Bangor

Travel Guide

Bangor showing autumn leaves
Bangor showing autumn leaves
Bangor showing a river or creek and autumn colours
Bangor
Bangor featuring autumn leaves

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

When in Fairmount, you can plan a visit to Cross Insurance Center and Hollywood Casino at Bangor, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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

A noteworthy feature of Great Fire of 1911 Historic District is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out University of Maine Museum of Art and Bangor Farmers Market.

Great Fire of 1911 Historic District
Aerial photo Bangor Maine at night twilight colors

Little City

When in Little City, you can plan a visit to Waterfront Park and Maine Savings Amphitheater, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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

While West Market Square Historic District isn't home to many top sights, Waterfront Park and Maine Savings Amphitheater are some notable places to visit nearby.

West Market Square Historic District
Default Image

Broadway Historic District

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

Broadway Historic District
Bangor Grande

Bangor Grande

2.5 out of 5
357 Odlin Rd Bangor ME
The price is HK$598 per night from 28 Feb to 1 Mar
HK$598
HK$652 total
28 Feb - 1 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bangor. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a free airport shuttle and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,113 reviews)
Good hotel a value when it’s priced in $100-140 a night range.

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Bangor Grande
Bangor Aviator Hotel, BW Premier Collection

Bangor Aviator Hotel, BW Premier Collection

3 out of 5
308 Godfrey Blvd Bangor ME
The price is HK$901 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
HK$901
HK$982 total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bangor. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,400 reviews)
Clean, neat, quiet

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Bangor Aviator Hotel, BW Premier Collection
Hollywood Casino Bangor

Hollywood Casino Bangor

3 out of 5
500 Main Street Bangor ME
The price is HK$1,168 per night from 13 Mar to 14 Mar
HK$1,168
HK$1,352 total
13 Mar - 14 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bangor. Enjoy a casino, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,374 reviews)
Room was spotless and they let us check in 2 hours early.

Reviewed on 26 Feb 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.
Apartment in Bangor

Apartment in Bangor

Bangor ME
Stay at this apartment in Bangor. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffee maker and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Cross Insurance Center and Bangor ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Great, convenient spot. Everything was as advertised.

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2025

Apartment in Bangor
Quiet single-level fully furnished house

Quiet single-level fully furnished house

Bangor ME
Stay at this holiday home in Bangor. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cross Insurance Center and Mansfield Sports Complex ...
10/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Our host was great and so helpful. We really enjoyed

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025

Quiet single-level fully furnished house
Big Red House - Historic Bangor Home

Big Red House - Historic Bangor Home

Bangor ME
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Bangor. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cross Insurance Center and Thomas ...
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 12 Jan 2026

Big Red House - Historic Bangor Home
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

Other places like Bangor

Explore a world of travel with Expedia