Old Town, ME

Travel Guide

Old Town which includes street scenes
Portland which includes a city, a bay or harbor and night scenes
Photo by Eric Sturgeon
Hop between islands with fishing pole, hiking boots and binoculars in tow, all in a small town on the outskirts of Bangor.

Despite its non-descript name, few places more fully encapsulate Maine’s spirit and history than Old Town. First inhabited by the Abenaki tribe of the Penobscot Nation, it gained a French mission in the 1680s. It was settled by English settlers in 1774 after English victory in the French and Indian War. At the epicenter of the Maine logging industry, its rapids powered mills that processed timber floated down the river and created a boat-building industry visited by Henry David Thoreau. Visit Old Town for history, but stay enchanted by the surrounding wilderness, offering opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts including hunters and fishers.

Rent a canoe or a kayak. Like many generations of Old Town residents, paddle along the Penobscot River, watching for the rapids and calmer waters of the Stillwater River. 

Relax on the lawns and trails of Sewall Park and learn about the area’s natural and human history at the Old Town Museum. View the region from the air by hopping on a plane at Dewitt Field.

Tour Old Town’s historic sites. The Old Town Canoe Company has been building canoes and kayaks here for over 100 years. Spot the remains of the Georgia-Pacific Paper Mill that is currently being renovated for the new age. On Indian Island, tour St. Anne’s Church and Mission Site, dating from 1668, with its historic cemetery and charming 19th-century church. Closer to the center of town, admire the elegant spires of the Gothic Revival St. James Episcopal Church.

Old Town is in central Maine, just outside Bangor. Drive here in 20 minutes from Bangor’s downtown. Bangor has a large airport, with connections to destinations in the U.S. and Canada. The University of Maine is a 7-minute drive away in Orono. Drive from Portland in about 2 hours. Bridges connect Old Town to other islands in the vicinity. Limited public transportation is available in the area, so private vehicles are best. Rent a car at the Bangor Airport or several locations in the city. 

Country Inn at The Mall
Country Inn at The Mall
2 out of 5
936 Stillwater Avenue, Bangor, ME
The price is NT$4,167 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
NT$4,167
NT$4,542 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Bangor. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,322 reviews)
"This property is amazing, extensive breakfast options, whole day juices and coffee availability. Staff incl housekeeping is very courteous."

Reviewed on 2025/7/7

Country Inn at The Mall
Bangor Grande
Bangor Grande
2.5 out of 5
357 Odlin Rd, Bangor, ME
The price is NT$2,849 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
NT$2,849
NT$3,105 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bangor. Enjoy free WiFi, a free airport shuttle, and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,768 reviews)
"Very pleasant stay. Staff is excellent. Bar and restaurant great. Food cooked to order. Definitely would come back"

Reviewed on 2025/7/8

Bangor Grande
Vacationland Inn & Suites
Vacationland Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
453 Wilson St, Brewer, ME
The price is NT$2,378 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
NT$2,378
NT$2,593 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Brewer. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,175 reviews)
"It was good . Comfy bed tv was broken but they replaced it within an hour. Really friendly staff."

Reviewed on 2025/7/5

Vacationland Inn & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Schlafmans Hollow Solar Cabins
Schlafmans Hollow Solar Cabins
3 out of 5
387 Main St, Lincoln, ME
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Jato Highlands Golf Course and Lincoln Memorial Library ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"schlafman's hollow stay was very pleasant scott the propriator was very nice an' communicative would stay again an' have already recommended to others"

Reviewed on 2025/6/10

Schlafmans Hollow Solar Cabins
Waterfront Hampden Home on Hermon Pond!
Waterfront Hampden Home on Hermon Pond!
3 out of 5
Hampden
Stay at this 3-star beach cottage in Hampden. Enjoy free parking, a marina, and balconies. Popular attractions Hermon Mountain and The Sports Arena are located ...
Waterfront Hampden Home on Hermon Pond!
Charming Bangor Home w/ Deck < 1 Mi to Downtown
Charming Bangor Home w/ Deck < 1 Mi to Downtown
3 out of 5
Bangor
Book a stay at this business-friendly cottage in Bangor. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Maine Savings Amphitheater and Cross Insurance Center are located ...
Charming Bangor Home w/ Deck < 1 Mi to Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Cities near Old Town