Bangor is Maine’s third-largest city and the undisputed hub of northern and eastern Maine. Sitting at the confluence of the Penobscot and Kenduskeag rivers, Bangor serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, and the vast wilderness of northern Maine. The city has a rich history as a lumber and shipping center, and today offers a growing arts and dining scene alongside its role as a regional commercial hub.
Best Restaurants in Bangor, Maine
Bangor’s dining scene has grown considerably in recent years. Pat’s Pizza is a Maine institution that started in nearby Orono and has been serving its distinctive pizza to generations of Mainers. The Hollywood Casino complex includes several dining options ranging from casual to upscale. The city’s downtown has seen a revival with new restaurants and bars opening along Central Street and the waterfront, making Bangor an increasingly vibrant dining destination for northern Maine.
Best Hotels in Bangor, Maine
Bangor offers a solid range of accommodations for all budgets. Bangor Inn and Suites provides comfortable accommodations convenient to I-95 and the airport. The Hollywood Casino hotel offers full-service amenities with the added entertainment of a casino and live music venue. Bangor’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring northern, eastern, and Downeast Maine.
Things to Do in Bangor, Maine
Bangor has more to offer than many visitors expect. The city is famous as the hometown of Stephen King — his distinctive Victorian mansion on West Broadway is a pilgrimage site for fans, and the Paul Bunyan statue downtown is one of Maine’s most photographed landmarks. Hollywood Casino Bangor offers gaming, live entertainment, and dining. The Cross Insurance Center hosts concerts, sporting events, and shows year-round. The Bangor Waterfront Pavilion is a popular outdoor concert venue in summer.
Bangor as a Base for Exploring Maine
Bangor’s greatest asset may be its location. Situated at the crossroads of I-95 and Route 1A, it puts you within easy reach of some of Maine’s greatest destinations. Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are just one hour east. Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin are about two hours north. Bangor International Airport makes it a convenient arrival point for visitors flying into Maine.
Day Trips from Bangor
Ellsworth is just 30 minutes east and serves as the last major shopping stop before heading to Bar Harbor. Moosehead Lake is about 90 minutes northwest — Maine’s largest lake and one of the state’s premier wilderness destinations. The college town of Orono, home of the University of Maine, is just 10 minutes north.