Orono MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Orono, Maine.
1. University of Maine Museum of Art
CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY
The University of Maine Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of contemporary and modern art, as well as works by local artists. The museum offers rotating exhibitions, lectures, and workshops throughout the year. Art lovers can enjoy guided tours and special events while exploring this cultural gem on the University of Maine campus.
2. Orono Bog Boardwalk
SCENIC NATURE TRAIL
The Orono Bog Boardwalk is a stunning nature trail that showcases the changing vegetation of a Maine bog ecosystem. Open from May through October, this accessible boardwalk is part of the Bangor City Forest and offers visitors a chance to experience unique plant life and wildlife. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy educational signage along the mile-long raised wooden path that winds through this pristine wetland habitat.
3. Hudson Museum
CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY COLLECTION
The Hudson Museum at the University of Maine showcases diverse cultural artifacts and anthropological collections from around the world. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring Native American art and artifacts, with special emphasis on Maine's indigenous Penobscot tribe. The museum provides educational programs and rotating exhibits that highlight global cultural heritage and archaeological findings.
4. Penobscot River Trails
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Penobscot River Trails offers beautiful walking and biking paths along the scenic Penobscot River. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching along this picturesque waterway. The trails provide stunning views of the river and surrounding natural landscape throughout all four seasons.
5. Pat's Pizza
ICONIC LOCAL EATERY
Pat's Pizza is a beloved Orono institution serving delicious pizza and casual fare since 1931. The restaurant is a favorite gathering spot for University of Maine students and locals alike, known for its friendly atmosphere and consistent quality. Visitors can enjoy traditional thin-crust pizzas, sandwiches, and other comfort foods in this nostalgic Maine eatery.
6. Maine Bound Adventure Center
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
Maine Bound Adventure Center offers exciting outdoor recreational activities and equipment rentals for adventure seekers. The center features an indoor climbing wall and organizes various outdoor excursions including hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing. Visitors can participate in workshops and guided adventures while developing skills in various outdoor pursuits.
7. Orono Farmers' Market
LOCAL FOOD MARKETPLACE
The Orono Farmers' Market brings together local farmers, artisans, and food producers offering fresh produce and handcrafted goods. Visitors can browse seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, meats, cheeses, and artisanal crafts in this community gathering space. The market provides an authentic taste of Maine's agricultural bounty and supports local sustainable farming practices.
8. Black Bear Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Black Bear Brewing Company crafts high-quality beers in its cozy Orono taproom. Beer enthusiasts can sample a rotating selection of handcrafted ales and seasonal specialties in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The brewery embodies Maine's thriving craft beer scene with its commitment to small-batch brewing and local ingredients.
9. The Family Dog
POPULAR CAMPUS EATERY
The Family Dog offers creative comfort food and gourmet hot dogs in a casual, modern setting near the University of Maine. The restaurant serves up innovative takes on American classics, craft beers, and specialty cocktails popular with both students and locals. Diners can enjoy indoor seating or the outdoor patio during warmer months while sampling the restaurant's signature loaded hot dogs and burgers.
10. Woodman's Bar and Grill
UPSCALE DINING EXPERIENCE
Woodman's Bar and Grill provides an upscale dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients and creative American cuisine. The restaurant occupies a historic building in downtown Orono, offering a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere with exposed brick walls and warm lighting. Patrons can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, an extensive wine list, and seasonal menu items prepared with Maine's finest ingredients.
11. Acadia National Park
ICONIC MAINE WILDERNESS
Acadia National Park features 47,000 acres of breathtaking coastal scenery, forests, and mountain landscapes just a short drive from Orono. Visitors can explore over 120 miles of hiking trails, historic carriage roads, and the stunning Park Loop Road with views of the Atlantic Ocean. The park's Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the United States to see the sunrise during certain times of the year.
12. Mount Katahdin
MAINE'S HIGHEST PEAK
Mount Katahdin stands as Maine's highest mountain at 5,267 feet and marks the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Hikers can challenge themselves on several trails of varying difficulty leading to the summit with its spectacular panoramic views. The mountain is located within Baxter State Park, which offers camping, wildlife viewing, and pristine wilderness experiences.
13. Cole Land Transportation Museum
VINTAGE VEHICLE COLLECTION
The Cole Land Transportation Museum showcases an impressive collection of vehicles that tell the story of transportation history in Maine. Visitors can view antique automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, and military vehicles alongside exhibits about logging, aviation, and railroad history. The museum honors Maine's veterans through special exhibits and provides educational programs for visitors of all ages.
14. Stephen King's House
LITERARY LANDMARK SITE
Stephen King's distinctive Victorian mansion with its bat and spider web iron gate has become an unofficial tourist attraction in Bangor. Literary fans often visit to photograph the exterior of the famous horror author's home, which features unique gothic elements and inspired settings in several of his novels. While the house itself is private property, visitors can admire this iconic residence from the sidewalk and learn about King's deep connections to the Bangor area.
15. Bangor City Forest
URBAN WILDERNESS ESCAPE
Bangor City Forest offers over 680 acres of wildlife habitat and recreational trails just minutes from downtown Bangor. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy more than 10 miles of well-maintained trails for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing throughout the year. The forest provides a peaceful natural retreat with diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, streams, and mature woodlands teeming with native plant and animal species.