Stephen King, born in Portland in 1947, is closely tied to Bangor, the city where he lived for years and the real-life inspiration for the fictional town of Derry in his novels. Today Bangor is the best place in Maine for fans to see the landmarks behind the stories. Here is what you can visit, how to take a guided tour, and how to be a respectful visitor.
Quick answer: Take a guided driving tour, walk downtown Bangor to see the public landmarks that inspired the novels, and view King’s Victorian house on West Broadway from the sidewalk only. Plan a half day, and expect most of it to be outdoors.
Stephen King and Bangor
King has said he wanted Bangor as a setting because it was a tougher, harder place, with a history of loggers and the Brady Gang shootout. That gritty history shaped Derry, the fictional Maine town that appears in several of his books. Bangor’s role in his writing, and his philanthropy in the city, are a big part of why fans visit.
Stephen King Tours in Bangor
SK Tours of Maine runs a narrated driving tour of Stephen King’s Bangor, lasting about two and a half hours or more. It covers his life, his writing and his books, and it also looks at some of the philanthropy by Stephen and Tabitha King. The company lists a season that runs from early April to the end of October, and it offers private tours for small groups. Rates and dates change, so check the site before you plan around them.
Public Places to Visit in Bangor
- Thomas Hill Standpipe: the historic water tower on a hill above the city, a Bangor landmark that fans connect with the standpipe in It.
- Paul Bunyan statue: the large statue downtown, another well-known landmark linked to the Derry scenes in It.
- Kenduskeag Stream: the stream that runs through downtown Bangor and into the Penobscot River, and a setting in It.
Stephen King’s House
King’s Victorian mansion on West Broadway, in the Whitney Park Historic District, is one of Bangor’s best-known sights. It is a private residence. Please view it from the public sidewalk, respect the property and the neighbors, and do not trespass or ask for directions to any private home.
Plan Your Visit
Bangor is easy to reach and easy to walk downtown. See our guides to living in Bangor, and browse Bangor for restaurants, lodging and things to do. King attended the University of Maine in Orono, a short drive from Bangor, which makes a good add-on for fans. For more ideas, see what Maine is known for.
Stephen King Bangor FAQ
Is Derry a real town in Maine?
No. Derry is fictional, but it is widely understood to be based on Bangor, which is why fans visit.
Can you visit Stephen King’s house in Bangor?
You can see it from the public sidewalk on West Broadway. It is a private home, so please do not enter the property.
Is there a Stephen King tour in Bangor?
Yes. SK Tours of Maine runs a guided driving tour in season. Check its website for current dates and availability.