Bangor

Travel Guide

Bangor
Bangor
Bangor
Bangor
Bangor

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.

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 Paul Bunyan Statue 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 Penobscot River and Waterfront Park.

Little City
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 Penobscot River and Waterfront Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

West Market Square Historic District
Default Image

Broadway Historic District

Though Broadway Historic District might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Penobscot River and Waterfront Park.

Broadway 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 CA $117 per night from May 3 to May 4
CA $117
CA $128 total
May 3 - May 4
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! (2,188 reviews)
Clean room, good value for passing through on a road trip.

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2026

Bangor Grande
Country Inn at The Mall

Country Inn at The Mall

2 out of 5
936 Stillwater Avenue Bangor ME
The price is CA $148 per night from Apr 30 to May 1
CA $148
CA $161 total
Apr 30 - May 1
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,396 reviews)
Exceptionally friendly service at the check in desk…we were permitted to get our room before 3 PM! An 8AM cardiology appointment for one and an overnight sleep lab study for the other made for a long day for us. The breakfast is also worth mentioning: Eggs, sausage, ham, yogurt, fresh fruits & juices, ...

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2026

Country Inn at The Mall
Hollywood Casino Bangor

Hollywood Casino Bangor

3 out of 5
500 Main Street Bangor ME
The price is CA $144 per night from May 25 to May 26
CA $144
CA $170 total
May 25 - May 26
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! (1,422 reviews)
Wonderful stuff

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2026

Hollywood Casino Bangor
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.
Lake Side Guest Suite

Lake Side Guest Suite

Hermon ME
Stay at this cottage in Bangor. Popular attractions Hermon Mountain and The Sports Arena are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
This is a beautiful property with a stunning view of the lake and sunrise. Kayaking, fire pit and a ski mountain across the street. Parking for one car is in a garage which is great for wet or cold days. Host was very communicative.

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2025

Lake Side Guest Suite
MaineStay Central Bangor Townhouse Near airport & Acadia Park w washer & dryer,

MaineStay Central Bangor Townhouse Near airport & Acadia Park w washer & dryer,

Bangor ME
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Bangor. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Mansfield Sports Complex and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
It perfectly suited our needs and was handy to everything we needed. What really impressed me was the total attention to details and thoughtful little extras that anyone 'on the road' can really appreciate. Thank you Ivy!

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2026

MaineStay Central Bangor Townhouse Near airport & Acadia Park w washer & dryer,
Quiet single-level fully furnished house

Quiet single-level fully furnished house

Bangor ME
Stay at this vacation home in Bangor. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mansfield Sports Complex and Bangor Municipal Golf ...
10/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
Very easy transaction & nice home.

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2026

Quiet single-level fully furnished house
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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