Free & Cheap Things to Do in Bangor

Arts & Culture

Maine's only collecting institution dedicated to modern and contemporary art, located in a beautiful downtown Bangor building on the University of Maine campus. Admission is completely free, with five galleries displaying rotating exhibitions in diverse media alongside a permanent collection of significant contemporary works. One of the most underrated free art museums in New England.

Address: 40 Harlow St, Bangor, ME 04401

Tip: Open Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm. Free street parking nearby on Harlow Street. The museum is a short walk from downtown Bangor's restaurants and shops — easy to combine with an afternoon exploring the waterfront district.

Outdoors

A remarkable free 680-acre urban forest on Bangor's northern edge with over 9 miles of trails for hiking, running, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The forest feels genuinely wild despite being minutes from downtown — dense hardwood stands, a floating boardwalk through a wetland, and wildlife sightings are common. One of the largest city forests in the northeastern US and entirely free to explore.

Address: Tripp Dr, Bangor, ME 04401

Tip: Two entrances: Tripp Drive (main) and Kittredge Road. The floating boardwalk through the bog is a highlight — don't miss it. Trail maps are available at the Tripp Drive entrance kiosk. Dogs are welcome on leash.

Arts & Culture

A free Bangor landmark and genuine piece of American roadside folklore — a towering 31-foot fiberglass Paul Bunyan statue claiming the lumberjack was born in Bangor, standing bold as life in the heart of downtown next to Bass Park. The surrounding Bass Park complex includes the Bangor Waterfront, a paved riverside trail, and green spaces along the Penobscot River. A fun, quirky, totally free stop that takes about five minutes but makes for a great photo.

Address: 519 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401

Tip: The statue is right downtown on Main Street — easy to spot and impossible to miss. Combine with a walk along the Bangor Waterfront just a few blocks away for a pleasant free afternoon along the Penobscot River.