Top 10 Things to do from Portland to Bangor, Maine
Written and Photographed by Carrie Hanrahan
If you’re traveling through Maine, possibly on your way to Acadia National Park, stop in Portland and Bangor. Along the way, you’ll find a variety of coastal experiences, spooky locations, transportation history and stunning lighthouses in a significant city and a quaint town. This top 10 list includes five areas starting in Portland and five ending in Bangor, making your next Maine vacation one to remember.
Be sure to download your free PDF copy of Top 10 Things to do in Portland and Bangor, Maine by clicking here. Join in on the fun as Randy, Caly and Carrie talk about Portland and Bangor on the RVD Podcast by clicking here!
Top 5 in Portland, Maine
5. Len Libby Candies—If you want to be sure to see a moose when you’re in Maine, stop just outside of Portland at Len Libby Candies to see Lenny, the world’s only life-sized moose made of chocolate. A short video takes you through the incredible creation of Lenny at the store, where you can pick up some heavenly chocolates and a package of Bangor taffy, a sinfully sweet caramel dusted with powdered sugar.
4. Maine Historical Society—The Historical Society in downtown Portland includes a National Historic Landmark building, changing exhibitions and a museum store. Start your tour in the stately boyhood home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow which the family continually occupied until donated as a museum in 1901. The house has been beautifully restored, with almost all original furnishings to look as it did in 1851. Then, continue next door to the Maine Historical Society Museum to view exhibits that change throughout the year. The current exhibition, which runs through December 2023, has pieces from the Maine Natural History collection discussing climate change. Discover these historic gems in the middle of the city.
3. Lighthouses and Parks—There’s something romantic about lighthouses, and the number you can find along the Maine coastline is astonishing. In Portland, you’ll find both the Portland Breakwater Light—known as Bug Light—and the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. Both lighthouses have beautiful architecture and are easily accessible, though you won’t be able to tour them. At Bug Light Park, visit the Liberty Ship Memorial honoring those who built ships at the shipyard during World War II and have fun watching people fly enormous kites in the park.
2. Waterfront District and Portland Old Port—Head to the visitor center in the waterfront district as a starting point for your day’s adventures. Nearby, you can rent a bike to peddle the waterfront trail, ride on the Maine Narrow Gauge Railway or wander along the different wharfs. Along the many piers, you can catch a variety of tours, from whale watching to lobstering excursions to schooner sailing. Be sure to take in the United States Custom House and the painted pieces of the Berlin Wall from 1989. If you’re hungry or need a vacation souvenir, continue into the Old Port district to find many restaurants and tourist shops.
1. Portland Head Light—Maine’s most stunning nautical view and lighthouse is the Portland Head Light southeast of town in Cape Elizabeth. The famous lighthouse is a tourist attraction in Fort Williams Park that is popular with visitors and locals alike. You’ll find people hanging out on the rocky beach, exploring the ruins of the old fort and Goddard Mansion, walking the stunning cliffside loop and enjoying the 90-plus acres of recreational space. Although the lighthouse is only open for tours one day each year, check out the museum that takes you through the lighthouse’s history and keepers.
Top 5 in Bangor, Maine
5. Paul Bunyan Statue — When you arrive in Bangor, Maine, you’ll need to snap a picture of the can’t-miss, 31-foot statue of Paul Bunyan. The statue is a nod to the legend synonymous with the large lumber industry booming in the state in the 1830s. His tale is said to have been created here in the north woods of Maine by loggers sharing stories over fireside talks.
4. Bangor Raceway—If you’ve never experienced live harness racing, go to the Bangor Raceway. You can watch the horses quickly pull manned two-wheel carts around the track. The raceway hosts live and simulcast racing to bet on, but even if you aren’t interested in betting, go for the fast action and excitement surrounding the races. The track is basic and not highly attended during the week, but it’s a fun activity to experience. Maybe you’ll come out a little richer.
3. Bangor Historical Society—Visit the Thomas A. Hill House, which houses the Bangor Historical Society, to learn all about the area’s history. Let the guide give you a tour when offered instead of just walking the house yourself as they deep dive into everything Bangor. They also offer various walking tours and even host events like movie night in Mt. Hope Cemetery, where they filmed Stephen King’s Pet Sematary.
2. Stephen King House and Book Locations—To say you have a famed author who lives in the town is unique, but adding that he is the writer of some of the most recognizable horror stories is fantastic. Stephen King’s home is on a quiet residential street in a beautiful neighborhood. The only signs the author may live here are the fun and spooky front gate to the home adorned with bats and a stunningly beautiful bookcase sculpted out of a tree in the front yard. After taking a selfie in front of the house, you can travel to several locations in town made famous by his books, such as the Thomas Hill Standpipe, Paul Bunyan Statue and the sewer drain where the evil clown Pennywise appeared in the movie It.
1. Cole Land Transportation Museum—Tucked off the interstate on the edge of town is the most incredible museum dedicated to land transportation in Maine. However, you can find most items throughout the U.S. The museum was a dream of Coles Express delivery company owner Galen Cole, which became a reality when he sold the business in 1992. He took the proceeds, requested vehicle donations of all types and created this fantastic museum. You’ll find more than an acre of 200-plus vehicles, galleries, displays and military memorabilia. As a wounded Veteran himself, you’ll find several different war memorials dedicated to Maine Veterans.
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