Exploring Bangor
Region: The Maine Highlands
Activities: Walking, sightseeing, wildlife watching
Family friendly
Bangor is home to some of Maine’s most unique attractions and now is a perfect time to get out and explore all the city has to offer. Lumberjack icon Paul Bunyan was born in Bangor—his birth certificate is even on display in Bangor’s City Hall. To honor Bangor’s hometown folk hero, a massive statue is on display in front of the Cross Insurance Center on Main Street. The statue is 31 feet high, weighs 3,700 pounds and is a perfect spot to grab a selfie with a legend.
After visiting Paul, spook yourself a bit by visiting some sights made famous by Stephen King, America’s favorite horror author. You can check out King’s home in Bangor on 47 W. Broadway. You can easily see his eccentric mansion behind the wrought-iron gate that is decorated with spiders and bats. Next check out spots in Bangor, which in King’s books is called Derry, like the drain that inspired the scene in It, where Pennywise lures young Georgie Denbrough. It is located at the corner of Union and Jackson Streets. Then head to the Mount Hope Cemetery at 1048 State Street in Bangor, the site of the (human) cemetery in the film Pet Semetary. You can take a self-guided tour or just explore and see if you recognize film locations.
The nearby Bangor City Forest is perfect to unwind at the end of your day exploring. With 680 acres and nine miles of trails through the woods, the forest is great for wildlife watching and enjoying the outdoors.
Driving Distance:
Lewiston/Auburn: 107 miles
Portland: 130 miles