Bicentennial Nature Park
Augusta's hidden gem for family fun, featuring a swimming dock with slides, shaded picnic spots, and walking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for cooling off
Bicentennial Nature Park
Best Time
Perfect for cooling off
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Augusta's hidden gem for family fun, featuring a swimming dock with slides, shaded picnic spots, and walking trails.
"A great place for a nice swim with the family or by yourself, very clean and kinda of a hidden gem."
Bring Your Swim Shoes
The swimming area is rocky, so swim shoes are highly recommended for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Pack a Life Vest
The water gets deep quickly. Ensure non-swimmers and children have life vests for safe enjoyment. :life_vest:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 69 reviews
Type
Park
Website
augustamaine.govHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Swimming Dock with Slides
Main swimming area
A large dock with slides offers thrilling fun for all ages, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Shaded Picnic Spots
Throughout the park
Numerous picnic tables and grills are scattered under shade trees, ideal for a family BBQ.
Walking Trails
Park perimeter
Explore scenic walking trails offering a peaceful escape and opportunities for nature observation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Augusta Residents Only
Swim Smart, Swim Safe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Swim Shoes
The swimming area is rocky, so swim shoes are highly recommended for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Pack a Life Vest
The water gets deep quickly. Ensure non-swimmers and children have life vests for safe enjoyment. :life_vest:
Grill Ready
Picnic tables have grills. Bring charcoal, a lighter, and utensils for a perfect BBQ. 🔥
Augusta Resident ID
Proof of residency is required for entry. Have your ID ready to avoid any issues. :id:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Swim Shoes
The swimming area is rocky, so swim shoes are highly recommended for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Pack a Life Vest
The water gets deep quickly. Ensure non-swimmers and children have life vests for safe enjoyment. :life_vest:
Grill Ready
Picnic tables have grills. Bring charcoal, a lighter, and utensils for a perfect BBQ. 🔥
Augusta Resident ID
Proof of residency is required for entry. Have your ID ready to avoid any issues. :id:
Explore the Trails
Don't miss the walking trails for a peaceful nature walk away from the swimming area. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bicentennial Nature Park is a beloved spot for Augusta residents, praised for its affordable season pass and excellent swimming facilities, including a dock with slides. Families appreciate the numerous shaded picnic areas with grills, making it ideal for BBQs and a full day of outdoor fun. While generally well-loved, visitors should be aware of the rocky shore and the quick drop-off in the swimming area, recommending swim shoes and life vests for safety.
"This place has become a staple to go to when we want to swim without a long walk to the pond. Kids love it, and it is comfortable to sit out there as an adult even if you ain't swimming with the kids. Park pass is worth every penny, and it isn't even a lot less than $30 for a season pass. It is however a Augusta Resident only swimming hole. If you're an Augusta resident and have not been, you are truly missing out."
Stormy Norman
"I’ve only been once so far, but since it is about a 15-minute drive from my house (even at 5pm), I’ll be back more often this summer.
Easy to park and walk to the office and then to the swimming area. There seems to be some trails and maybe a fishing spot there too, but I only went swimming.
There is a dock with ramps to access the water (and steps and/or a ladder if you don’t want to jump in). You can swim or float out to a decent-sized dock/float with two slides on the ends, and I think another smaller dock. There is a buoy line to identify the swimming area, but no lifeguards.
As stated in other reviews, there are picnic tables and grills all over the park, as well as enough space to put out a few chairs and your belongings without using a table.
Note that the park is for Augusta residents. I went alone, so I’m not sure if they would ID everyone in your group if you bring friends."
Kathleen Talbot
"Great place for a nice swim with the family or by yourself. Has picnic tables, a dock, and other things like a fishing area and walking trails. Very clean too and kinda of a hidden gem. It is deep however for swimming. Children should bring floats or life vest to swim. Also recommended swim shoes. Very rocky. But they have a dock with a slide and another dock you can swim to. Overall nice area and very shaded."
Jessa Mitchell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bicentennial Nature Park is located in Augusta and is accessible by car. Parking is available on-site. For specific directions, it's best to use a GPS navigation app.
Information on public transportation options to Bicentennial Nature Park is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
The park offers convenient parking areas that are easy to walk from to the office and the swimming area.
While it's described as being on the 'outer part of town,' it's generally considered a hidden gem and easy to locate with GPS.
Bicentennial Nature Park itself offers swimming, trails, and picnic areas. It's a destination for a day out rather than a hub for other attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Bicentennial Nature Park is for Augusta residents only. You'll need to show proof of residency. A season pass is available and is quite affordable, less than $30.
Park hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours, especially during the summer for swimming. It's advisable to check local listings or call ahead for specific operating times.
For Augusta residents, there's a very low price for a day of water fun, and a season pass is also available and worth the cost.
While the park is for Augusta residents, it's unclear if they strictly ID every person in a group. It's best to be prepared for potential ID checks for all members of your party.
The primary restriction is that you must be an Augusta resident. The park also promotes a no-smoking or vaping policy in family fun areas.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The park offers swimming with a dock and slides, picnic areas with grills, walking trails, and a fishing spot. It's a great place for family fun and relaxation.
The swimming area drops off quickly, so children and non-swimmers should always use floats or life vests. Swim shoes are also recommended due to the rocky bottom.
No, there are no lifeguards on duty at Bicentennial Nature Park. Visitors are responsible for their own safety and the safety of their children.
Yes, there is a fishing spot available at Bicentennial Nature Park. Remember to check local fishing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses.
The park has numerous picnic tables, many with grills nearby. You'll need to bring your own charcoal, lighter, and utensils for grilling.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While some TikTok videos mention a cafe, the reviews primarily focus on the picnic and BBQ facilities. It's best to bring your own food and drinks.
Absolutely! The park is equipped with grills near many picnic tables, making it perfect for a BBQ. Remember to bring your own charcoal and grilling supplies.
Pack your favorite foods, drinks, picnic blankets, and any cooking essentials if you plan to use the grills. Don't forget charcoal and utensils!
The park is located on the 'outer part of town,' so food vendors might be scarce. Planning to bring your own food is the most reliable option.
The park promotes a family-friendly atmosphere and has a no-smoking or vaping policy. It's advisable to check local ordinances regarding alcohol consumption in public parks.
📸 📸 Photography
The swimming dock with slides offers fun action shots. The shaded picnic areas and walking trails provide scenic backdrops for relaxed photos.
One TikTok video shows aerial drone footage, suggesting it might be possible. However, always check park regulations regarding drone usage before flying.
Yes, the natural setting with shade trees and open spaces makes it a pleasant location for family photos, especially during a picnic or swim day.
Mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. The shaded areas can also provide relief from harsh midday sun.
The main swimming dock with its slides is a prominent feature. The natural landscape and picnic areas also offer charming photo opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit