Things To Do
When the work is over, there is plenty to do and explore in our region. Whether on the campus, in our town or just a hop, skip and jump away, off-site adventure and experiences await you.
Our region is known for its native culture, natural beauty, eco-tourism, and welcoming people. The Town of Orono is an easy drive to some of the world’s most stunning and rugged coastline and quaint towns.
Located along the Stillwater and Penobscot Rivers, the University’s hometown of Orono is named in honor of Chief Joseph Orono of the indigenous Penobscot tribe. Orono is a mere 9 miles from the city of Bangor, the core business and commercial hub of central and northern Maine and home to horror and suspense author Stephen King.
A short drive to the east, guests can travel to the town of Bar Harbor and spend a day in Acadia National Park. Head north to the terminus of the Appalachian Trail at Mt Katahdin, Maine’s highest mountain. To the south is vibrant Portland, the largest city in the state and home to a bustling Old City neighborhood great for exploring unique shops and restaurants. Finally, to the west is Quebec, the Francophile province of Canada.
On Campus Experiences
Our 600+ acre campus provides plentiful things to do right outside your on-campus conference accommodations. Consider these options for free time or organized activities:
The Littlefield Ornamental Gardens houses a collection of more than 2,500 woody and herbaceous plants. Take a self-guided tour of the gardens with its diverse foliage or relax in the garden pavilion and enjoy nature’s beauty.
Campus museums include the Page Farm and Home Museum, dedicated to Maine’s rich history relating to farms and farming communities, and the Hudson Museum, with a collection of over 9,000 ethnographic and archaeological objects.
The Versant Power Astronomy Center and Maynard Jordan Planetarium offer a glimpse into the world beyond earth with planetarium shows and educational exhibits for all ages.
Guests interested in maintaining their fitness routine can purchase day passes for the New Balance Recreation Center during their stay.
Explore Orono & Bangor
Home to more than 150,000 residents, the metro area surrounding the university is alive with incredible sites and experiences to explore. Here’s just a sampling of things nearby:
Open from May through October, the Orono Bogwalk is part of the Bangor City Forest and offers a wide range of changing vegetation along a wheelchair-friendly, 1-mile boardwalk loop trail.
Cole Land Transportation Museum offers transportation enthusiasts original and restored vehicles, including vintage cars and trucks, locomotives, military vehicles, and farming machinery.
Tour Stephen King movie sites on your own or with a guide. Sites include the Paul Bunyan statue and Thomas Hill Standpipe (It), and the Mount Hope Cemetery (Pet Semetary), and more.
Stop into the Bangor area for myriad shopping, gaming and entertainment opportunities. The Bangor area is just 20 minutes away and boasts regional theater and music options, a rich arts community and live entertainment complexes.
Shop, dine, and be entertained by the Bangor region where everything is walking distance. Bangor and Brewer each have bustling waterfront areas with paved walking paths perfect for strolling, reading or fishing. This area is accessible by the regional bus service which has regular service from the Orono campus.
Beyond The Area
Maine is home to some of the most beautiful scenery and quaint towns in the entire country. Through pre-arranged tours or self-guided trips, you too can experience breathtaking coastlines and beautiful mountain vistas.
Acadia National Park is one of the nation’s most popular destinations. Located on Mount Desert Island, this 47,000-acre park features woodland trails, unparalleled coastal views and granite mountain peaks.
Bar Harbor is the quintessential Maine coastal town and is the starting point for a day in Acadia National Park. With quaint shops, fabulous restaurants and cozy parks, this seaside town will not disappoint. Other quaint Down East and Mid-Coast towns to visit include Boothbay Harbor, Camden, Rockport, Belfast and Machias.
Moosehead Lake area is a beautiful inland region offering forests, lakeside activities and, of course, the opportunity to see a moose in the wild. The drive to Moosehead is quiet and bucolic, and a makes a peaceful getaway.
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