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, a 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.

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.

All visitors should do their part to protect and conserve the Arboretum, it's plants, and wildlife, by following these rules:

• Stay on marked and maintained trails. Do not enter fields, unmaintained areas, mulched areas, or garden beds.
• Picking, collecting, or damaging plant material is strictly prohibited.
• Do not catch, collect, or harrass wildlife, including insects.
• Climbing trees and hanging hammocks is not allowed.
• Climbing and removing or adding things to art installations is not allowed.
• Trash and pet waste should be disposed of in the appropriate bins.
• Smoking is not allowed on the property, including the parking lot.
• No fires, grills, or combustibles of any kind.
• No Hunting, fishing, and trapping.
• Motorized vehicles, dirt bikes, ATVs, golf carts, etc. are not permitted on the trails.

Thank you for enjoying our space respectfully. 

Viles Arboretum is free to access for recreational use. 

• No person or entity is permitted to conduct commercial activities on the property without permission. A commercial activity is defined as any act of selling, bartering, solicitation, or leasing of goods, services, or charity in any context. Please visit our Facility Rentals page for more information.
• Any person or entity wishing to use the the Arboretum for celebrations, memorials, meetings, or other gatherings, please visit our Facility Rentals page for more information.
• Weddings of any size are permitted with permission only. Please visit our Weddings at the Arboretum page for more information.

Our trails are open year-round, offering a variety of ways to explore and enjoy each season: 

• Hiking
• Biking
• Snowshoeing (rentals are available in our visitor center)
• Cross-Country Skiing (our trails are not groomed)
• Wildlife Watching
• Sledding

Our wetland boardwalk is closed from November 1st through April 1st.

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.

Viles Arboretum is located at 153 Hospital Street, Augusta, Maine

There is accessible parking at Viles Arboretum. Additional parking is available across the street and at the park-and-ride on Piggery Road