Lewiston, the home of Bates College and historic mill buildings along the Androscoggin River, is at the southern end of the central Maine region and a gateway to the western mountains. The Lewiston and Auburn region can also be accessed from Exit 113 in Augusta, which is the state Capitol. Go north on Route 27, to wind your way through the Belgrade Lakes region, where trophy pike, trout and salmon lure fishermen from across the country. The Kennebec River runs through Augusta and Hallowell, once a vibrant port and lifeline for supplies and travel from points south. Explore the Capitol buildings, including lifelike dioramas of Maine’s wilderness complete with moose, deer, beaver and birds, or browse the Maine State Library. Lakes and ponds, dotted with summer camps, abound throughout the region and offer visitors a real taste of the days of yore, when “sportsmen” from the big cities frequented the region in search of fish and game.

10 things to do Exits 75, 80, 86, 102, and 103

1. Franco-American Heritage Collection

51 Westminster St. in Lewiston, 753-6545, or go online to

www.usm.maine.edu/lac/franco. For a glimpse into the rich history of the Lewiston-Auburn area, check out this collection of documents, photographs, artifacts, audiovisual materials and books relating to the Franco-American community. There is also memorabilia on the history of Lewiston and Auburn including local industry and business, theatre and music and religious documents.

2. Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary

182 Highland Spring Rd., in Lewiston, 782-5238. The Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, among the largest in New England, is a 310-acre wildlife preserve featuring various walking trails, wildlife, and ponds. The sanctuary also offers guided nature walks on 11 different topics. It’s a great place for picnicking while enjoying some of Maine’s wildlife.

3. The Theater At Monmouth

Route 132 in Monmouth, 933-9999. The Theater at Monmouth is one of Maine’s only repetory theaters. Each summer boasts at least one performance of a Shakespeare play. To get there, take I-95 north to Augusta Exit 109. Follow the signs for Route 202 west to Winthrop, for 12.5 miles, until you see signs for Route 132 and The Theater at Monmouth. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday shows begin at 7 p.m. Afternoon matinees start at 2 p.m. The schedule is as follows: July 6 -“My Three Angels,” July 13 – William Shakespeare’s, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and July 7 -“Charlotte’s Web.”

4. Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center

280 Water St. in Gardiner, 582-7144. The Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center offers a variety of programs including live music, children’s events, outdoor performances in the park and more in the historic center dating to 1864. With a changing schedule make sure to call for up-to-the-minute offerings. Recent presentations have included Celtic and Scandinavian fiddle duets, a jazz trio, jazz and funk and a cappella singing.

5. Old Fort Western

16 Cony St. in Augusta, 626-2385. Old Fort Western is the oldest surviving wooden fort in the nation and is a National Historic Landmark. During Revolutionary times, the fort was used as a staging point for the assault on Quebec with Benedict Arnold. Visitors can tour the fort and a house museum on the site, which is complete with period furnishings.

6. Kennebec Historical Society

61 Winthrop St. in Augusta, 622-7718, or go online to www.kennebechistorical.org. The Kennebec Historical Society is a nonprofit historical preservation organization that has preserved artifacts relating to Augusta’s history. The collection includes photographs from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, reference books, local newspapers, documents and manuscripts. Founded in 1891, the society is open to the public.

7. Maine State Museum

230 State St. in Augusta, 287-2301. For a window into Maine’s rich history, visit the Maine State Museum with four floors of exhibits displaying more than 12,000 years spanning the Ice Age, the Paleo-Indians and the first European explorers. The museum boasts an impressive collection of arts and crafts that help tell the story of life in Maine across the centuries.

8. Kennebec River Trail

Trail heads are in both Augusta and Hallowell. In Augusta enter the trail from the Maine State Housing Authority on Water Street. In Hallowell access the trail from the Hallowell municipal lot. The Kennebec River Trail is a public path for walking, running and bicycling. In the winter, it’s also popular with cross-country skiers. The trail spans more than six miles along a rail corridor adjacent to the Kennebec River. The trail runs from Augusta through Hallowell and Farmingdale into Gardiner.

9. Pine Tree State Arboretum

153 Hospital St. in Augusta, 621-0031. The Pine Tree State Arboretum is a great spot for nature lovers. With 300 species of trees and shrubs, the arboretum offers a five-mile trail system open to hiking, jogging, bird watching, biking and horseback riding. It features picnic areas and plenty of bird-watching opportunities. Maps of the trails are available on site.

10. Belgrade Lakes Mailboat

Great Pond Belgrade, 495-7716.

For an unusual experience on the water and a taste of Maine lake living, ride the Belgrade Lakes mailboat from June through September six days a week. Spend up to four hours on Great Pond in Belgrade Lakes touring and delivering mail.