Mainepedia
Bangor, Maine

Bangor, Maine

The Queen City of the East

Overview

Bangor is the third largest city in Maine and serves as the economic and cultural center of the Downeast and Acadia region, as well as northern Maine. Historically a lumber and shipbuilding hub, it's now a vibrant city with a growing downtown, diverse dining options, and an international airport. It's also famously home to author Stephen King.

Key Facts

Population 31,760
Region Downeast & Acadia
County Penobscot
Founded 1791
Nearest City Portland (2 hours)

What Bangor Is Known For

Bangor Local Highlights

Stephen King's House
The iconic Victorian mansion of the legendary horror author, identifiable by its wrought-iron bat and spiderweb fence.
Paul Bunyan Statue
A towering 31-foot statue of the legendary lumberjack, symbolizing Bangor's history as the lumber capital of the world.
Bangor City Forest
A 680-acre preserve featuring miles of trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching within the city limits.
Penobscot River
The mighty river that defined the region's logging industry, now a center for waterfront concerts and recreation.
Hollywood Casino
Maine's first casino, offering gaming, entertainment, and dining in the heart of the Queen City.

Things to Do

1
Take a selfie with the Paul Bunyan statue
Capture a memory with one of Maine's most famous and colossal roadside landmarks.
2
Walk the trails in Bangor City Forest
Explore the 'Roller Coaster' trail or the boardwalk through Orono Bog for a nature escape.
3
See a concert at the Maine Savings Amphitheater
Enjoy world-class live music at this premier outdoor venue on the Bangor Waterfront.
4
Visit the Stephen King house
Pay a respectful visit to the West Broadway home that inspired nightmares and wonder for decades.
5
Explore the Maine Discovery Museum
A fantastic interactive museum for children, featuring three floors of hands-on exhibits.

Living in Bangor

Bangor offers a balanced lifestyle with a lower cost of living than coastal cities, a growing job market in healthcare and education, and a strong sense of community. It's a good base for exploring Maine's wilderness and coast.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm and pleasant, 70-80°F

winter

Cold and snowy, 15-30°F

spring

Cool with rain, 40-55°F

fall

Crisp and colorful, 50-65°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Bald Eagles (along the Penobscot River) White-tailed deer Red fox Migratory birds

How to Get There

Bangor is easily accessible via I-95. Bangor International Airport (BGR) offers flights to several major East Coast cities. It's a key entry point for travelers heading to Acadia and northern Maine.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Bangor outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bangor near Acadia National Park?

Bangor is about an hour's drive from the main entrance to Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, making it a convenient base for day trips.

Where is Stephen King's house?

While he owns other properties, his iconic Victorian home in Bangor is located at 47 West Broadway, easily recognizable by its iron gate adorned with bats and spiders.

What is the Paul Bunyan statue?

It's a 31-foot tall fiberglass statue of the legendary lumberjack, a prominent landmark celebrating Bangor's logging heritage.

Nearby Towns

Explore More

Downeast & Acadia Region Seasonal Guide Wildlife & Nature