Travel + Discover Bangor: Maine Vacation Guide
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The first rule of visiting Bangor is pronouncing it correctly. “Ban-GORE” not “BANG-er” might look like a straightforward, no-frills city at first glance, but scratch the surface, and you’ll find a place with unexpected depth.
This is where history, nature, and a hint of the bizarre meet – think lumber barons, Stephen King, and one very famous Paul Bunyan statue.
Long before the Gilded Age mansions lined Bar Harbor, Bangor was known as the Lumber Capital of the World. It was also one of the wealthiest cities per capita, leading to another moniker: The Queen City of the East.
Once you know everything there is to see and do in Bangor, you’ll want to plan an extra day or two on your Maine vacation to explore it all.
How to Get to Bangor
While it’s known as the economic hub of the Maine Highlands, its central location makes it a great stop for exploring the MidCoast and Northeast.
About 630,000 people arrive annually via Bangor International Airport (BGR), but most visitors to the area come by car.
With easy access to I-95, the Maine Turnpike is a popular way to get here from the south. The interstate continues past Bangor all the way to the New Brunswick Canadian border.
I-95 skirts the outside of the city, with state roads leading to the coast, Mount Katahdin, and the Kennebec Valley.
Distance to Bangor from…
- Boston: 215 miles | ~3 hours 30 minutes
- Portland: 130 miles | ~2 hours
- Bar Harbor: 50 miles | ~1 hour
- Greenville: 70 miles | ~1 hour 45 minutes
- Lubec: 110 miles | ~2 hours 30 minutes
Getting around Bangor is easy with rental cars, taxis, and rideshares. The Community Connector offers fixed-route services around the city. In addition, downtown is very walkable.
Staying Inside? Here’s How to Make It Fun in Bangor
Just because you’re indoors doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun. Bangor has plenty of cozy, creative, and engaging spots to explore. From museums to theaters, there’s always something interesting waiting inside.
Zillman Art Museum
Contemporary art takes over the Zillman Art Museum in downtown Bangor. Works are featured from notable names like Pablo Picasso but also highlight local Maine artists. Self-guided tours are available, and the museum is free for everyone.
Maine Discovery Museum
Don’t just consider the Maine Discovery Museum a place for a rainy or cold day adventure. It’s worth working into your Bangor itinerary no matter what’s happening outside.
With three floors of STEM exhibits and hands-on activities, you’ll love it just as much as the kids. Plus, activities include exploring the Penobscot River watershed, navigating a cargo ship, and studying the solar system.
Bangor Historical Society
The history of Bangor involves wars, more than its share of fires, and a vibrant economy. The Thomas A. Hill House is home to the Bangor Historical Society, where more than 40,000 pieces of history come together in the well-preserved home.
Cole Land Transportation Museum
Opening Maine’s rugged landscape to cars, trains, and military vehicles took an enormous amount of effort long before we had the technology of today. Those eras are celebrated and preserved at the Cole Land Transportation Museum.
Open seasonally from May through mid-November.
Bangor Symphony Orchestra
For a night of live music, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra delivers classical, pop, and contemporary performances indoors at the Collins Center for the Arts. Whether you’re into Beethoven or film scores, the concerts offer something for all tastes.
It’s one of the oldest continually operating orchestras in the U.S.
Penobscot Theatre Company
Penobscot Theatre Company stages classic plays and new works at the historic Bangor Opera House. The productions range from comedies to dramas and even musicals, and they feature a mix of local talent and professional actors.
While the building is stunning, it’s not as old as you might expect. The original performance venue burned down in 1914.
Cross Insurance Center
This is Bangor’s go-to indoor venue for major events, including concerts, comedy shows, and sporting events. The Cross Insurance Center lineup varies from big-name musicians to trade shows and conventions. It’s also home to Maine basketball and other regional events.
Lace Up Your Shoes and Explore Bangor’s Great Outdoors
Just walking around Bangor, whether you’re searching for signs of Stephen King or admiring the architecture, is a real treat. Here’s some advice about how to maximize your steps with a heaping dose of history and nature.
Take a Tour
The historical society offers a variety of walking tours, depending on your interests. Some of the tours include Devil’s Half Acre, the Great Fire of 1911, Historic Homes of Broadway, and Ghostly Bangor. You’ll learn the fascinating stories behind the Queen City.
Walk Bangor City Forest
Explore four seasons of outdoor beauty at the Bangor City Forest. Trails wind through nearly 700 acres of land, offering snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter, as well as hiking, biking, and trail running in the warmer months. One trail also connects to the Orono Bog Walk.
Explore the Bangor or Brewer Waterfront
Did you know that Bangor was the launch point for the ill-fated Penobscot Expedition of 1779, one of the worst naval defeats in U.S. history before Pearl Harbor?
A walk along the river here is so much more than just seeing the beauty. A path lines both sides of the river, but head across the bridge to Brewer for the best views of the city.
Fields Pond Audubon Center
Those seeking a more robust hike should head a few minutes south to Fields Pond Audubon Center. Explore the nature center before heading out on one of the several trails – the Ravine Trail being the most challenging.
Stephen King’s Bangor Sites
Unless you’ve been living under a literary rock for the past few decades, you might already know that Bangor is the inspiration for Stephen King’s town of Derry. Used in novels like “It,” there are plenty of inspired (or terrifying) sites to scope out.
- Thomas Hill Standpipe – Featured in “It” as the inspiration for the haunted water tower and part of Derry’s eerie landscape.
- Paul Bunyan Statue – This giant lumberjack statue near the Bangor Civic Center appears in “It,” where it comes to life and menaces Richie.
- Mount Hope Cemetery – Used in the film version of “Pet Sematary” and known for its Gothic atmosphere. King himself has done book tours here.
- West Broadway (Stephen King’s house) – While not in his books, fans always stop by the wrought-iron, bat-fence mansion at 47 West Broadway. You can only take a photo from outside the gate; no tours are allowed.
- Jackson & Union Street Sewer – Said to be the basis for Derry’s haunted sewer system in “It,” this old pumping station adds to the city’s creepy infrastructure lore.
- Bangor Public Library – Modeled into Derry’s public library in “It” and other works, it’s where characters often research the town’s dark past.
Not feeling like searching each one out? Book a tour of Stephen King’s Derry through SK Tours.
Bangor’s Best Restaurants
As Maine’s third-largest city, you’re sure to find a place to eat that suits your style in Bangor. Here are some of the local favorites.
Dysart’s on Broadway
Dysart’s on Broadway might look like just another roadside diner, but the food tells a different story. It’s a local favorite for hearty breakfasts, homemade pies, and comfort food done right.
The no-frills vibe keeps expectations low, but the quality and consistency make it a Bangor staple worth checking out.
If this place sounds familiar, it’s probably because of this viral commercial that ended up being spoofed by “Saturday Night Live.”
Paddy Murphy’s
Perfect pub food and fanfare make Paddy Murphy’s one of the favorite local watering holes. The expansive menu will please everyone, especially with a mix of Maine specialties like chowder and poutine. And, live entertainment, from bands to karaoke to game night, is always on tap.
Bangin’ Whoopie
Bangor’s go-to spot for Maine’s iconic whoopie pies is Bangin’ Whoopie. They take the classic treat to another level with creative flavors and rich, homemade fillings. Even if you’re just driving through, it’s worth ordering online and making a pit stop.
Timber Kitchen & Bar
Locally sourced ingredients, creative cocktails, and a warm, modern lodge vibe make Timber Kitchen & Bar one of Bangor’s best spots for a night out. The decor is a throwback to the region’s logging history, with an upscale yet undeniably comfortable aura.
A diverse menu includes wood-fired pizzas, a seafood selection, and artisan burgers. You can also indulge at Sunday brunch.
The Tarrantine
Housed in a historic 1907 mansion, The Tarrantine is one of Bangor’s most unique dining and cocktail spots. Originally a private club, it now offers a stylish yet cozy atmosphere with craft cocktails, upscale dishes, and rooftop seating in warmer months.
Bangor Beer Co.
Bangor Beer Co. keeps things simple: great beer, a chill atmosphere, and solid food. Its rotating selection of craft brews ranges from hazy IPAs to dark stouts, with something for every beer lover.
The staff will have you in stitches, and you’ll want to stick around for pinball or trivia with a pub full of new friends.
No Matter the Season, Bangor’s Always a Good Idea
As a four-season city, Bangor is a treat throughout the year. With plenty of winter sports options nearby, those dreaded cold months aren’t so tough. Restaurants and hotels are open year-round, and as a commerce hub for an entire region, it never feels like the off-season in Bangor.
Best view i have seen !
Any good places to take your dog ?
Tarratine Club is a beautiful experience open to the public for fine dining or a drink at the bar.