Old Town, ME

Travel Guide

Old Town which includes street scenes
Portland which includes a city, a bay or harbor and night scenes
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 May 15, 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
$214 nightly
The price is $233 total per night from Jun 16 to Jun 17
$233 total
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Total includes taxes and fees
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
Quaint cottage on the water
Quaint cottage on the water
Old Town
Stay at this cottage in Old Town. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attraction Pushaw Lake is located nearby.
Going Above and Beyond
"We have stayed at many vacation rentals over the years. This was by far, the best experience we have had. The host (Ethan) when above and beyond in providing everything we could possibly need. In addition, the property was perfect for us. It was a wonderful place to get away and unwind."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2024

Quaint cottage on the water
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 May 15, 2025

near Acadia, Bar Harbor and Booth Bay
Quaint cottage on the water
Quaint cottage on the water
Old Town
Stay at this cottage in Old Town. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attraction Pushaw Lake is located nearby.
Going Above and Beyond
"We have stayed at many vacation rentals over the years. This was by far, the best experience we have had. The host (Ethan) when above and beyond in providing everything we could possibly need. In addition, the property was perfect for us. It was a wonderful place to get away and unwind."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2024

Quaint cottage on the water
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
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