Best attractions and places to see around Oakland include a diverse array of historical landmarks, expansive parks, and cultural institutions. The city offers experiences for visitors interested in art, history, science, and nature. Oakland is known for its natural beauty, including redwood forests and scenic waterfronts, alongside a vibrant urban landscape.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
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Colby College sits on 714 acres at the top of Mayflower Hill in Waterville. It's known for its New-Georgian architecture, and has an enrollment of just 2,000 students.
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Picturesque pond on the campus of Colby College. There are a number of benches around the pond to sit and enjoy the scenery.
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Mill Island Park is a great little park in the middle of the Kennebec River. There are picnic area, walking paths, a playground, and more.
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This public footbridge was built in the early 1900s with a toll of 1 cent. After less than a year the original bridge was destroyed in a flood and subsequently rebuilt. The toll was also raised to 2 cents, which is where the common name comes from though the official name is still Ticonic Footbridge. These days there is no toll to cross the bridge, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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Waterville is a beautiful small town along the banks of the Kennebec River. It's mostly known for its red brick buildings and two small private universities. If you're passing through town you'll find a number of great cafes, restaurants, and breweries to fuel up at.
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This public footbridge was built in the early 1900s with a toll of 1 cent. After less than a year the original bridge was destroyed in a flood and subsequently rebuilt. The toll was also raised to 2 cents, which is where the common name comes from, though the official name is still Ticonic Footbridge. These days there is no toll to cross the bridge, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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Families can enjoy several spots, including Ticonic Footbridge (Two Cent Bridge), a historic pedestrian bridge. Mill Island Park offers picnic areas, walking paths, and a playground. The settlement of Waterville, Maine, is also family-friendly with cafes and restaurants along the Kennebec River. Additionally, Johnson Pond on the Colby College campus provides a picturesque setting with benches to enjoy the scenery.
Yes, the Ticonic Footbridge (Two Cent Bridge) is a significant historical landmark, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Mill Island Park also has historical significance, located in the middle of the Kennebec River. Colby College, with its New-Georgian architecture, is another notable historical site.
You can find various outdoor activities, especially cycling and running. For road cycling, routes like the Messalonskee Lake loop or China Lake loop are popular. If you prefer general cycling, there are routes like the Waterville to Fairfield loop. Runners can explore trails such as the Rotary Centennial Trail or the Pine Ridge Trail. You can find more details on these routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Oakland, Cycling around Oakland, and Running Trails around Oakland guides.
Mill Island Park is an excellent choice, offering walking paths and picnic areas right in the Kennebec River. For a more tranquil experience, Johnson Pond on the Colby College campus provides a picturesque setting with benches to sit and enjoy the natural views.
Yes, Johnson Pond offers a picturesque natural setting with scenic views. The Kennebec River itself, which flows through the area and past attractions like Waterville, Maine, and Mill Island Park, provides beautiful riverine landscapes.
The Ticonic Footbridge, also known as the Two Cent Bridge, was originally built in the early 1900s with a 1-cent toll. After being destroyed in a flood, it was rebuilt, and the toll was raised to 2 cents, giving it its common name. Today, there is no toll to cross, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Waterville, Maine, is a charming small town situated along the Kennebec River. It's known for its distinctive red brick buildings and is home to two private universities, including Colby College. Visitors can find a selection of cafes, restaurants, and breweries, making it a good spot to stop and refuel.
Yes, Colby College is located nearby in Waterville. It sits on 714 acres and is known for its New-Georgian architecture. Visitors can explore its campus, which includes the picturesque Johnson Pond.
The settlement of Waterville, Maine, which is close to Oakland, offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and breweries along the banks of the Kennebec River. These establishments provide convenient options for dining and refreshments after exploring the local attractions.
For cycling, you can find routes ranging from easy to difficult. An easy option is the Colby College – Johnson Pond loop. Moderate routes include the Messalonskee Lake loop and China Lake loop. For a more challenging ride, consider the Kennebec River loop via the East Coast Greenway. More details and specific routes can be found in the Cycling around Oakland guide.
Yes, the Rotary Centennial Trail is an easy running trail. Other options like the Pine Ridge Trail and various loops around Johnson Pond are generally moderate. You can explore these and other running options in the Running Trails around Oakland guide.


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