Town of Orono, Maine

Although home to the beloved flagship institution of the University of Maine, Orono is more than just a simple college town. What it offers is enough to satisfy and entertain even year-round residents.

The annual influx of university students more than doubles the town’s normal population of approximately 11,000, but it’s not an obvious change. The campus offers a large number of residence halls and every amenity needed for student living.

There are some nearby off-campus student apartment complexes, and the bordering town of Old Town houses many students as well. This leaves most Orono neighborhoods undisturbed and peaceful for year-round residents.

Exploring Orono Maine

The small, intimate downtown area on Mill Street has a deceptively wide variety of businesses all within sight of each other. This makes it quick and easy to run errands without having to drive (and if you do, there’s Murray’s Service Center down the street).

Situated on Mill Street is a pharmacy, two coffee shops, an ATM, and three different places to get yourself a haircut. A CircleK is across the street for fuel-ups and late night snacks.

There’s also nine restaurants and eateries in the one surrounding block alone. Notable ones include Woodman’s Brew Pub, Thai Orchid, The Family Dog, and Pat’s Pizza.

Further down the road by less than a mile is the Alltown, a 24-hour extensive gas station market with a large selection of snacks, drinks, prepared foods, and alcohol, including liquor. There’s also a Dunkin’ inside, one of Maine’s favorite coffee shops.

If you’re thinking about moving to Orono, stay at the beautiful University Inn Academic Suites. It’s conveniently located right off of Main Street and directly overlooks the picturesque Stillwater River. It also has an outdoor pool, and offers canoe and kayak rentals during the summer to use in the river. Being in the heart of downtown Orono, you’ll be able to experience everything the town has to offer, all within walking distance of your hotel.

Local Nature and Outdoor Activities

The Stillwater river runs right through the middle of Orono and is a common spot for water activities in the warm summer months. Whether on a kayak, canoe, or inner tube, it’s a serene experience to float downstream in the wide river. Close to the University campus is the Steam Plant parking lot, which has a small launching spot to push off your boat. In the same lot on the opposite side is where the Orono Farmers’ Market is held, every summer on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

On the other side of the river is a long, shady wooded path called the Stillwater River Trail, where you can walk and take your dog on a leash. There’s also a large network of recreational trails at the University campus, known as the DeMeritt Forest Trail System. They have trails for walking, biking, and skiing. They’re easily accessible and open to the public.

Entertainment In Orono

Whether you’re a young college student or a parent with kids, there are entertainment opportunities for all. Some even appeal to the same crowd! On the outskirts of Orono that borders Old Town is the University Mall Shopping Center. Nestled in there is a movie theater called Spotlight Cinemas, the Orono Trampoline Park, and the China Garden restaurant. If you like sports, hit up one of UMaine’s many popular games, such as ice hockey or football. The popular Alfond Arena on campus seats over 5,000 people and hosts both basketball and ice hockey games. The football games are held on the expansive Morse Field at the Alfond Sports Stadium.

If you’re looking to get cultured, the University campus is also home to the Collins Center for the Arts, a performing arts center that hosts both student and guest events and shows. These shows can be seen by anyone who buys a ticket. Inside the Collins Center is a small anthropology museum called the Hudson Museum. It showcases various Native and South American artifacts.

Downtown Orono has a few unique shops for gifts and goodies. The Store Ampersand stocks unique beers and sells greeting cards, stuffed animals, and other fun knick-knacks. It’s also one of the two coffee shops mentioned. Then there’s Rose Bicycle, where you can buy a bike or bike parts, as well as get yours serviced. There’s a plant shop called Mainely Succulents (can you guess what they sell?), Byer of Maine which sells camping supplies, and Shaw & Tenney which crafts wooden oars and paddles.

The University of Maine

Of course the University is the shining star attraction of Orono, but you don’t have to be a student to take advantage of the campus events and services. This open accessibility to such a wide array of knowledge and culture is what makes Orono a truly great and unique place to live in. Looking to get schooled? Visit the truly impressive Fogler Library, a multi-level building that holds millions of academic documents and publications. If you’d rather choose beauty over brains, check out the extensive New Balance Student Recreation Center. It has many facilities, including an indoor second floor running track, a basketball court, a pool, and racquetball courts, among many different individual weight and cardio machines.

One benefit of living in a college town in Maine? The summers are quiet and luxurious, a far cry from nearly any other populous Maine town during tourist season. The population drops overnight as the vast majority of students leave after finals in May, and there are no real tourist attractions to the town. Permanent residents are then left to enjoy another peaceful summer in their little slice of paradise!

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