Bangor, ME

Travel Guide

Bangor which includes fall colors
Bangor featuring a river or creek and autumn leaves
Bangor
Bangor showing autumn leaves
Bangor featuring autumn leaves and a city

Walk through the historic streets of the home of horror writer Stephen King and discover heritage buildings, museums and a beautiful countryside.

The city of Bangor is one of Maine’s major cultural and historical sites. The Penobscot River runs through the municipality in the center of the state. Find many historic monuments in the middle of the city, where most buildings date back to the 19th century. The area surrounding the city is picturesque countryside with many lakes.

Bangor is home to horror writer Stephen King. It has been the setting of many of his novels, in particular that of It.

Visit the Bangor Public Library. It was established in 1830 with a collection of seven books. Explore the impressive structure and gaze up at the elegant dome in the ceiling.

See the Thomas Hill Standpipe, a large 19th-century metal tank that is the oldest standpipe in the region. Climb to the promenade deck to enjoy panoramic views of Bangor. The 50-foot (15-meter) standpipe can be seen from most of the city due to its height and elevated position.

Browse the eclectic art collection at the University of Maine Museum of Art with more than 3,800 works by artists such as David Hockney and Pablo Picasso. Established in 1946, the museum focuses on 20th-century American art.

Families will enjoy the largest children’s museum in the state, the Maine Discovery Museum. Take part in interactive activities that educate kids about science. There are also informative exhibits that teach children about art and music.

Inspect antiques at the Cole Land Transportation Museum. Learn about the progression from horses to trucks. The site is home to early tractors, snowmobiles and other historic vehicles.

Music festivals abound in Bangor. August features the Kahbang discovery celebration of music, film and arts. Later in the month, enjoy traditional music and dance performances as well as food and crafts at the American Folk Festival.

Fly into Bangor International Airport or reach the city by bus from other major cities in Maine. Within Bangor, get around using the inexpensive local bus service, The Bat. Consider renting a car to explore the surrounding area, including the scenic Baxter State Park.

Where to stay in Bangor

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Downtown Bangor

While visiting Downtown Bangor, you might make a stop by sights like Waterfront Park and Maine Discovery Museum.

Downtown Bangor
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Fairmount

Fairmount might not have many top sights, but Cross Insurance Center and Hollywood Casino at Bangor are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Fairmount
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Main Street Historic District

While visiting Main Street Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like Penobscot Theatre Company and Bangor Opera House.

Main Street Historic District
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Little City

While Little City might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mansfield Sports Complex and Waterfront Park.

Little City
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Great Fire of 1911 Historic District

Downtown Bangor's historic district boasts early 20th century architecture, including the Bangor Public Library and Morse Building. Enjoy the greenery at Norumbega Mall, Kenduskeag Mall, and Pierce Park.

Great Fire of 1911 Historic District
Why should you go to Bangor?!? 'Cause there's the King house!!! Sure!!!!!! 🦇

Whitney Park Historic District

Though Whitney Park Historic District might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Maine Savings Amphitheater and Waterfront Park.

Whitney Park Historic District
Bangor Grande
Bangor Grande
2.5 out of 5
357 Odlin Rd, Bangor, ME
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩135,584 per night from Jun 14 to Jun 15
₩135,584
₩147,786 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 14 - Jun 15
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bangor. Enjoy free WiFi, a free airport shuttle, and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,643 reviews)
"The place was very clean and the room was nice. The hallways and doors need new paint."

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

Bangor Grande
Country Inn at The Mall
Country Inn at The Mall
2 out of 5
936 Stillwater Avenue, Bangor, ME
The price is ₩164,193 per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
₩164,193
₩178,968 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Stay at this hotel in Bangor. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,273 reviews)
"Great location Walmart walkable great dining options"

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

Country Inn at The Mall
Quality Inn Bangor Airport
Quality Inn Bangor Airport
3.5 out of 5
250 Odlin Road, Bangor, ME
The price is ₩110,430 per night from Jun 23 to Jun 24
₩110,430
₩120,369 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 23 - Jun 24
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Bangor. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
6.6/10 (897 reviews)
"No unique, but nice size rooms and the bed was nice and firm. Cleanliness is 9 out of 10."

Reviewed on May 26, 2025

Quality Inn Bangor Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Close to Dtwn Bangor: Inviting Maine Home
Close to Dtwn Bangor: Inviting Maine Home
3 out of 5
Bangor
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Bangor. Enjoy free parking and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Cross Insurance Center and Bangor Mall are located ...
Close to Dtwn Bangor: Inviting Maine Home
1812 Pierce House
1812 Pierce House
3.5 out of 5
384 S Main St, Winterport, ME
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Winterport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Winterport Winery and Silver ...
1812 Pierce House
Secluded Orland Cottage w/ Grill, Near State Parks
Secluded Orland Cottage w/ Grill, Near State Parks
3 out of 5
Orland
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Orland. Enjoy free parking, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Jonathan Buck Monument and Buck Memorial Library ...
Secluded Orland Cottage w/ Grill, Near State Parks
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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