Penobscot County, Maine

Penobscot County is located roughly in the middle of Maine. It’s big. Really big. In fact, it’s the fourth-largest county in the state.

Bangor is the county seat. People call it the “Queen City” because it serves as a regional hub. You’ll find a mix of city life and wilderness here. The Penobscot River runs through the county, offering great spots for fishing and kayaking.

Visitors enjoy heading to Baxter State Park, home to Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine. Looking for a good education? The University of Maine’s main campus is in Orono.

CategoryDetails
County NamePenobscot County
County SeatBangor
EtymologyNamed after the Penobscot Native American tribe, which has inhabited the area for thousands of years
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesBangor, Brewer, Old Town, Orono, Hampden, Millinocket, Lincoln, Hermon, Newport, Dexter, East Millinocket, Glenburn, Howland
Interstates and HighwaysI-95, US-1, US-2, ME-15, ME-9, ME-11, ME-155
FIPS Code23-019
Total Area (Land and Water)3,557 square miles (3,397 sq mi land, 160 sq mi water)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Aroostook County (North), Washington County (Southeast), Hancock County (South), Waldo County (Southwest), Somerset County (West), Piscataquis County (Northwest)
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
StateMaine
Coordinates45.0727° N, 68.6938° W
Major LandmarksUniversity of Maine, Bangor Waterfront, Penobscot River, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Baxter State Park, Cole Land Transportation Museum, Stephen King’s House
PopulationApproximately 150,000

PHYSICAL MAP

Penobscot County Topographic Map

Penobscot County’s terrain changes from the flat, farmland-rich Penobscot River Valley to the forested highlands in the north. The central area is gently rolling, while the landscape becomes more rugged near Baxter State Park. Explore all the physical details with our zoom feature.

SATELLITE IMAGERY

Penobscot County Satellite Map

The Penobscot River is a wide waterway that essentially divides the county in two. Vast forests stretch northward, while Bangor stands out in gray.

OUTLINE MAP

Penobscot County Blank Map

Penobscot County is large and irregularly shaped, with several outward-bulging sections. It borders Aroostook, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Waldo Counties, along with a small section of Hancock County.

Maine County Map

Maine map showing major cities, roads, and state boundaries.

Life moves at the pace of the tides here. One day might be spent hiking forest trails, and the next watching fog roll over quiet harbors. Discover what makes each county special with our Maine county maps.

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