Bangor

Travel Guide

Bangor which includes autumn leaves
Bangor which includes autumn leaves
Bangor which includes autumn colours and a river or creek
Bangor
Bangor which includes autumn colours

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 centre 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-metre) 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.

The Annual Vacation Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Where to stay in Bangor

Aerial photo Bangor Maine at night twilight colors

Downtown Bangor

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

Downtown Bangor
road in a cemetery

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
Bangor, ME - USA - Oct. 12, 2021: Horitzontal view of the Bangor Public Library. Built in 1911 in Early Modernist Architecture by Peabody and Stearns.

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
Aerial photo Bangor Maine at night twilight colors

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 Waterfront Park and Maine Savings Amphitheater.

Little City
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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
Bangor, ME - USA - Oct. 12, 2021: Vertical head on view of The Union Street Brick Church, a landmark church located in the heart of the downtown historic district at 126 Union St. in Bangor, Maine

West Market Square Historic District

When in West Market Square Historic District, you can plan a visit to Waterfront Park and Maine Savings Amphitheater, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

West Market Square Historic District
Bangor Grande

Bangor Grande

2.5 out of 5
357 Odlin Rd Bangor ME
The price is CA $116 per night from Mar 15 to Mar 16
CA $116
CA $127 total
Mar 15 - Mar 16
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,128 reviews)
Great staff

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

Bangor Grande
Hollywood Casino Bangor

Hollywood Casino Bangor

3 out of 5
500 Main Street Bangor ME
The price is CA $122 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
CA $122
CA $146 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bangor. Enjoy a casino, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,372 reviews)
This place has gone way downhill. I stayed here last year in the back building and was incredibly impressed. Not so much this time. I was put in the main building and the second I entered the place the smell and the carpet and walls was so disgusting that I wanted to gag. I had ordered dominos before ...

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

Hollywood Casino Bangor
Bangor Aviator Hotel, BW Premier Collection

Bangor Aviator Hotel, BW Premier Collection

3 out of 5
308 Godfrey Blvd Bangor ME
The price is CA $162 per night from Mar 15 to Mar 16
CA $162
CA $177 total
Mar 15 - Mar 16
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bangor. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,386 reviews)
Enjoyed my short stay very much.the hotel was quiet and very clean.Great that it connected to the airport especially if you have an early flight.Such a short walk.I enjoyed the restaurant had a good menu. The staff were very pleasant and food was great.

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

Bangor Aviator Hotel, BW Premier Collection
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.
Big Red House - Historic Bangor Home

Big Red House - Historic Bangor Home

Bangor ME
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Bangor. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cross Insurance Center and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (122 reviews)
Everything went well with this stay- it is a bit of a long walk to downtown and up a hill back, but the housing worked well.

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2026

Big Red House - Historic Bangor Home
Travel light long-term (safe & relaxing )special discount for travel nurse

Travel light long-term (safe & relaxing )special discount for travel nurse

Veazie ME
Stay at this apartment in Bangor. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Cross Insurance Center and Bangor ...
Travel light long-term (safe & relaxing )special discount for travel nurse
Cozy home in Bangor Maine

Cozy home in Bangor Maine

Bangor ME
Stay at this vacation home in Bangor. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cross Insurance Center and Thomas ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
Clean rooms, was family friendly.

Reviewed on Dec 28, 2025

Cozy home in Bangor Maine
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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