Bangor has come a long way from its origins as a prominent lumber city, but the history of the town can be felt in its architecture, design, and culture that makes up this northern Maine hub. With a population of just over 33,000, Bangor is the third largest settlement in Maine, though this would not be apparent to the untrained eye with the winding streets and historic brick buildings that make up the downtown area.
With a meandering tangle of one-way streets and towering brick facades, it can be hard to know where to start when exploring Bangor proper. The best advice is to take it slow and walk around the city. Small storefronts, unique restaurants, and incredible hidden pockets of nature await you around every turn. Our advice is to take it slow and make sure to see all “The Queen City of the East” has to offer.
1. Visit the Paul Bunyan Statue
What better way to start off our list than with the most touristy thing you can do: take pictures with a local statue. This 31-foot-tall statue stands as a tribute to Bangor’s logging roots and pays homage to the lumber industry as a whole, which is still an important piece of Maine’s economy. If you have never heard of Paul Bunyan, you’re in for a treat. This folk hero is the stuff of legends and has plenty of mighty powers to match his towering personality. Of course, most people are fonder of his companion, Babe the Blue Ox, however this lovable bovine doesn’t have a statue equivalent to take a selfie with quite yet.
What’s a vacation without knickknacks and treasures to bring home to friends? While downtown Bangor is home to countless small shops, The Rock & Art Shop stands out from the crowd. This shop features aesthetic treasures of all shapes and sizes, from notebooks and plant pots to handmade soaps, lotions, and artwork by Maine artisans. However, for those who are a fan of the macabre, The Rock & Art Shop also offers plenty of odd trinkets, including animal bones, polished crystals, and even some taxidermized display pieces. Even if you don’t feel like loading up your suitcase with every rock in the shop, this little shop of wonders is sure to leave a lasting impression.
3. Snack at Bagel Central
Bangor is known for its cuisine options, and while there are plenty of sit-down restaurants that are worth visiting, Bagel Central is the ideal option for anyone looking to eat on the go. While this bakery-restaurant combo offers indoor seating, the real appeal is their homemade bagels; the pumpernickel bagels alone are worth the trip to Bangor, not to mention their corn chowder and custom desert options. If you find yourself in the area, the red storefront is hard to miss. However, if you find yourself lost and looking for a meal, you can always follow the scent of baking bread and mouthwatering goodness straight to Bagel Central.
4. Rock out at the Maine Savings Amphitheater
Not only is this venue located right near the scenic Penobscot river, but it also offers shows that rival the splendor of the Maine woods. Any concert that makes its way this far into northern Maine can be found at the Waterfront, and this venue offers the atmosphere of a large stadium with plenty of security to keep things under control. As a bonus, the sound from the Maine Savings Amphitheater has been known to carry for large distances, allowing you to enjoy top artists like Ed Sheeran and Imagine Dragons without having to commit to a full concert. What could be better than that?
This natural gem is hidden away near Northern Light Medical Center on the outskirts of Bangor. Once you’ve visited this incredible park its sure to become one of your favorite locations. Visitors are drawn in by a gorgeous fountain that makes up the entrance to Cascade Park only to be led along winding trails to a natural waterfall. Scenic pathways take you deeper into the woods, letting the sounds of the city melt away until you find yourself surrounded by the stillness of nature. Dedicated hikers can even find a large wildflower field at the top of the trail, with a lovely bench, perfect for enjoying the views or catching some well-earned shuteye.
Trees aren’t the only things that grow in the Queen City; Bangor Farmers’ Market offer some of the freshest, ripest produce available, allowing you to sample Maine’s natural bounty at a bargain. Not only can you find plenty of fruits and vegetables to keep your pantry stocked for weeks, but local beekeepers, dairy farmers, and craftspeople bring their wares to the market, allowing you to sample everything Maine has to offer. Depending on the season, you can usually find locally produced wool, wooden crafts, quilting projects, and more. If you’re someone who enjoys hunting down a great bargain, a trip to a farmers’ market is a must.
7. Get Tickets to the Penobscot Theatre Company
The Penobscot Theatre Company
While the average visitor may pass right by the Penobscot Theatre Company without realizing it, once you open the doors to this incredible theatre, you’re sure to have your mind blown. This theatre puts on a wide range of performances year-round, from small-scale productions to blockbuster plays. Not only is the theatre carefully tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Bangor, but the vintage aesthetic of this theatre adds a whole new layer to each performance, making it more memorable than the last.
Traveling with younger kids? The Penobscot Theatre Company has specific performances tailored to younger audiences. Be sure to check out their website to learn more about upcoming performances!
8. Visit the Cole Land Transportation Museum
Source: Facebook The Cole Land Transportation Museum
Be sure to set aside at least a couple hours to visit the Cole Land Transportation Museum. Not only does this sprawling museum offer incredible examples of transportation throughout history, the interactive displays and scavenger hunt options add a whole new layer to the entire experience. This museum is perfect for all ages, from small children obsessed with toy cars to adults who can’t get enough of historic construction equipment. Each restored vintage vehicle holds a story, and you can easily lose an entire day immersing yourself in this museum.
It’s hard to miss this striking example of exquisite architecture as you travel through downtown Bangor. The distinctive domed roof and archways of the Bangor Public Library are a sight to behold. Within this historic building lives a modernized library perfect for the whole family. Not only does this library have a dedicated children’s floor, with special security precautions taken to ensure that no little learners wander off, but there are also plenty of secluded reading nooks for those looking to get away from it all. The attached café offers snacks for hungry patrons, while researchers of all ages can access historic maps of downtown Bangor and see how the city has changed over the years.
The Bangor Public Library serves much of northern Maine, with mail book loans and returns being one of their more prevalent services. While visitors from afar may not be able to check out books without a card, they can certainly enjoy them while they are visiting, and even the most book-adverse visitor can’t say no to free Wi-Fi.
Hands-down this is one of the best things to do in Bangor if you have small children. The Maine Discovery Museum offers three floors of activities, play places, and learning opportunities for children from the ages of around five years old up to middle school and beyond. The first level explores the natural world and allows children to “swim” into a beaver den, climb up to an eagle’s nest, and play in the water exploration area. As you travel up the museum, children get to experience interactive exhibits featuring artwork, biology, the five senses, and more, with various activities made to engage audiences of all ages.
Check out their activity schedule before visiting, as they have a variety of projects for individuals as well as classes, and sometimes offer art projects.
This hidden art museum began as the University of Maine Art Collection in 1946, and grew over the years to house over 4,000 original works of art. With a rotating collection of artworks to view and enjoy, you’re sure to always find something new to see when visiting. The Zillman Art Museum offers educational classes, guided tours, and children’s activities, making it a wonderful stop on your tour through Bangor. As of 2021, admission to the museum is completely free thanks to the support of Birchbrook, so there’s never been a better time to experience the creativity of Maine artists.
12. Travel to the Past at the Bangor Historical Society
It would be unfair to call the Bangor Historical Society the adult version of The Discovery Museum, but the sheer wonder offered by both locations makes them equally valuable to visit. This historic location is home to countless artifacts and preserved portions of historic life, from shoes and brushes to furniture and entire rooms. The Historical Society helps preserve the history of Bangor, as well as educate visitors on how much the city has grown over the years. As an added draw for those on the fence about visiting, the Historical Society has been known to host wine events, making it a perfect place to unwind at the end of a long day of walking around Downtown.
One of the benefits of Maine is how close you are to untouched nature, and the Bangor City Forest offers you that glimpse of the natural world, without sending you off into the unknown tangle of the Maine woods. This well-maintained trail is perfect for walking and biking and has areas that can easily be accessed by wheelchairs, strollers, and other mobility aids, meaning that people of all walks of life and ability levels can enjoy the tranquil scenery.
This path is best explored during the fall months, as the leaves are incredible, however it is maintained during the warmer months and is the perfect place for a quick stroll or a picnic.
14. Take a Tranquil Stroll at Mount Hope Garden Cemetery
Mount Hope Garden Cemetery offers you the silence and reflection of a cemetery, without making you feel like you stepped onto the set of The Addams Family. Winding paths take you through years of Maine history, and well-manicured trees frame the edges of the graveyard, offering privacy from the outside world. Those who enjoy learning more about the town’s history can sign up for a guided tour of the area, while visitors of all ages will be captivated by the old war cannons and monuments that make up this area.
15. Admire the Architecture Downtown
Columbia Street Baptist Church in downtown Bangor
Bangor and its surrounding suburbs offer a unique architectural sampling that’s hard to resist. Old Victorian buildings stand side-by-side with brick-faced industrial buildings; historic locations are revamped but keep their old charm as they serve the modern world. History lovers can find buildings as old as the city itself, while those entranced by unique design only need to walk around the surrounding areas to spot parapets, four-story houses, and castle-like exterior design. There is an antique charm to the surrounding area, and the dedicated pedestrian is sure to be entranced by each city block.
16. Try and Spot Stephen King
Stephen King’s house in Bangor, ME
While Stephen King is known to be quite reclusive, he does have a home in Bangor, and dedicated fans can visit the exterior of the residence, though you cannot go inside. The visible property often references his works, though, with a notable red balloon floating in one of the office windows during a past Halloween season. It is also said that a black cat can be seen wandering the grounds, though this is more local speculation than anything else.
Although it is rare to run into Stephen King, it is likely you may spot him in the neighborhood, just be sure to double check any crosswalks in the area to avoid becoming the subject of his next novel.
What’s a vacation without a little gambling? After all, what happens in Bangor stays in Bangor.
…Alright so there may only be one real casino in the area, but Hollywood Casino is well worth the visit. Fans of card games will find a wide range of tables to join, and those looking for a fun spot to watch sports or just grab a quick meal are sure to fit right in at the integrated restaurant. Thankfully, Hollywood Casino benefits from the small-town charm that permeates all of Maine, as the location is known for being clean, quiet, and most importantly, safe. What better way to close out your vacation than a quick visit from Lady Luck, after all?
Looking for More to Explore?
If you’re still looking for things to do in Bangor, you’re sure to be spoiled for choice. Not only can you explore the bustling downtown area and visit local restaurants like Paddy Murphy’s, Noodles & Company, and more, but you can also make a quick trip to the shopping district just outside of downtown. The Bangor Mall may be smaller than it used to be, but there are plenty of stores sporting both local and mass-market goods, as well as restaurants and entertainment facilities like the Bangor Mall Cinema 10. And while it may not seem impressive to some people, Bangor is also home to the only Chick-fil-A in all of Maine. If coffee is more your speed, Bangor also is home to a Tim Horton’s, a Canadian coffee chain known for its homey aesthetic and its incredible coffee. Be warned: once you try their pretzel bagels, you’ll never go back to plain bagels again.
Fans of the outdoors should head to the Penobscot River Walkway, preferably after stopping by 2 Feet Brewing for a drink. From antique stores to pop-up craft shops, no matter where your path takes you through downtown Bangor, you’re sure to discover local treasures around every corner.
Bangor, Maine acts as hub for the surrounding areas, and is affectionately known as “The City” by residents of northern Maine. While Bangor may be small by national standards, the cultural offerings and local flavor more than make up for it, giving visitors a chance to experience “The Way Life Should Be” up close and personal. Once you practice pronouncing the city name “BANG-war” instead of “Bang-er,” you’ll practically be a local!
The 17 Best Thigs to Do in Bangor, Maine
Visit the Paul Bunyan Statue
Find Unique Treasures at The Rock & Art Shop
Snack at Bagel Central
Rock out at the Maine Savings Amphitheater
Wander Cascade Park
Peruse the Bangor Farmers’ Market
Get Tickets to the Penobscot Theatre Company
Visit the Cole Land Transportation Museum
Explore the Bangor Public Library
Take the Kids to the Maine Discovery Museum
Visit the Zillman Art Museum
Travel to the Past at the Bangor Historical Society
Escape to Nature in the Bangor City Forest
Take a Tranquil Stroll at Mount Hope Garden Cemetery
Gail was born in the frigid northern Maine and has been trying to get warm ever since. They can be found cuddling their two glorious Maine Coons and debating which of their countless flannels works as formal attire.
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