Old Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Old Town
Portland featuring a city, night scenes and a bay or harbour
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.

near Acadia, Bar Harbor and Booth Bay
near Acadia, Bar Harbor and Booth Bay
Old Town
Stay at this cottage in Old Town. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attraction Pushaw Lake is located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (96 reviews)
Graduation celebration
"Beautiful setting Quaint clean Loved it"

Reviewed on 15 May 2025

near Acadia, Bar Harbor and Booth Bay
Country Inn at The Mall
Country Inn at The Mall
2 out of 5
936 Stillwater Avenue, Bangor, ME
The price is NZ$253 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$253
20 July - 21 July
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 7 Jul. 2025

Country Inn at The Mall
Bangor Grande
Bangor Grande
2.5 out of 5
357 Odlin Rd, Bangor, ME
The price is NZ$178 per night from 10 July to 11 July
NZ$178
10 July - 11 July
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! (1,769 reviews)
"Very pleasant stay. Staff is excellent. Bar and restaurant great. Food cooked to order. Definitely would come back"

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Bangor Grande
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.
near Acadia, Bar Harbor and Booth Bay
near Acadia, Bar Harbor and Booth Bay
Old Town
Stay at this cottage in Old Town. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attraction Pushaw Lake is located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (96 reviews)
Graduation celebration
"Beautiful setting Quaint clean Loved it"

Reviewed on 15 May 2025

near Acadia, Bar Harbor and Booth Bay
Charming 1-bedroom house. Close to everything, But quiet area. Pet Friendly
Charming 1-bedroom house. Close to everything, But quiet area. Pet Friendly
Old Town
Stay at this vacation home in Old Town. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Pushaw Lake and Alfond Stadium are located nearby.
Charming 1-bedroom house. Close to everything, But quiet area. Pet Friendly
Peaceful Bangor Getaway | Clean & Cozy 2BR Home
Peaceful Bangor Getaway | Clean & Cozy 2BR Home
2 out of 5
Bangor
Stay at this vacation home in Bangor. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Maine Savings Amphitheater ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Nice place to stay
"Thank you for a nice place to land for business."

Reviewed on 25 Jun. 2025

Peaceful Bangor Getaway | Clean & Cozy 2BR Home
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