Bangor

Travel Guide

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

Default Image

Downtown Bangor

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

Downtown Bangor
Default Image

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
Default Image

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 Penobscot River.

Little City
Default Image

Great Fire of 1911 Historic District

Great Fire of 1911 Historic District is known for its popular shops, and with sights like University of Maine Museum of Art and Bangor Farmers Market, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Bangor.

Great Fire of 1911 Historic District
Default Image

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
Country Inn at The Mall

Country Inn at The Mall

2 out of 5
936 Stillwater Avenue, Bangor, ME
The price is P7,561 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P7,561
P8,242 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (2,366 reviews)
"Very welcoming with both the American and Canadian flag. We loved our spacious room and the front porch. Complementary breakfast was good too."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Country Inn at The Mall
Bangor Grande

Bangor Grande

2.5 out of 5
357 Odlin Rd, Bangor, ME
The price is P7,800 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P7,800
P8,502 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,833 reviews)
"A good clean hotel at a good price"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Bangor Grande
Holiday Inn Bangor by IHG

Holiday Inn Bangor by IHG

3 out of 5
404 Odlin Rd, Bangor, ME
The price is P8,201 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P8,201
P8,939 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bangor. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Cross Insurance Center and ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly and our room was so comfortable and clean. Everything was perfect! 10/10!"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Holiday Inn Bangor by IHG
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 Maine Savings Amphitheater and Hollywood Casino at Bangor ...
Close to Dtwn Bangor: Inviting Maine Home
Charming Bangor Home w/ Deck < 1 Mi to Downtown

Charming Bangor Home w/ Deck < 1 Mi to Downtown

3 out of 5
271 Essex Street, Bangor, ME
Book a stay at this business-friendly cottage in Bangor. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Maine Savings Amphitheater and Hollywood Casino at Bangor are ...
Charming Bangor Home w/ Deck < 1 Mi to Downtown
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
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.

Popular places to visit