A few European explorers traversed the Bangor area, but the first known settler was Jacob Buswell and his family in 1769. Bangor thrived as a logging camp because of its spot on the Penobscot River, which allowed lumber to be floated downstream to where it could be processed. In 1791, Bangor was officially incorporated. However, European settlers weren't the first people in the area. The Penobscot people lived there for more than 10,000 years. Today, the remaining Penobscot live on the Penobscot Indian Island Reservation. Their influence remains in the name of the county, Penobscot County, of which Bangor is the county seat.
Bangor and the Penobscot River played an important part during the Revolutionary War. The British navy took control of a nearby area. In answer, American ships sailed up the river to fight. Many of those ships were destroyed. Cannons recovered from the river remain on the Bangor Waterfront to this day. The Waterfront is an integral part of the Bangor community. It was revitalized from an industrial area to a greenway filled with picnic tables, trails, and benches. Many of Bangor's most important events, such as the annual American Folk Festival and the summer Waterfront Concerts take place there.
A short walk — just under a mile — will take you from the Waterfront to the University of Maine's Zillman Art Museum. This contains work by some of the most famous artists of the 20th century, including Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso. If your tastes run more toward kitsch, you'll want to visit the 31-foot Paul Bunyan statue that hangs out in front of Bangor's civic center.
The Bangor State Fair - People from all over Maine head to Bangor each summer for this event. With a demolition derby, live music, carnival rides, and games, you'll quickly learn why visitors have flocked to this event since 1849.
Maine Lobster Festival - If you like seafood, this fun festival in nearby Rockland is for you. In addition to the excellent food, there's a parade, races, arts and crafts, and special events just for kids.
The Maine Whoopie Pie Festival - The whoopie pie is Maine's official state treat, and you'll eat a lot of them at Piscataquis County's annual event. There are also dances, raffles, live music, magic shows, and a 3K race at this June festival.
Some people know Bangor for its most famous citizen, Stephen King. You can go for a walk in the Mount Hope Cemetery, which was made famous in King's novel "Pet Sematary." This cemetery is the second oldest garden cemetery in the United States. After the walk, consider hopping on a tour to see other Bangor locations connected to King.
The Orono Bog Boardwalk is a mile-long boardwalk starting in the City Forest. Signs along the way allow people to learn more about the plants and animals found in the bog. Volunteers often lead guided walks in the spring so visitors can learn even more. This walk is closed in the winter.
The Penobscot River is the longest river that is completely located in Maine. It has some of the most dramatic tide changes in the U.S., with high tide often being 16 feet higher than low tide. Visitors can kayak on this river. It is also a great place to fish for Atlantic salmon, smallmouth bass, brook trout, salmon, and pickerel. In addition, the Penobscot River Walkway and the Waterfront Park offer stunning views of the river.
The Penobscot Theatre in downtown Bangor is a magnificent example of an Art Deco theater. Visitors love looking at the distinctive facade with decorative moldings, arched windows, and a marquee. Plays, musicals, and special events are regularly hosted in the building. In addition, visitors can watch performances at the Gracie Theater on Husson University's campus, which frequently hosts theatrical productions, musical performances, comedy shows, dance recitals, and film screenings.
Visitors can easily prepare meals when staying in an RV, but Bangor has some restaurants worth visiting. Consider dining on pub fare at Geaghan's Pub & Craft Brewery, as customers have since 1975. The burgers are outstanding at Paddy Murphy's, where guests have often heard live music played since this establishment opened in 1987.
Renting an RV is a terrific option when you want to get out and enjoy the beauty of nature. Campers can find a variety of RVs on RVshare that are ideal for a camping adventure in the area around Bangor, ME. Some small trailers can easily be pulled by a variety of vehicles. Campers can also find drivable RVs, like motorhomes and camper vans. When you rent an RV, it is easy to take a road trip from Bangor to Alexandria Bay in New York.
You may never want to go home when you discover the luxuries of a Class A motorhome. Depending on the exact option, they can sleep up to 10, making them an ideal choice for large families or a group of friends. The variety found in Class C motorhomes is impressive. If you love a minimalistic lifestyle, then consider a Class B campervan. These are built on a van chassis, making them very easy to maneuver. You can also consider renting a travel trailer or fifth-wheel. Some are light enough that you can pull them with a variety of vehicles. You can also rent a toy hauler for loading up an ATV or your jet skis.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Bangor, ME, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Bangor?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Bangor from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Bangor?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.