Top 15 Activities to Enjoy in Hampden, Maine

Situated in Maine’s Penobscot County along the eponymous river, the town of Hampden was established in 1794 and is home to approximately 7,000 residents.

Its proximity to Bangor facilitates convenient day-trips to explore the city’s artistic, cultural, and historical landmarks without requiring extensive travel time.

The Penobscot River estuary basin, which encompasses the town, serves as a vital ecosystem that offers a variety of recreational activities for residents and visitors alike, including swimming, fishing, and sailing.

Here are 15 of the most notable activities to partake in while in and around Hampden, Maine, USA.

1. Bangor Historical Society and Thomas A. Hill House Museum

Constructed in the Greek-revival architectural style, the Thomas A. Hill House Museum also serves as the headquarters for the Bangor Historical Society. It is an ideal initial destination for newcomers seeking to gain valuable insights into the region’s history.

The residence is adorned with historical artifacts, including household items, artwork, and furniture spanning over two centuries. Should the timing be suitable, visitors may receive an informal tour from the museum’s director.

Even for avid history enthusiasts, exploring the house and museum’s offerings generally takes no longer than an hour. Although admission is complimentary, donations are appreciated to sustain their commendable service to the community.

2. Cole Land Transportation Museum

Located on Perry Road in Bangor, the Cole Land Transportation Museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting a unique segment of history and the economy that many often overlook.

The museum operates from May through November and was founded in 1989.

Its collection includes a variety of transportation equipment, such as trucks and trains that have been essential to the state’s transport sector for decades.

This is especially significant considering that the majority of the region’s products consist of bulky raw materials like timber.

Admission is reasonably priced considering the extensive exhibits available, and it is conveniently situated close to downtown Bangor.

3. Stephen King’s House

For enthusiasts of psychological thrillers and horror literature, the name Stephen King holds paramount significance. A brief drive-by of his residence on West Broadway in Bangor provides an excellent opportunity to capture a unique photograph.

The residence is not publicly accessible nor is it a museum; therefore, there is no associated cost for a visit.

It is not widely known that Stephen King was born in Maine and that many of his acclaimed novels are set in New England.

Dedicated fans often view a visit to his home as a pilgrimage or rite of passage.

4. Penobscot River Walkway

For many decades, the Penobscot River has served as a retreat for some of New England’s most affluent and influential families; the Penobscot River Walkway, located at the juncture of Front and Railroad Streets, offers a splendid perspective of this area.

The walkway traces the river’s banks, providing some of the most picturesque and unobstructed views, which include sailboats, clear blue skies, and a variety of avian species that frequent the water’s edge.

With picnic tables and historic cannons scattered along the path, visitors are encouraged to pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic.

5. Paul Bunyan Statue

Standing over 30 feet tall, Bangor’s Paul Bunyan Statue is one of the town’s most endearing and quirky attractions, providing an enjoyable and cost-free experience.

This statue resides in Bass Park on Main Street and serves as a tribute to the legendary lumberjack, emblematic of the resilient individuals who harvested the state’s timber primarily by hand in earlier times.

A brief visit will suffice to appreciate the site fully; however, guests may wish to explore the park further or stroll around the city’s historic downtown area.

6. Maine Discovery Museum

Also situated on Main Street in Bangor, the Maine Discovery Museum spans multiple levels and is filled with interactive exhibits and displays focused on science, history, culture, and the natural world.

It caters to visitors of all age groups, with many previous patrons noting that it significantly surpassed their expectations.

Much of the design is aimed at engaging children; they will find themselves excited, captivated, and educated simultaneously.

During winter, Maine’s climate can be excessively cold and icy. Should your visit coincide with this timeframe, spending a few hours indoors at the Discovery Museum is an excellent way to escape the harsh weather.

7. Geaghan Brothers Brewing Company

The rise of craft and microbreweries has gained momentum across the nation as consumers shift away from mass-produced beers toward local alternatives. Geaghan Brothers Brewing Company, located on Abbott Street in Brewer, is among the area’s most favored establishments.

The brewery features a dedicated tasting room, an ideal venue for sampling a variety of offerings before making a selection. As their beer selections change seasonally, there is always a diverse array of options available.

Additionally, a complete menu is offered should you wish to enjoy a meal; although the prices may not be the most economical, the portion sizes are generous, featuring choices from burgers to soups and salads.

8. Bangor Waterfront Pavilion

Bangor’s Waterfront Pavilion functions as the city’s primary venue for live entertainment, particularly during the pleasant spring and summer months.

The pavilion often attracts large crowds for popular concerts, drawing audiences numbering in the thousands. The seating, lighting, and sound system are exceptional, and numerous restrooms and concession stands offering food and beverages are available.

Parking in downtown can present challenges during peak periods, so if you are staying nearby, it may be advisable to walk or utilize a rideshare service.

The Bangor Waterfront Pavilion operates seasonally and can be found on North 4th Street.

9. Kenduskeag Stream Heritage Trail

The trailhead for the Kenduskeag Stream Heritage Trail is conveniently located near downtown Bangor and follows the course of the stream for which it is named.

Despite its close proximity to the city, the trail weaves through several forested areas that create a sense of seclusion from urban life.

This trail is particularly popular among birdwatchers, with opportunities to observe eagles and ospreys hunting for fish in the surrounding waters.

While the path is relatively flat and manageable, it remains unpaved, making it less suitable for families with children in strollers, especially after rainfall.

10. Bangor City Forest

Bangor City Forest is interspersed with an array of trails that offer an excellent escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, allowing individuals to reconnect with nature.

Most trails are flat and surfaced with crushed stone or wooden planks, featuring shaded areas suitable for resting or catching up on reading.

Situated near Bangor Public Library and just a few blocks north of the river, accessible via Exchange Street, the forest is free to enter and open from sunrise until sunset.

11. Bangor Farmers Market

Farmers Markets present an excellent opportunity to explore local culture while visiting a new location.

Featuring seasonal produce and a variety of other quality products, they provide an ideal setting for engaging with locals and discovering recommendations for attractions and activities in the region.

Situated near the intersection of Harlow and Franklin Streets, Bangor Farmers Market offers an array of arts and crafts, prepared meals, and health and beauty products, almost all sourced from local farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs.

The market is particularly celebrated for its freshly baked goods, making it a fantastic way to support the local economy.

12. Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

For wildlife enthusiasts, amateur photographers, and outdoor lovers, a visit to the Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge offers a delightful way to spend several hours.

Situated near Milford, the refuge encompasses a diverse array of animals, including foxes, beavers, wading birds, waterfowl, and even majestic moose, often spotted drinking in the bog during dawn and dusk.

Established in 1988, the refuge lies approximately 15 miles north of Bangor and was created to protect the unique peat-bog wetland ecosystem that supports a wide variety of wildlife.

13. Stanwood Homestead Museum and Bird Sanctuary

Spanning over 200 acres near Ellsworth, Maine, the Stanwood Homestead Museum and Bird Sanctuary presents an engaging fusion of history, cultural heritage, and nature, providing visitors with significant value.

The museum showcases captivating exhibits featuring the lives of former inhabitants of the Stanwood Homestead, as well as various displays on birds, particularly birds of prey such as owls, eagles, and hawks, many of which are indigenous to the area.

Outdoor trails are available for exploration, accompanied by picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.

14. Woodlawn

Located in the charming town of Ellsworth, Woodlawn is an estate of historical significance, covering nearly 200 acres. It was once the residence of multiple generations of the Black family.

The estate is adorned with genuine period furnishings, artwork, and household items that were lavish by contemporary standards. The property also features a beautifully maintained garden that is particularly vibrant during spring and early summer.

Conveniently adjacent to a public park abundant in hiking trails, visitors are encouraged to take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a languid picnic lunch following their tour of the historic property.

15. The Telephone Museum

The Telephone Museum in Ellsworth serves as a testament to the advancement of telecommunications, allowing visitors to appreciate how much the technology has transformed over the decades.

This museum offers a captivating glimpse into the past, showcasing a time when the telephone system was characterized by switchboards, vacuum tubes, and other antiquated equipment.

Many of the museum’s exhibits are interactive, providing visitors with opportunities for hands-on experiences.

This is particularly enjoyable for younger guests, who may have only encountered cellular devices in their lives.

It may come as a surprise that some of this outdated technology remained in use well into the 1980s.