Bangor, ME Summary

photo by gusto

Bangor is on the Penobscot River, 129 miles northeast of Portland on I-95. The city is in what is called “Down East Maine,” in the north woods. The term “Down East” is rather confusing when you look on a map, because it refers to the part of Maine that is actually further north and up the coast. The term comes from sailors; they were referring to ocean currents.

Bangor is the main center for businesses and shops in eastern and central Maine, and it is a good base for trips in the area. It has a population of 35,000, yet it feels like a small town.

The Cole Land Transportation Museum has more than 200 vehicles to look at — there are fullsize train engines, old cars, and shiny trucks. The museum displays cover the history of transportation in the early years of Maine’s development. Bangor also has two golf courses, a symphony orchestra, and a ballet company. It is home to the Maine Shakespeare Festival.

Bangor has its own international airport, and buses service the area.