12 Best Things to Do in Bangor, Maine

By VacationIdea Staff on October 22, 2022 - Updated

Courtesy of notsunami - Fotolia.com

Maine is one of the northernmost states in the contiguous U.S. It was originally part of Massachusetts until its residents broke off and formed their own state in the rugged wilderness near the Canadian border. Located on the Penobscot River in the central part of the state, the city of Bangor is called the Queen City of the East. This small jewel of a city contains excellent dining, shopping, and lodging options, as well as many attractions for travelers to see. Here are the best things to do in Bangor, Maine.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.University of Maine Museum of Art

Since 1946, the University of Maine Museum of Art has been dedicated to helping students and the public develop an appreciation for contemporary art. The museum’s permanent collection contains over 3,800 works of 20th century art with an emphasis on photographs and original prints.

Notable artists with works on display include Andy Warhol, Andrew Wyeth, Richard Estes, Diego Rivera, and Pablo Picasso. The museum also hosts travelling exhibits and workshops, and it provides classroom resources and visits to schools in the Bangor area.

40 Harlow Street Bangor, ME 04401, Phone: 207-561-3350

2. Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a rugged wilderness located just off the coast of Maine. The park, which is made up of Mount Desert Island and several smaller islands, is the oldest national park east of the Mississippi River.

Acadia is home to Isle au Haut, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, the Schoodic Peninsula, and Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak along the eastern seaboard. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bicycling, boating, fishing, picnicking, camping, or horseback riding. Activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing are available in the winter. Acadia is open year-round. However, some roads and attractions may be closed in the winter.

3.Bangor Farmers Market

The Bangor Farmers Market is an open-air gathering of merchants held every Sunday afternoon May through November. Local farmers and growers offer fresh fruits and vegetables for sale to the public. Cheeses, breads, coffee, baked goods, and locally raised meets are also available.

The market is held across from the library in Bangor. During the winter months, the market moves indoors to the Sea Dog Brewing Company. Market vendors accept cash, credit or debit cards, and SNAP benefits.

4.Cole Land Transportation Museum

Land vehicles such as cars, trucks, and trains played an important part in clearing and shaping the land that would become the state of Maine. The Cole Land Transportation Museum seeks to preserve these vehicles and the history of the early pioneers and businessmen who settled here.

The Cole Foundation hopes that their stories will inspire future generations to work hard and achieve greatness. The museum features exhibits of early cars and trucks, trains, snow plows, fire engines, and more. There are also exhibits and memorabilia dedicated to the military servicemen and women of Maine. The museum is open daily from May 1st through November 11th.

405 Perry Rd Bangor, ME 04401, Phone: 207-990-3600

5.Things to Do in Bangor, Maine: Collins Center for the Arts

Located on the University of Maine campus, the Collins Center for the Arts is a cultural hub for locals and visitors alike. The center contains the 1435-seat Hutchins Concert Hall, the Minsky Recital Hall, and the Bodwell Lounge Area. The Collins Center hosts a variety of events including concerts, shows, lectures, and films.

It also serves as a venue for the events and performances of the University of Maine School of Performing Arts. Miller’s Café on the center’s first floor provides food and refreshments during many performances. Upcoming show information can be found online. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or at the center’s box office.

2 Flagstaff Road Orono, ME 04469, Phone: 800-622-TIXX

6.Hudson Museum, Bangor, Maine

The Hudson Museum, a part of the University of Maine, is located on campus in the Collins Center for the Arts. The museum contains a large collection of historical artifacts and items from cultures around the world.

Permanent exhibits include over 2,000 pre-Columbian ceramics, Northwest coast art, 900 objects from the Maine Indians, and ceramic items from many other Native American cultures. The museum also hosts lectures, traveling exhibits, and field trips for elementary and high school students. Admission is free of charge.

5746 Collins Center for the Arts Orono, ME 04469, Phone: 207-581-1904

7.Maine Discovery Museum

The Maine Discovery Museum is the place for kids to have “too much fun!” This large museum is dedicated to inspiring innovative learning, creativity, and a sense of wonder in children. Hands-on exhibits teach visitors about nature, plants and animals, the human body, art, technology, and world cultures.

Weekly clubs and programs dedicated to art, math, science, and fitness are also held here. Special camps are offered during school holidays. They even host birthday parties at the museum! Special group rates are available.

74 Main Street Bangor, ME 04401, Phone: 207-262-7200

8.Fork & Spoon, Bangor, Maine

Fork & Spoon Downtown Eatery is a great place to meet, converse, and of course, to eat! Visitors can start with a fruit and vegetable smoothie, then move on to one of their delicious soups, salads, and sandwiches.

All entrees are made with fresh produce and delicious meats, cheeses, and seasonings. For dessert, Fork & Spoon offers ice cream and baked goods made by local food artisans. Their menu also offers vegetarian and gluten free options, and their café has free Wi-Fi. The eatery is open daily for breakfast through dinner. Hours vary by day.

76 Main Street Bangor, ME 04401, Phone: 207-433-7646

9.Timber Kitchen and Bar

Timber Kitchen and Bar lives up to its name. Located in the heart of Bangor, this trendy casual restaurant showcases stunning wooden décor and hearty local cuisine. Ceiling and wall planks made of real, unpolished wood combine with smooth wood floors and marble table tops to create an interesting, comfortable ambiance.

Diners can indulge in favorites such as breads, cheeses, seafood, burgers, pizza, and handmade pastas. Many dishes use fresh, local produce, artisan cheeses, and sustainably sourced meats. Guests can also enjoy a drink at Timber’s well-stocked bar.

22 Bass Park Blvd. Bangor, ME 04401, Phone: 207-433-0844

10.Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor, Maine

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Mount Hope is the second oldest “garden cemetery” in the United States. As the cities grew in population, residents began requesting areas outside of the city limits to bury their dead.

Mount Hope Cemetery was developed in 1836 and covers 300 partially-wooded acres overlooking the Penobscot River. Trees, shrubs, flowers, and monuments cover the carefully landscaped grounds. Paved roads allow for easy walking or driving through this peaceful resting place. The cemetery is open daily throughout the year. Hours vary by season.

1048 State Street Bangor, ME 04401, Phone: 207-945-6589

11.Things to Do in Bangor: Paul Bunyan Statute

For decades, tales of legendary folk hero Paul Bunyan have been told and re-told across America. The towering lumberjack, along with his double-sided axe and his big blue ox, cleared massive amounts of forest to make way for settlements and farms. Bangor is one of at least six towns in the U.S. to claim Paul Bunyan as their own.

However, Bangor’s statue of Bunyan is definitely the tallest! The fiberglass-over-metal statue stands 31 feet high and weighs 3700 pounds. Having a photo taken with Paul Bunyan is a must for any visitor to Bangor. The statue stands in Bass Park in front of the Bangor Civic Center.

12.Penobscot River Walkway, Bangor, Maine

The Penobscot River Walkway is a paved, half-mile stretch along the Penobscot River in Bangor. The trail is open for walking, bicycling, fishing, and in-line skating, and it is wheelchair accessible.

The walkway is a part of Bangor’s Waterfront Park. The park contains picnic tables, restrooms, and boat slips for water traffic. Many events are held in the park throughout the year, including outdoor open-air concerts each summer.

12 Best Things to Do in Bangor, Maine

University of Maine Museum of Art, Photo: University of Maine Museum of Art
Acadia National Park, Photo: Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com
Bangor Farmers Market, Photo: Bangor Farmers Market
Cole Land Transportation Museum, Photo: Cole Land Transportation Museum
Things to Do in Bangor, Maine: Collins Center for the Arts, Photo: Collins Center for the Arts
Hudson Museum, Bangor, Maine, Photo: Hudson Museum
Maine Discovery Museum, Photo: Maine Discovery Museum
Fork & Spoon, Bangor, Maine, Photo: Fork & Spoon
Timber Kitchen and Bar, Photo: Timber Kitchen and Bar
Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor, Maine, Photo: Mount Hope Cemetery
Things to Do in Bangor: Paul Bunyan Statute, Photo: Courtesy of Gerald Bernard - Fotolia.com
Penobscot River Walkway, Bangor, Maine, Photo: Courtesy of BSANI - Fotolia.com
Cover Photo: Courtesy of notsunami - Fotolia.com

More Ideas in Maine: Hartstone Inn & Hideaway in Camden

Built in 1835, the Hartstone Inn & Hideaway is a historic Mansard-style Victorian bed and breakfast in Camden, Maine. Located in the heart of the village, the award-winning retreat offers elegant and refined accommodations with private en-suite bathrooms, modern amenities and private gardens with lovely views. Suites add spacious living areas with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, and a complimentary gourmet breakfast is served every morning. Stylishly decorated common areas feature a collection of over 400 orchids, hors-d'oeuvres and drinks are offered in the afternoons and guests can enjoy added extras such as cooking classes and spa services for an additional fee. The Hartstone Inn & Hideaway is perfectly located for exploring the seaside village of Camden, which offers a host of activities and attractions such as hiking, biking, and kayaking to world-class golf courses, art museums and galleries, and boutique shops.

Guest Accommodations

The Hartstone Inn & Hideaway offers guestrooms in two different historical coastal Maine buildings, namely the original Hartstone building and the more secluded Hideaway. The Hartstone features 14 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, while the Hideaway is home to seven guest rooms and suites, all of which are exquisitely decorated in a classic style with elegant furnishings.

All guest rooms and suites have king or queen-size beds with pillow-top mattresses, deluxe linens and duvets, and hypoallergenic pillows, and en-suite or shared bathrooms with shower/bath combinations, whirlpool tubs (suites only), thick towels and bathrobes, and organic bath products. Spacious sitting areas have comfortable seating, writing desks and chairs, and some have fireplaces, while special touches include fresh flowers, original artworks, and handmade chocolates on arrival.

Modern amenities abound and include flat screen televisions with cable channels and DVD players, iPod/MP3 player docking stations, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, air-conditioning, and complimentary wireless Internet.

Guest can enjoy a variety of in-room extras for special occasions and celebrations, including Champagne and strawberries, cheese and wine platters, couple’s or single massages, in-room hot stone therapy and other spa services, gourmet picnic lunches, and bouquets of fresh flowers. Other delights include handmade chocolates, delicious fruit baskets and specially prepared food dishes of choice.

Dining

A complimentary gourmet breakfast is served in the elegant dining room every morning, which includes a variety of fresh fruit and juices, cereals and yogurts, freshly baked bread and muffins, and hot entrées along with coffee and tea. The Inn’s restaurant is open to both guests and the public for dinner and serves a sumptuous five-course meal accompanied by award-winning wines from around the country and the world.

Amenities and Recreation

Deluxe amenities and facilities at The Hartstone Inn & Hideaway include beautifully furnished common areas in which guests can relax, a complimentary gourmet breakfast every morning and hors-d'oeuvres and drinks in the evenings. The Hideaway building has an on-site spa, which offers indulgent massages, body treatments, and other spa services in a luxurious and tranquil atmosphere, and guest can also enjoy scheduled cooking classes with the Inn’s renowned chef at certain times of the year.

Located in the center of town, the Hartstone Inn is within easy walking distance of many of the town’s attractions and recreational activities, as well as boutiques and shops, cafés and restaurants, museums, galleries and more. The main harbor and beaches are a short walk away and offer an array of outdoor adventures such as sailing, cruising, kayaking, swimming, beachcombing, hiking, biking, and fishing. Slightly further afield, there are world-class golf courses, lighthouses, mountain climbing, museums and galleries to visit, and day trips to nearby attractions such as Belfast, Damariscotta, and Pemaquid Point.

41 Elm St, Camden, ME 04843, Phone: 207-236-4259

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More Ideas in Maine: Hawthorn Inn Bed and Breakfast

The Hawthorn Inn Bed and Breakfast is a charming getaway in the heart of Camden, Maine. Housed in a beautifully preserved 1894 Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion on 1.2 acres of manicured lawn and gardens, this delightful hotel offers elegant accommodations, delicious homecooked breakfasts, welcoming communal spaces and gorgeous gardens in which to relax, and gracious hospitality. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places and ideally located for exploring Camden and the surrounding Maine area, the Hawthorn Inn Bed and Breakfast promises an unforgettable stay.

Guest Accommodations

The Hawthorn Inn Bed and Breakfast feature ten beautifully appointed guest rooms with charming, country-style décor, plush furnishings, private bathrooms, modern amenities and lovely views over the garden from large windows that flood each room with natural light. Each room features a private en-suite bathroom with walk-in showers and whirlpool tubs (some rooms), thick bathrobes and towels, and organic bath products. Modern amenities include air-conditioning (in season), televisions, DVD players (some rooms), hairdryers, clock radio and alarms, irons and ironing boards, and complimentary wireless Internet.

The Norfolk Room is a spacious quadruple room on the second floor of the Carriage House. This room features a king-size bed with luxury linens and a double day bed with a pullout trundle for additional guests. An en-suite bathroom has a walk-in shower and double whirlpool tub, and a lovely sitting area offers comfortable seating and a gas log stove/fireplace. A private balcony has outdoor seating and overlooks the beautiful gardens below.

The Watney room is a tranquil, elegantly decorated retreat on the first floor of the Carriage House. This room features a king-size bed with luxury linens, an en-suite bathroom with two-person shower and extra-large whirlpool tub, and a spacious sitting area with a leather loveseat and a gas-log stove. An enormous private deck boasts beautiful views of the garden and Camden Harbor.

The Brougham room is a romantic and cozy room on the second floor of the Carriage House and features a king-size bed with luxury linens, and an en-suite bathroom with two-person shower and whirlpool tub. This room also offers a gas-log stove and private deck with beautiful views of the garden and Camden Harbor.

The Cabriolet room can be found on the first floor of the Carriage House and features two twin beds that can be converted into a king, an en-suite bathroom with two-person corner whirlpool tub, walk-in shower, and plush bathrobes, and a private patio overlooking Camden Harbor.

The Caroline is located on the first floor in the front of the Main House with views over the street. The room features a king-size bed with luxury linens, a large, airy bathroom with walk-in shower and plush bathrobes, and a cozy sitting area with a table and chairs.

The Regency room is a spacious deluxe queen room with a beautiful queen-size four poster bed in luxury linens, and an en-suite bathroom with a Victorian soaking tub and thick bathrobes. Located on the second floor of the Main House, this room has lovely views of the gardens and Camden Harbor.

The Jillian is a Junior Suite on the second floor of the Main House overlooking the street and Mount Battie and features a queen-size four poster bed with luxury linens, a comfortable sitting room with a convertible loveseat for an extra guest and a gas log stove.

The Rose room is a modest, cozy room with two twin beds that can be converted into a large double if necessary. Located on the second floor of the Main House, the Rose room is small, but very comfortable and has lovely views of the garden and Camden Harbor.

The Turret room is on the second floor of the Main House and features a queen-size bed with luxury linens, a small, en-suite bathroom with a shower, and a sitting area with a Victorian loveseat and chair for relaxing and reading. Beautiful bow windows in the middle of the tower add natural light and air to the room.

The Emma Knight room can be found on the lower level of the Main House below the kitchen and features a queen-size bed with luxury linens, a Victorian soaking tub and alcove sink in the bedroom and a separate sitting room with an extra single daybed and pull out trundle for additional guests.

Dining

Delicious two-course breakfasts are served in the sunny dining room and library every morning and out in the garden during the warmer summer months. Breakfasts are prepared with fresh, locally sourced and organic ingredients, and other selections are available for those guests with specific dietary requirements. Breakfast dishes include fresh fruit plates, sweet and savory dishes such as pancakes, French toast, quiches, and frittatas, with breakfast meats and smoked salmon sometimes being served as accompaniments. In addition to the sumptuous fare, there is freshly brewed roasted coffee from four different countries, a selection of imported teas and fresh juices. Ready-made ‘to-go’ breakfast bags can be prepared for those leaving early or on the run, and there is a bowl of fruit, as well as coffee, tea and bottled water available in the communal area throughout the day.

Amenities

Amenities and guest services at the Hawthorn Inn Bed and Breakfast include a delicious two-course breakfast served every morning, complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the day, comfortable communal areas and stunning gardens in which to relax. Additional conveniences around the Inn include air-conditioning in the summer months and complimentary wireless Internet, as well as DVD players in some of the rooms.

Weddings & Events

The Hawthorn Inn offers an idyllic and romantic venue for small weddings and receptions with beautiful gardens and lawns, a peaceful and quiet location and lovely decks and terraces for sit-down receptions and dinners. Groups of up to 50 guests can be catered for outdoors, while up to 20 guests can be accommodated indoors and a range of services is offered, including catering, flowers, and photography.

9 High Street, Camden, Maine, ME 04843, Phone: 207-236-8842

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More Ideas in Maine: The Ledges By The Bay

Located in Glen Cove, Maine surrounded by nine acres of beautifully manicured gardens overlooking Clam Cove and Penobscot Bay, Ledges By The Bay is a functional, family-run motel that offers comfortable accommodations with sea views and direct access to the beach. Nestled at the foot of a small cove with grassy lawns sloping down to the shore, the hotel features well-appointed guest rooms with modern décor and a private two-bedroom cottage with a full kitchen and ocean-facing deck. Complimentary continental breakfast is offered during the summer season and facilities at the motel include a heated outdoor swimming pool with a sundeck overlooking Penobscot Bay. Ledges By The Bay is situated within a few miles of the restaurants, cafés, museums, and galleries of downtown Camden.

Guest Accommodations

The Ledges By The Bay features 42 well-appointed ocean-facing guest rooms, a two-bedroom cottage and a private two-bedroom retreat for those wanting extra levels of privacy and seclusion. Overlooking the picturesque Penobscot Bay near Camden, guest rooms have comfortable single, double, queen or king size beds in crisp linens, and en-suite bathrooms with bath/shower combinations, clean towels, and branded bath products. Glass sliding doors open onto balconies or patios overlooking the bay and modern amenities in every room include air-conditioning and heating, mini fridges, televisions with cable channels, hair dryers, in-room telephones with free local calls, and complimentary wireless Internet. Guest rooms are available in Economy, Standard Oceanview, Deluxe Oceanview, and Superior Oceanview types.

The Ledges By The Bay also offers a seasonal two-bedroom Coveside Cottage and a private two-bedroom Coveside retreat. Conveniently located at the edge of the motel’s pool lawn with scenic views of Penobscot Bay, the charming Coveside Cottage boasts 1000 square feet of space with two bedrooms with queen-size beds and bathrooms with shower and bath combinations. The Coveside Cottage accommodates up to six people with a spacious living room and comfortable seating and an electric fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen and a large deck with spectacular ocean views.

The Coveside Retreat is also conveniently located at the edge of the property that can accommodate up to four people. The retreat has a queen master bedroom and private bathroom and a second bedroom with a double bed and a shared bathroom. The Coveside Retreat has a spacious living room and comfortable seating and an electric fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen and a large deck with spectacular ocean views.

Dining

A continental breakfast is served each morning during the summer season includes fresh seasonal fruit, hot and cold cereals, homemade granola, yogurt, assorted bread for toasting, and homemade pastries.

Amenities and Recreation

A complimentary continental breakfast is offered during the summer season and facilities at the motel include a heated outdoor swimming pool with a sundeck overlooking Penobscot Bay. Ledges By The Bay is ideally located for either a relaxing vacation by the beach or for exploring Camden and its many attractions and activities. These include the Camden State Hills Park, the Farnsworth Art Museum, and the Penobscot Marine Museum. Other attractions include the Owls Head Transportation Museum, the Merry Spring Nature Center, and the Center for Maine Contemporary Art.

930 Commercial St, Rockport, ME 04856, Phone: 207-594-8944

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