Old Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Old Town
Portland showing night scenes, a bay or harbour and a city
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 ฿4,258 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿4,258
฿4,641 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Bangor. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,345 reviews)
"This property was extremely nice! It was very well cared for. Staff was helpful and pleasant. Room was clean and the bed was so comfortable. Enjoyed the breakfast! Can't believe they offered so many breakfast options and it was included! I would definitely recommend this hotel!"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Country Inn at The Mall
Bangor Grande

Bangor Grande

2.5 out of 5
357 Odlin Rd, Bangor, ME
The price is ฿3,799 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
฿3,799
฿4,141 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bangor. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a free airport shuttle and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,826 reviews)
"Nice place"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Bangor Grande
Vacationland Inn & Suites

Vacationland Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
453 Wilson St, Brewer, ME
The price is ฿2,921 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
฿2,921
฿3,184 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Brewer. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,211 reviews)
"Everyone was friendly. Nice breakfast, but nothing fancy. Hotel was no frills but clean. Worth the price."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Popular attractions Jato Highlands Golf Course and Lincoln Memorial Library ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"Great guy quite place clean"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Schlafmans Hollow Solar Cabins
Cozy 2 BR by River- Crooked Steeple Hall

Cozy 2 BR by River- Crooked Steeple Hall

4 out of 5
176 Main St, Winterport, ME
Stay at this 4-star holiday home in Winterport. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Winterport Winery and Silver Lake are located ...
Cozy 2 BR by River- Crooked Steeple Hall
Waterfront Hampden Home on Hermon Pond!

Waterfront Hampden Home on Hermon Pond!

3 out of 5
Hampden, ME
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!
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.