Things to Do in Lewiston, Maine: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you seeking for fun things to do in Lewiston, Maine while planning a vacation there? Look nowhere else! There are many things to do in Lewiston, a city in Androscoggin County, Maine. Lewiston has much to offer everyone, regardless of your interests in history, art, or the great outdoors. We’ll walk you through some of the best things to do in Lewiston, Maine, in this post.

Discover Lewiston’s History

The Bates College Museum of Art is one of the greatest places to learn about Lewiston’s history since it is a city with a rich past. More than 5,000 items, including works of modern art, photographs, and relics from ancient cultures, are on display in the museum. Learn more about the city’s industrial heritage by visiting the Museum L-A, which is committed to preserving the history of the textile industry in Lewiston and Auburn.

Discover the Outdoors

Beautiful parks and outdoor areas surround Lewiston. The Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary, which has more than 372 acres of hiking paths, picnic spots, and picturesque vistas, is one of the most well-known parks. Visit the Simard-Payne Memorial Park, which has a public beach, a playground, and plenty of picnic tables, for a more laid-back outdoor experience.

Enjoy the scene of arts and culture

Lewiston has a thriving arts and cultural community. Concerts, plays, and art exhibitions are just a few of the cultural activities that take place at the Franco-American Heritage Center in the center of the city. The Public Theatre, which stages several plays and musicals every year, is another must-see location.

Discover the culinary delights of Lewiston

There are several restaurants in Lewiston that can sate any appetite. Visit Fish Bones Grill, a local institution famed for its chowder and lobster rolls, for some traditional New England seafood. Check visit Mother India for great Indian food if you’re in the mood for some ethnic food. Don’t forget to try the renowned Belgian waffles at Forage Market for a sweet treat.

Buy everything you can

There are many different stores and boutiques in Lewiston. Visit the Downtown Handmade and Vintage Market for some unusual discoveries, which includes handcrafted goods and vintage clothes from regional designers. Visit the Auburn Mall for a variety of shops and eateries if you’re in the market for some shopping therapy.

Visit celebrations and events

Every year, Lewiston plays home to a number of festivals and events. The Great Falls Balloon Festival, held in August and featuring hot air balloon flights, live music, and culinary vendors, is among the most popular events. The Liberty Festival, Emerge Film Festival, and the Dempsey Challenge are a few more well-liked occasions.

Visit nearby landmarks

Lewiston is close to several other good tourist destinations. The spectacular Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, which offers miles of hiking paths and breathtaking coastal vistas, is just a short drive away. Visit the Oxford Casino, which has more than 1,000 slot machines and a variety of table games, for some family entertainment.

Visit the campus of Bates College

The campus of Bates College is a lovely site to visit and is situated right in the middle of Lewiston. Wander around the historic Quad, which has structures from the 19th century. You may also visit the previously mentioned Bates College Museum of Art and attend some of the school’s sporting activities.

Discover the waterfront in Lewiston

Since it’s on the Androscoggin River, Lewiston’s shoreline is great to visit. You may either sit on the bank and take it all in, or you can hire a kayak or a paddleboard and explore the river. The Riverwalk is a well-liked location for bicycling or strolling, and there are a number of eateries and cafés close by where you may get something to eat.

Investigate Auburn Riverwalk

The Auburn Riverwalk is located in the town of Auburn, which is just over the river from Lewiston. There are more than two miles of walking pathways along the riverside and through the woods on the Riverwalk. The Auburn River Festival, which combines live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities every June, is another option.

Spend the day in Portland

Take a day trip to Portland, Maine if you have some spare time. Lewiston is roughly an hour and a half away from Portland, which is renowned for its historic Old Port neighborhood with cobblestone streets and a range of stores and eateries. The Portland Museum of Art, which has a collection of American and European art, is another option.

Ski at Lost Valley

Be sure to visit Lost Valley Ski Area if you’re in Lewiston during the winter. Just a few kilometers from Lewiston’s city center, Lost Valley provides tubing, skiing, and snowboarding. The ski area offers a range of routes for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, as well as a terrain park.

Visit the Farmers’ Market in Lewiston

The Lewiston Farmers’ Market is a great place to get fresh, regional products. From May through November, a variety of merchants offer everything from fresh produce and baked items to handcrafted crafts at the market, which is held every Sunday.

Visit the Androscoggin Bank Coliseum to catch a concert

In Lewiston, there is a multi-use arena called the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. The arena holds a wide range of occasions all through the year, such as athletic competitions, concerts, and trade exhibits. Make sure to look at the schedule to see if there are any activities happening while you are there.

Investigate the L.A. River Trail.

The 2.5-mile long, paved L-A River Trail follows the Androscoggin River. The path is a terrific spot to go for a stroll, run, or bike ride and is available all year round. You’ll travel through a number of parks and beautiful locations along the road, including Simard-Payne Memorial Park.

Discover Lewiston’s French Canadian History

One of the finest ways to learn about Lewiston’s significant French-Canadian past is to go to the Museum L-A. The museum has a variety of antiques and displays on the French-Canadian culture and the city’s textile industry. The Franco-American Heritage Center, which we already highlighted, is another option.

Conclusion

There are many things to do in Lewiston, Maine, which is a city full of surprises. Everyone can find something to do in Lewiston, whether it is discovering the city’s rich history or taking in nature. So why are you still waiting? Plan your vacation immediately and get going!

FAQs

Is Lewiston a family-friendly destination?

Absolutely! Lewiston offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities, including as the playground and public beach at Simard-Payne Memorial Park. The Great Falls Balloon Festival and the Auburn River Festival both provide events for people of all ages.

When is the ideal season to go to Lewiston?

Lewiston is a fantastic vacation spot all year long, but the summer is particularly well-liked since there are so many outdoor activities and events. Wintertime is also a fantastic time to go if you like to ski or snowboard.

Do Lewiston’s hiking trails provide any nice ones?

Yes! With its more than 372 acres of paths and picturesque surroundings, Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary is a terrific area to go trekking. A short distance from Lewiston, the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area contains a number of kilometers of hiking paths that provide breathtaking coastal vistas.

What is the state of Lewiston’s culinary scene?

There are many alternatives for every taste in Lewiston’s diversified cuisine scene. Visit Fish Bones Grill for some traditional New England seafood. Try Mother India for great Indian food if you’re in the mood for something different. Don’t forget to try the Belgian waffles at Forage Market for a sweet treat.

Are there any local sights that merit a visit?

Yes! The campus of Bates College, which lies in the center of Lewiston, is stunning. A short drive away is Portland, Maine, which is renowned for its historic Old Port neighborhood and selection of shops and eateries.