14 Best Things to Do in Hermon (Maine)

Located in the Bangor metropolitan area, the town of Hermon is the perfect place for those who like being close to the action while still far enough away to avoid the crowds and appreciate its natural splendor.

Hermon is located in Penobscot County and is close enough to the Atlantic Ocean to make day trips to the beach convenient. Likewise, the nearby city of Bangor is home to many of the state’s most impressive historical attractions, museums, and galleries.

Hermon is also the gateway to the Moosehead Lake Region, which provides a variety of year-round outdoor recreation options.

Below are 15 things to do in Hermon, Maine.

1. New Hermon Mountain

Just the right size for a family skiing, snowboarding, or tubing excursion, New Hermon Mountain is one of the town’s most popular winter recreation attractions and is just a short drive from the town’s center.

For those with little or no experience, they offer classes for children and adults alike.

Compared to many of the larger regional ski destinations like Stowe and Killington, lift tickets are inexpensive, and they offer the full-spectrum of rental equipment for those who don’t have their own.

The ski season is dependent on the winter weather, so check out their website for their opening dates.

2. Hermon Meadow Golf Club

Whether you plan on visiting the Hermon area in the dead of winter or the middle of summer, finding outdoor recreation options won’t be a problem.

Considered by many avid golfers to be among the best courses in the state, Hermon Meadow Golf Club is an 18-hole, par 72 course that’s appropriate for those at all levels of golfing ability.

The course features a variety of treed areas and sand and water hazards that make it scenic and challenging – and a lot of fun to play.

There’s a pro shop chock-full of all the things you’ll need, and a restaurant overlooking the grounds as well.

3. Pleasant Hill Campground

There are few better ways to experience Maine’s natural splendor than by spending a night or two under the stars.

The area around Hermon is loaded with developed and rustic campsites, and the Pleasant Hill Campground is one of the most popular.

Just a short drive from I-95, it has spaces for those traveling by RV and those just looking to pitch a tent too.

Only a 10-minute drive from Bangor, it’s the perfect place to stay for a few days while making day trips into the surrounding countryside.

Pleasant Hill has the amenities that campers expect, like bathrooms, showers, laundry, electricity, and water hook-ups.

4. Pumpkin Patch RV Resort

New England is big RV country and a favorite destination for those looking to avoid the sweltering heat and humidity that plagues the rest of the country during the summer months.

Pumpkin Patch RV Resort is a local favorite due to its quaint, laidback atmosphere and its proximity to many of the region’s most popular tourist destinations.

The park offers the amenities that diehard RV enthusiasts expect. Its sites are reasonably priced, especially when compared to similar resorts near more urban areas.

Short and long-term rentals are available, so check out their website or give them a call.

5. Cascade Park

Located on State Street in Bangor, Cascade Park is one of those places that’s perfect for a short escape when you need to avoid the crowds and have a little quiet time.

Mainly known for its picturesque fountain and waterfall, it’s just an easy walk from many of the city’s most visited historical sites.

The park’s grounds are a maze of trails that are long enough to get a moderate workout without worrying about getting lost.

The space is not often crowded and is a great place to take wound up kids who need an outlet for their pent-up energy.

6. Whitney Park Historic District

Located in the western section of the city of Bangor, Whitney Park Historic District is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and is still filled with many historic homes and businesses, many of which have retained their original architecture and charm over the years.

Most of the homes were built in the mid-18th and early 20th centuries, and since the city is so pedestrian-friendly, it’s a great place to spend a few morning or afternoon hours just looking around.

The historic district is bordered by Whitney Park and Cedar Street and has been a national historic site for more than two decades.

7. Bangor Waterfront Pavilion

Bangor Waterfront Pavilion is one of the city’s trendiest new destinations, especially in the warm spring and summer months when it turns into an outdoor live entertainment venue that’s second to none.

The pavilion is located on North 4th Street downtown, and previous guests have raved that the security, facilities, and shows far exceeded their expectations.

Due to the area’s popularity, parking can be tricky on weekends, so if you’re staying in town, consider walking or taking public transportation.

The waterfront area is full of quaint shops, bars, and eateries, so think about a pre-concert happy hour or bite to eat.

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

The Thomas A. Hill House and Museum are the jewels in the Bangor Historical Society’s crown.

The home was built in the Greek Revival style and is one of the area’s best-preserved homes of its kind.

Constructed in the 19th century, the home originally belonged to a local attorney and amateur architect, who designed much of it himself and whose name it now bears.

Guided tours are available, but not every day. If you’re planning a trip and would like a group tour, call ahead and let them know when you’re coming and how many people you are traveling with.

9. Bangor Farmers’ Market

The Bangor Farmers’ Market is located at the intersection of Harlow and Franklin Streets near downtown and is the city’s premier destination for those looking for fresh fruits and vegetables and a fun, family-friendly experience.

Like most farmers’ markets, you’ll find a variety of products; though they’re not cheap by supermarket standards, they’re usually much higher quality and produced locally.

Fresh flowers, meat, dairy products, baked goods, and health and body products are also available. Since many of the vendor’s products are seasonal, you’ll likely see different things each time you go.

Check out their website for more information.

10. Penobscot Theatre Company

Celebrating their 45th season this year, the Penobscot Theatre Company is located on Main Street in Bangor and showcases an impressive array of productions throughout the year, including music, dance, and theater.

They’re a not-for-profit organization, which means that seeing a show or two will help them continue their good work and keep their venue in good working order.

Nearly all the producers and performers are local volunteers, and it’s one of those places that tends to fall into the ‘most memorable’ categories of those who’ve checked it out.

They’re open year-round and are close to many of Bangor’s other attractions.

11. Maine Discovery Museum

Maine Discovery Museum, Bangor — Maine Discovery Museum

For inexpensive, convenient, and family-friendly activities that educate and engage minds of all ages, there are few better places than the Maine Discovery Museum.

Located in Bangor’s historic downtown area, it has been a favorite destination for local and visiting families for years.

Many of the museum’s exhibits are interactive, so you won’t need to worry about the little ones getting bored quickly.

The museum features three floors full of exhibits that touch on the animal kingdom, art, science, books, and the natural world.

It’s an especially great place to visit when the winter weather is less than inviting.

12. Rock and Art Shop

For those bored stiff with the characterless items found at national retail chains, an hour or two spent at the unique Rock and Art Shop on Central in Bangor would be a pleasant change of pace.

Though many of their products fall into the fossil, rock, gem, and geode category, they’ve also got a variety of jewelry, natural health and body products, and kids toys – nearly all of which you won’t find anywhere else.

It’s a great place to pick up a few gifts or keepsakes to take back home, and many of the items they sell are made by local artists, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs.

13. Acadia National Park

Just south of Bar Harbor, Maine, Acadia National Park is one of the state’s most famous and visited national parks.

It’s located on the Atlantic coast among many islands and peninsulas that jut from the mainland into the ocean. For those looking for iconic images of New England, you’ll find them here.

The park was originally established in 1916 by order of then-president Woodrow Wilson. Though its name has changed a few times, its rustic and natural charm has endured.

The park visitors have topped three million in recent years, so if you go during the peak summer season, expect a bit of a crowd.

14. Maine Forest and Logging Museum

Located on Government Road in Bradley, the Maine Forest and Logging Museum is the state’s top destination for those interested in learning about Maine’s economy and its most valued natural resource – its forests.

The museum was established in the ‘60s and is comprised of a water-powered sawmill that’s still in working order. In addition, it features a variety of interactive exhibits, making it a favorite of kids as well as adults.

Due to the area’s harsh weather, the site is open seasonally, and the cost of admission is less than $5 per person.

If you’ll be visiting from June through September, consider signing up for one of their ‘Thursday Walks in the Woods’ guided tours.