Lewiston is Maine’s second-largest city, on the Androscoggin River in central Maine across from its twin city Auburn. Once a major textile manufacturing center, it has reinvented itself as a diverse, culturally rich city with a growing arts scene, good restaurants and a strong sense of community. It is home to Bates College and has become one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Maine.
Lewiston is best known as Maine’s second-largest city, home to Bates College, a landmark basilica, a deep Franco-American heritage and the Great Falls Balloon Festival.
Things to Do in Lewiston
Bates College Museum of Art
The museum is on the Bates campus and has a strong collection of modern and contemporary art. If you have time, the short climb up Mount David on campus gives a view over the city and the river.
Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
The twin-spired basilica is one of Lewiston’s best-known landmarks and a reminder of the city’s Franco-American roots.
Bates Mill and the Androscoggin Riverfront
The old mill complex has been redeveloped, and the riverfront has walking trails and public spaces. Simard-Payne Memorial Park offers riverfront recreation and event space.
Lisbon Street and the Franco Center
The Lisbon Street corridor has seen a resurgence of independent restaurants, cafes and shops. The Franco Center is a performing arts venue and a hub for the city’s Franco-American heritage.
Great Falls Balloon Festival
Each August, hot air balloons fill the sky over the Lewiston-Auburn riverfront. It is the signature event of the area and draws crowds, so book lodging early.
Across the River in Auburn
Lake Auburn is popular for swimming, fishing and paddling. Lost Valley Ski Area is one of the closest ski mountains to Portland, with affordable family skiing and night skiing. See our best lakes in Maine for more.
Restaurants in Lewiston, Maine
Lewiston’s restaurant scene reflects its diverse population. A thriving Somali community has brought good African restaurants downtown. Fishbones American Grill on Lisbon Street is a local favorite for steaks and seafood, and Fuel on Lisbon Street is a popular gastropub. The city’s Franco-American heritage is celebrated at several traditional French-Canadian establishments. For more, see our Maine restaurants guide.
Where to Stay in Lewiston
Lodging includes the Inn at the Agora, the Hampton Inn Lewiston-Auburn and the Ramada by Wyndham Lewiston. Many visitors also stay in Portland and drive up, since it is about 40 minutes away.
Getting to Lewiston, Maine
Lewiston-Auburn is in central Maine along I-95 and Route 196, about 35 miles north of Portland and about 35 miles southwest of Augusta. Bangor is roughly 100 miles northeast. From Portland it is about 40 minutes by car, and Portland International Jetport is the closest commercial airport.
Day Trips from Lewiston
Lewiston is a handy base for central Maine. Portland and Freeport are both an easy drive south, Brunswick is on the way to the Midcoast, and Bethel and the western mountains are about an hour and a quarter northwest. See our western Maine guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lewiston, Maine known for?
Lewiston is known as Maine’s second-largest city, its Franco-American heritage, Bates College, and its role as a center of the Maine textile industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries. More recently it has become known for its diverse immigrant community, particularly its Somali population, and its revitalized downtown arts and restaurant scene.
What are the best things to do in Lewiston, Maine?
Top things to do include touring the Bates College campus and its museum of art, visiting the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, exploring the Bates Mill complex, walking the riverfront along the Androscoggin, and experiencing the city’s Franco-American heritage. The Great Falls Balloon Festival each August is a signature event on the Lewiston-Auburn riverfront.
Where is Lewiston, Maine?
Lewiston is in central Maine on the Androscoggin River in Androscoggin County, across from Auburn. It is about 40 minutes north of Portland and about 35 minutes southwest of Augusta. As Maine’s second-largest city, it anchors the Lewiston-Auburn metro area.
How far is Lewiston from Portland, Maine?
Lewiston is about 35 miles north of Portland, roughly a 40-minute drive on I-95.
Is Lewiston bigger than Bangor?
Yes. Portland is Maine’s largest city, Lewiston is second, and Bangor is third.
Looking for work in Lewiston? Browse Jobs in Lewiston on JobsInMaine.com.
Thinking of moving here, not just visiting? See our Living in Lewiston, Maine relocation guide for cost of living, the job market and the Portland commute.
Wondering who else grew up here? See our list of famous people from Maine, including several Lewiston natives.