Things To Do
in Waterville
Waterville is a charming city located in the state of Maine, United States. It is known for its rich history and beautiful surroundings, with the Kennebec River running through the town. Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating at nearby parks and lakes.
Waterville also boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with museums, galleries, and theaters showcasing local talent.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $75 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café. Then, take a stroll through downtown to admire the historic architecture.
Enjoy lunch at a cozy restaurant followed by a visit to the Waterville Opera House for a guided tour. Spend some time shopping at unique local boutiques.
Dinner at a popular pizzeria offers a relaxed atmosphere. Wrap up the evening with a performance at the Opera House.
Begin your day with a hike at Colby College's bike path and trails. Enjoy the fresh air and scenic views.
Pack a picnic lunch and head to Lake Messalonskee for some kayaking or paddleboarding. Relax by the water and soak in the nature.
Return to town for a casual dinner at an outdoor pub. Take a peaceful evening walk along the lake shore.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery and access to outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing.
- A tight-knit community with local events and festivals that foster a sense of belonging.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger urban areas.
- Rich history and cultural heritage, with museums and historical sites.
- Strong emphasis on education with access to quality schools and colleges.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors, leading to potential career challenges.
- Harsh winters that may not be appealing to everyone.
- Limited entertainment and dining options compared to larger cities.
- Some areas may experience issues with infrastructure and services.
- Potential isolation due to distance from larger urban centers and amenities.
Best Activities in Waterville
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic trails of Quarry Road, offering various lengths and skill levels for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Enjoy a paddle on the Kennebec River, with options for rentals and guided tours through beautiful natural landscapes.
Try your luck at fishing in Messalonskee Lake, a prime location for anglers looking to catch bass and other species.
Ride your bike along the paved Kennebec River Rail Trail, a scenic pathway perfect for cyclists of all levels.
Visit the beautiful grounds of Colby College for a relaxing picnic while enjoying the art and architecture of the campus.
During winter, enjoy snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on groomed trails at local parks and conservation areas.
Take part in wildlife watching in nearby Belgrade Lakes, where you can see a variety of birds, moose, and other wildlife.
Places to Visit in Waterville
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape, perfect for photography
Scenic walking and hiking trails with opportunities for great views and nature photography
Beautiful college campus with picturesque spots for photography and views of the surrounding area
Food in Waterville
Waterville Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Maine dish, featuring succulent lobster meat in a toasted, buttered roll. Best enjoyed at The Red Barn, a popular local spot known for its delicious seafood.
Must-Try!
Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of freshly picked Maine blueberries encased in a flaky, buttery crust. Treat yourself to a slice at Holy Cannoli or A1 Diner.
Savor a comforting bowl of creamy clam chowder, a local favorite. Head over to Jorgensen's Cafe or The Proper Pig for a satisfying bowl.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Discover an array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delectable treats at the Waterville Farmers' Market. It's an ideal place to sample local flavors and interact with the community's food producers.
Experience the vibrant food truck scene in Waterville, with a diverse selection of cuisines on offer. From savory to sweet, Food Truck Fridays cater to all tastes, with options like gourmet tacos, wood-fired pizza, and indulgent desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Familiarize yourself with local customs and manners. In Waterville, as in many parts of the U.S., polite greetings, including a smile and a friendly 'hello,' go a long way in establishing rapport.
Americans generally value personal space. When interacting with others, maintain a comfortable distance to ensure that your presence is not intrusive.
Participating in community events or local activities shows respect and appreciation for the culture. People in Waterville tend to be welcoming, and engaging with local traditions fosters goodwill.
Safety
Tipping in Waterville
Ensure a smooth experience
In Waterville, as in much of the United States, tipping is a customary practice in the service industry. Typically, patrons tip restaurant servers, bartenders, taxi drivers, and other service providers as a way to express gratitude for good service. The standard tip in restaurants is usually between 15% to 20% of the total bill. Some individuals may choose to tip more for exceptional service or less for unsatisfactory experiences.
Payment practices in Waterville are similar to those in other American cities. Most businesses accept a variety of payment methods including cash, credit cards, and mobile payment solutions such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Many restaurants and stores have embraced contactless payment systems, which have gained popularity, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers are generally expected to pay their bills promptly after receiving services or goods.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Waterville, United States for mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
Ideal for outdoor activities with warm weather and plenty of sunshine.
Great for fall foliage and cooler temperatures, perfect for hiking and scenic drives.
Popular for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding amidst snowy landscapes.
Waterville at Night
Hiking in Waterville
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic area offering a range of hiking trails with beautiful views, diverse wildlife, and varying levels of difficulty.
A popular hiking spot with several trails that provide panoramic views and opportunities for rock hounding and bird watching.
A relatively short hike that leads to stunning vistas of the surrounding lakes and forests, ideal for families and casual hikers.
A well-maintained trail that introduces hikers to unique wetland ecosystems, with boardwalks and observation areas for wildlife viewing.
A scenic trail with historical significance, offering a comfortable hiking experience alongside beautiful landscapes and water views.
Aiports
How to reach Waterville by plane.
Located approximately 72 miles northeast of Waterville, BGR serves as a key gateway to northern Maine and offers domestic flights and some international services.
Situated about 80 miles south of Waterville, PWM is the busiest airport in Maine and offers numerous domestic flights along with some international options.
Located roughly 105 miles southwest of Waterville in New Hampshire, MHT provides a range of domestic and international flights and is a major airport for the region.
Approximately 20 miles south of Waterville, AUG is a smaller airport that offers limited commercial services but can be an option for general aviation.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority demographics in Waterville consisting mainly of Caucasian individuals.
Includes individuals of Hispanic or Latino origin, contributing to the cultural diversity of Waterville.
Represents the African American community, which adds to the social fabric of Waterville.
A demographic group that includes individuals of Asian descent, contributing to the multicultural environment.
Individuals who identify with more than one racial group, reflecting the increasing diversity.
Includes individuals from Indigenous backgrounds, contributing to the historical and cultural richness.
A smaller demographic group representing individuals from Pacific Island regions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is a popular team sport in Waterville, with various local leagues and school teams participating at different levels of competition.
Soccer enjoys a strong following in Waterville, with youth programs and adult leagues attracting many participants and fans.
Baseball is a traditional favorite, with local teams and activities that engage the community, especially during the summer months.
American football has a significant presence in Waterville, particularly at the high school level, where teams compete passionately during the fall season.
Ice hockey is popular in Waterville, with local youth and adult teams playing in leagues throughout the region, offering competitive opportunities.
Running events, including road races and fun runs, are popular in Waterville, with community members participating in various running activities year-round.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Waterville.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many local establishments in Waterville offer diverse vegetarian and vegan options, with creative plant-based dishes available at venues like The Silver Street Tavern and Itali-ah Restaurant.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can explore gluten-free options at restaurants like Holy Cannoli, which offers delectable gluten-free baked goods, and Pad Thai Too, serving up authentic Thai cuisine with gluten-free selections.