While we think all of Maine is pretty cool, we recognize that some people might not realize it. And that’s okay! That just means more for us! But, we’ve also noticed that news outlets across the country like to include Maine towns on their lists of coolest cities. The one we see most often is Portland. While we agree that Portland is pretty cool, we think there are lots of other cool places throughout the state. That’s why we were pretty excited when we noticed that in 2017 Matador named a different city to their list of coolest cities in America! Bangor Maine will always have a special place in our hearts.

Bangor is seriously cool and here are just a few places that remind us why!

David Wilson / Flickr

The Penobscot Threater Company

management/ Tripadvisor The Penobscot Theatre Company has been delighting Maine audiences for over 40 years. It currently exists in the second version of the Bangor Opera House (the first burned down in 1914.) Audiences can enjoy live theatrical performances, music and much more. For more about what’s going on, check out The Penobscot Theatre Company website. Visit them at: 131 Main Street in Bangor / 207-942-3333 Penobscot Theatre Company, 131 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401, USA

The (Claimed) World’s Largest Paul Bunyan Statue

auvet / Flickr If you love the stranger side of Maine, you’ll love gawking at that of Paul Bunyan. Minnesota might lay the best claim to him, but Maine’s lumber history means we deserve a piece of him looking over us as well. The statue is located in a park across from the Civic Center and stands tall at about 31 feet high.

The Penobscot River Walkway

Margaret C. / TripAdvisor Whoever said you can’t enjoy being outside while in a city never strolled down Bangor’s Penobscot River Walkway. The scenic trail runs for about a half mile through Waterfront Park between Union Street and the intersection of Railroad and Front streets. The trail runs along the riverbank and there are tons of events to enjoy at the park throughout the year.

Cascade Park

Helena-Francisco / TripAdvisor If you complete the river walkway and crave a little more adventure, head to Cascade Park…

You’ll be surprised to find this oasis so close!

Terry Ross / Flickr Cascade Park is a wonderful way to escape the city without going very far. We think that’s pretty cool! You’ll find everything from easy to moderate trails here, along with a nice man-made waterfall, a fountain and a gazebo. This is a great place to enjoy a picnic in the summer. It’s located on State Street near the riverfront.

The Rock and Art Shop

The Rock & Art Shop / Facebook This shop is so wonderfully unique that it’s worth a stop even just to look around. They stock everything from fossils, jewelry, air plants, succulent and some of the most unique gifts you’ll find anywhere. It’s fun to go and explore the shelves since there’s always something new here! Visit them at: 36 Central Street in Bangor / 207-947-2205. Make sure to check out their website for more awesome Rock and Art shop needs. The Rock and Art Shop, 36 Central St, Bangor, ME 04401, USA

Maine Discovery Museum

Maine Discovery Museum/ Facebook More than just a museum with facts about history and science, the MDM acts as a wonderful community resource. The museum provides a chance for awesome exploration and discovery. And the best part is that it incorporates elements of Maine into a larger understanding of the world. Visit them at: 74 Main Street in Bangor / 207-262-7200 Make sure to head on over to the Maine Discovery Museum website for tickets, times, and information.

The Bangor City Forest

Margaret C. / TripAdvisor Another opportunity to get lost in the forest without going into the middle of nowhere… Forest Avenue, Forest Ave, Bangor, ME 04401, USA

Mark Plummer / Flickr The Bangor City Forest, offers wooded trails the run for several miles. The area offers a great opportunity to understand the local ecology as trails go right though the bog area via a boardwalk. Benches for resting during your walk. The official address is 73 Harlow Street in Bangor / 207-992-4490

Maine’s Savings Ampitheater (formally known as Darling’s Waterfront Pravillion)

LaurTay / TripAdvisor If you only think of Portland when you think of concert venues in Maine, you’re missing out on one of the most popular spots to see a show in the State. Maine’s Savings Ampitheater has a great view of the river and there’s a fair amount of regular seating and lawn space. Click here to check out this summer’s schedule! Visit them at: 1 Railroad Street in Bangor / 207-358-9327 Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad St, Bangor, ME 04401, USA

Timber Kitchen and Bar

Timber Kitchen and Bar / Yelp

Paul C. / Yelp Talk about cool! This place looks trendy, but inside offers Mainers the opportunity to celebrate all things Maine. The full service 150-seat restaurant also features a bar and lounge. It’s named “Timber” to pay homage to named to the city’s rich history in the lumber industry. Visit them at: 22 Bass Park Blvd in Bangor / 207-433-0844. Make sure to check out the Timber Kitchen and Bar website for any more information.

We really think Bangor Maine is an amazing town and now we hope you do too. What are some of your favorite things about Bangor Maine? It’s a big city with lots to do so let us know in the comments below. Now that you know about the coolest city, read about the 10 most dangerous cities in Maine here!

David Wilson / Flickr

management/ Tripadvisor

The Penobscot Theatre Company has been delighting Maine audiences for over 40 years. It currently exists in the second version of the Bangor Opera House (the first burned down in 1914.) Audiences can enjoy live theatrical performances, music and much more. For more about what’s going on, check out The Penobscot Theatre Company website. Visit them at: 131 Main Street in Bangor / 207-942-3333

Penobscot Theatre Company, 131 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401, USA

auvet / Flickr

If you love the stranger side of Maine, you’ll love gawking at that of Paul Bunyan. Minnesota might lay the best claim to him, but Maine’s lumber history means we deserve a piece of him looking over us as well. The statue is located in a park across from the Civic Center and stands tall at about 31 feet high.

Margaret C. / TripAdvisor

Whoever said you can’t enjoy being outside while in a city never strolled down Bangor’s Penobscot River Walkway. The scenic trail runs for about a half mile through Waterfront Park between Union Street and the intersection of Railroad and Front streets. The trail runs along the riverbank and there are tons of events to enjoy at the park throughout the year.

Helena-Francisco / TripAdvisor

If you complete the river walkway and crave a little more adventure, head to Cascade Park…

Terry Ross / Flickr

Cascade Park is a wonderful way to escape the city without going very far. We think that’s pretty cool! You’ll find everything from easy to moderate trails here, along with a nice man-made waterfall, a fountain and a gazebo. This is a great place to enjoy a picnic in the summer. It’s located on State Street near the riverfront.

The Rock & Art Shop / Facebook

This shop is so wonderfully unique that it’s worth a stop even just to look around. They stock everything from fossils, jewelry, air plants, succulent and some of the most unique gifts you’ll find anywhere. It’s fun to go and explore the shelves since there’s always something new here! Visit them at: 36 Central Street in Bangor / 207-947-2205. Make sure to check out their website for more awesome Rock and Art shop needs.

The Rock and Art Shop, 36 Central St, Bangor, ME 04401, USA

Maine Discovery Museum/ Facebook

More than just a museum with facts about history and science, the MDM acts as a wonderful community resource. The museum provides a chance for awesome exploration and discovery. And the best part is that it incorporates elements of Maine into a larger understanding of the world. Visit them at: 74 Main Street in Bangor / 207-262-7200 Make sure to head on over to the Maine Discovery Museum website for tickets, times, and information.

Another opportunity to get lost in the forest without going into the middle of nowhere…

Forest Avenue, Forest Ave, Bangor, ME 04401, USA

Mark Plummer / Flickr

The Bangor City Forest, offers wooded trails the run for several miles. The area offers a great opportunity to understand the local ecology as trails go right though the bog area via a boardwalk. Benches for resting during your walk. The official address is 73 Harlow Street in Bangor / 207-992-4490

LaurTay / TripAdvisor

If you only think of Portland when you think of concert venues in Maine, you’re missing out on one of the most popular spots to see a show in the State. Maine’s Savings Ampitheater has a great view of the river and there’s a fair amount of regular seating and lawn space. Click here to check out this summer’s schedule! Visit them at: 1 Railroad Street in Bangor / 207-358-9327

Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad St, Bangor, ME 04401, USA

Timber Kitchen and Bar / Yelp

Paul C. / Yelp

Talk about cool! This place looks trendy, but inside offers Mainers the opportunity to celebrate all things Maine. The full service 150-seat restaurant also features a bar and lounge. It’s named “Timber” to pay homage to named to the city’s rich history in the lumber industry. Visit them at: 22 Bass Park Blvd in Bangor / 207-433-0844. Make sure to check out the Timber Kitchen and Bar website for any more information.

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Address: Bangor, ME 04401, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Bangor Maine July 12, 2022 Chris Dodge What are some other fun things to do in Bangor Maine? We know that Bangor Maine is an awesome and a happening place. So here are some other things to do in Bangor to spice up any trip. How about taking a tour of the roadside attractions all throughout the city. Snap a picture with Paul Bunyan or visit and scare your socks off at Steven King’s house. Either way, these roadside attractions are an interesting find in Bangor. Go antiquing at not just one but two great antique stores. Indulge in some great-tasting foods with amazing views at these four restaurants along the Penobscot River. Don’t forget to take a trip to the mall and check out the stores, or one other stopping option is Bull Moose Music in Bangor. Several Bull Moose Music stores have found their way across Maine and the Bangor location lives up to the high quality that you will find at any Bull Moose store. With used and new music, games, books, and movies you are sure to find something you didn’t know you needed at Bull Moose. Whatever you choose to do in Bangor you are sure to have a great time.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Bangor Maine

July 12, 2022

Chris Dodge

What are some other fun things to do in Bangor Maine? We know that Bangor Maine is an awesome and a happening place. So here are some other things to do in Bangor to spice up any trip. How about taking a tour of the roadside attractions all throughout the city. Snap a picture with Paul Bunyan or visit and scare your socks off at Steven King’s house. Either way, these roadside attractions are an interesting find in Bangor. Go antiquing at not just one but two great antique stores. Indulge in some great-tasting foods with amazing views at these four restaurants along the Penobscot River. Don’t forget to take a trip to the mall and check out the stores, or one other stopping option is Bull Moose Music in Bangor. Several Bull Moose Music stores have found their way across Maine and the Bangor location lives up to the high quality that you will find at any Bull Moose store. With used and new music, games, books, and movies you are sure to find something you didn’t know you needed at Bull Moose. Whatever you choose to do in Bangor you are sure to have a great time.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

We know that Bangor Maine is an awesome and a happening place. So here are some other things to do in Bangor to spice up any trip. How about taking a tour of the roadside attractions all throughout the city. Snap a picture with Paul Bunyan or visit and scare your socks off at Steven King’s house. Either way, these roadside attractions are an interesting find in Bangor. Go antiquing at not just one but two great antique stores. Indulge in some great-tasting foods with amazing views at these four restaurants along the Penobscot River. Don’t forget to take a trip to the mall and check out the stores, or one other stopping option is Bull Moose Music in Bangor. Several Bull Moose Music stores have found their way across Maine and the Bangor location lives up to the high quality that you will find at any Bull Moose store. With used and new music, games, books, and movies you are sure to find something you didn’t know you needed at Bull Moose. Whatever you choose to do in Bangor you are sure to have a great time.