Are you a Stephen King fan seeking a spine-chilling adventure? Do you want to experience the real-life counterpart of the author’s eerie worlds? Look no further than the Bangor Stephen King House Tour! This guided tour takes you through the legendary author’s personal residence in Bangor, Maine, where he has lived and written for decades. Here, you will witness the inspiration behind his bestselling novels and discover the secrets of his creative space.
The Stephen King house in Bangor stands tall as an iconic structure, attracting visitors from across the globe. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious traveler, this tour is sure to enchant and captivate you. Join us as we explore the Stephen King house that inspired a generation of horror lovers.
The Fascinating History of Stephen King’s Hometown
Bangor, Maine, serves as the birthplace and hometown of the acclaimed author Stephen King, and its history is a significant influence on his writing. The town’s geographical location and cultural heritage play a huge role in shaping the atmosphere of King’s stories. Bangor’s rich history as a stop on the lumber trade route, and as a prosperous industrial center, left behind a legacy of stunning Victorian architecture and impressive monuments, such as the Bangor Public Library.
Perhaps fittingly, it is at the library, and later on, in his own Victorian house, where Stephen King found the perfect setting to nurture his love of writing and storytelling. In fact, his first published novel, Carrie, was written while he was living in Bangor with his wife and children, and the town remains a source of inspiration to this day.
Despite its apparent tranquility, Bangor is said to be a deeply haunted town, which could account for the supernatural aspect of many of King’s stories. Old cemeteries, historic estates, and abandoned hospitals all add to the town’s eerie aura and mysterious intrigue. This palpable sense of mystery and history is what makes Bangor and Stephen King’s connection to it, so fascinating to explore.
Historical Timeline of Bangor, Maine
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1791 | Bangor is founded as the 8th town in Maine. |
| 1833 | The Great Fire of Bangor destroys 267 buildings, leading to a massive rebuild with new brick structures. |
| 1848 | Bangor gains city status due to its rapid growth as a lumber port. |
| 1883 | The grand Bangor Opera House opens, becoming the cultural center of the city. |
| 2011 | Stephen and Tabitha King donate their historic home to the City of Bangor, Maine. |
From its founding in 1791 as the 8th town in Maine, to Stephen King donating his iconic Queen Anne-style home to the city in 2011, Bangor has a fascinating and diverse history. The Great Fire of Bangor, which destroyed 267 buildings in 1833, was a pivotal moment in the city’s history, leading to a massive rebuild with new brick structures. The grand Bangor Opera House, which opened in 1883, became the center of cultural life in the city.
The Haunted House that Inspired King’s Works
Stephen King’s literary success is built on a foundation of horror, and his works’ most unsettling aspects often derive from real-life experiences. In Bangor, Maine, Stephen King’s home sits on a street that’s often referred to as the ‘Horror Street’. The house that inspired King’s haunting imagery is located at 47 West Broadway.
King’s love for his Victorian-style home is evident in his works, where it features as the backdrop for many novels. Visitors to the house in Bangor come to experience for themselves the inspiration behind the horrors such as ‘Carrie’ and ‘It’.
This house, now a tourist destination, was originally owned by a married couple, who never opened the windows or set foot outside during daylight. This reclusiveness and the rumors in the town of Bangor that the house was haunted influenced King’s imagination. He even bought the house, which he and his wife, Tabitha, renovated and made their home for many years.
One of the house’s outside features, according to King, was that it had a place he referred to as an ‘aha moment’ spot. When he saw this place, inspiration struck. This spot was the ‘Pet Sematary’ and shows up in the famous horror novel. Its location at the back of his house, where trucks would peek in when driving by on the road, added a dimension of terror that King capitalized on in his writing.
There is no denying that the house at 47 West Broadway has a unique history, and a visit here is a must for Stephen King fans hoping to peek into the author’s mind and walk in his macabre footsteps.
A Glimpse Inside Stephen King’s Personal Sanctuary
Stephen King’s personal sanctuary, his Bangor home, is a fascinating glimpse into the mind of the acclaimed horror writer. Behind the scenes, King’s home is a unique space that reflects his quirky personality and love for all things macabre.
The interior design is both eerie and playful, with gothic-style furnishings and eclectic decor that includes a life-sized skeleton, a coffin-shaped telephone booth, and a collection of vintage horror movie posters. King’s office is not only the epicenter for his writing but also the heart of his home, filled with bookshelves overflowing with novels and curiosities, providing a space that fuels his creativity.
The house features a secluded backyard, complete with a small pond and fountain, offering a serene escape from the outside world, while also inspiring King’s writing. Overall, the Bangor home gives his fans a rare glimpse into the life of the master storyteller, providing an intimate look into the mind and workings of the enigmatic author.
The Bangor Stephen King House Tour Experience
A visit to the Stephen King house in Bangor is a unique and immersive experience for fans of the author’s work and horror enthusiasts alike. The guided tour is the perfect way to get an insider’s view of the inspiration behind King’s spine-tingling stories, and to explore the fascinating history of the town that influenced his writing.
The tour lasts approximately an hour and a half and includes a visit to the exterior of the iconic, Victorian-style mansion where King and his family reside (Image:
Logistics and Reservations
The Stephen King house tour is available by reservation only. Visitors are advised to book their tour in advance to ensure availability, as spots fill up quickly. Reservations can be made online or by phone, and the tour is generally available on weekdays.
It is essential to arrive at the tour starting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time, as the group will depart promptly. The tour covers the entire house, including several flights of stairs, so visitors with mobility issues may need to take this into account.
Highlights of the Tour
| Attractions | Details |
|---|---|
| The Victorian Mansion | A visit to the exterior of the iconic house that inspired King’s stories |
| King’s Office | A look inside the workspace where King created some of his most famous works |
| King’s Library | A peek at the author’s immense collection of books and artifacts |
| Spooky Anecdotes | A chance to hear creepy tales of the house’s mysterious history |
The Stephen King house tour offers visitors a chance to see the world through the eyes of one of the most prolific and celebrated horror writers of our time. With its spooky ambience, fascinating history, and guided tour experience, the Bangor Stephen King house tour is an unforgettable adventure for all who dare to embark on it.
Uncovering the Dark Secrets of the Bangor Stephen King House
If you thought the Bangor Stephen King house was only spooky in fiction, then think again. This house harbors some of the darkest secrets and hidden stories whose real-life accounts will make your hair stand on end. Prepare to dive into the dark side of Stephen King’s home.
The Haunted Room
Legend has it that one of the guest rooms in the house is haunted by an unknown presence. The room, which can be seen during the Stephen King house tour, is said to have an eerie ambiance that would make even the bravest of visitors break out in goosebumps.
Reports of unexplained noises, doors opening and closing on their own, and apparitions appearing to overnight guests, have made this room one of the scariest spots in the house. Some claim that the room was the source of inspiration for one of King’s most terrifying stories, The Shining.
The Underground Tunnels
Another interesting, albeit mysterious, feature of the Bangor Stephen King house is the system of underground tunnels that run beneath the property. Speculations abound as to what the tunnels were used for, with some rumors claiming they were part of an underground railroad used during the Civil War, while others suggest they were used for more sinister purposes.
Whatever the case may be, the existence of the tunnels, which can be seen by visitors during the house tour, adds a layer of intrigue to the property, which has also sparked the imagination of King himself and made its way into some of his stories.
The Nanny’s Tragic Death
While Stephen King did not live in the house until later in his career, the property has a long history that dates back to the 19th century. One of the more tragic events that occurred on the property was the death of a nanny who fell from a third-story window while watching over the children of the family that lived there at the time.
While the circumstances surrounding the death remain unclear, speculation still runs rampant about whether the death was an accident or something more sinister. Some visitors have reported feeling a strange presence or cold air in the same room where the nanny fell, lending further mystery to the property.
While these dark secrets and hidden stories may seem like something out of a Stephen King novel, they are very much a part of the real-life history and mythology surrounding the Bangor Stephen King house.
Exploring Bangor, the Town That Inspired King’s Universe
Bangor, Maine, has been an essential element of Stephen King’s writing. The town is the inspiration for the fictional universe that King has created, with several of his most popular books set in the area.
The town of Bangor has a unique atmosphere, one that King has masterfully incorporated into his works. Visitors can explore several locations around the town that have played a massive role in shaping the fictional settings for some of King’s most famous stories, including the well-known ‘It.’
Bangor’s Mount Hope Cemetery
The Mount Hope Cemetery is one of the most prominent locations in Bangor that has become a staple in Stephen King’s works. The cemetery has appeared in several of King’s books, including Pet Sematary. Visitors can take a stroll around the cemetery to experience the atmosphere that has captured King’s imagination over the years.
The cemetery is also the final resting place of several notable people, including Hannibal Hamlin, Abraham Lincoln’s Vice President.
The Standpipe
The Standpipe is another iconic location in Bangor and one that has appeared in King’s books. The decommissioned water tower played a significant role in the novel ‘It’ and is worth a visit while exploring King’s universe. Surrounded by beautiful greenery, the structure is an architectural marvel and offers a fantastic view of the town from its top.
The Paul Bunyan Statue
The Paul Bunyan Statue is probably one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bangor. The iconic statue is located in front of Bass Park and has been featured in several of King’s books, including ‘It.’ Visitors can capture the perfect photo with the 31-foot-tall statue and learn about its history and significance to the town.
Accommodation and Other Attractions in Bangor
If you’re planning a visit to Bangor, Maine, then you’re in for a treat. The town offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors, suited to a variety of tastes and budgets.
For those looking for simple yet comfortable lodging options, Motel 6 Bangor and Knights Inn Bangor are great choices that won’t break the bank. If you’re interested in something more upscale, then The Charles Inn, Hollywood Casino Bangor Hotel, and Residence Inn by Marriott Bangor should be right up your alley.
Aside from the Stephen King house tour, there are other attractions and activities worth exploring in Bangor. The Maine Discovery Museum is a great option for families with children, while the Cole Land Transportation Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. Other popular spots include Cascade Park, Bangor City Forest, and Waterfront Park, all of which offer scenic beauty and numerous recreational activities.
To make the most of your time in Bangor, we recommend taking a stroll through the town’s downtown area with its vibrant arts scene, antique shops, and eateries. Be sure to sample some of the local cuisine, such as a classic Maine lobster roll or the ale battered fish and chips.
Accommodation Options in Bangor
| Hotel | Price Range per Night |
|---|---|
| Motel 6 Bangor | $69 – $99 |
| Knights Inn Bangor | $75 – $118 |
| The Charles Inn | $136 – $219 |
| Hollywood Casino Bangor Hotel | $185 – $319 |
| Residence Inn by Marriott Bangor | $186 – $345 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bangor Stephen King house tour offers a unique and captivating glimpse into the world of one of the most celebrated horror authors of our time. From the haunted house that inspired his works to his personal sanctuary, visitors to Bangor can get an up-close and personal look at the life and surroundings of Stephen King.
The town of Bangor plays a vital role in shaping King’s universe, and the tour provides insights into the places, people, and events that influenced his writing. Along with the tour, visitors can explore the attractions and amenities in Bangor, making the most of their stay in this historic Maine town.
For fans of Stephen King and enthusiasts of the horror genre, the Bangor Stephen King house tour is a must-do experience. Book your reservations today and discover the magic and mystery of the world-renowned author’s home and town.
