggin River, discovering minerals at Mount Apatite, or sampling Franco-American cuisine, Auburn delivers authentic experiences that will make your Maine adventure truly memorable. Start planning your trip today and discover why this hidden gem in Maine’s Lakes and Mountains region deserves a spot on your travel itinerary!
Ready to Explore Auburn?
Book your flights, accommodations, and activities now to experience all that Auburn, Maine has to offer!
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