Thomas Hill Standpipe
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Thomas Hill Standpipe

4.8
·53 reviews·Bangor, United States

A historic 1897 water tower in Bangor, Maine, famous for its role in Stephen King's 'IT' and offering rare panoramic views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Tour Days (Fall)

Limited access for stunning views

CrowdHigh
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Thomas Hill Standpipe

Thomas Hill Standpipe

Best Time

Tour Days (Fall)

Limited access for stunning views

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 1897 water tower in Bangor, Maine, famous for its role in Stephen King's 'IT' and offering rare panoramic views.

4.8
(53 reviews)

"A must-see for Stephen King fans and lovers of unique architecture!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📅 Check Tour Dates

Public access is limited to a few days a year. Plan ahead!

👑 Stephen King Fan Pilgrimage

A must-see for 'IT' fans; line up photos with the movie setting.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 · 53 reviews

Type

Government Office

🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Architectural Marvel

Architectural Marvel

Bangor, Maine

A massive, historic water tank built in 1897, holding 1.75 million gallons. Its unique wooden jacket and riveted steel tank are impressive.

Stephen King's 'IT' Inspiration

Stephen King's 'IT' Inspiration

Bangor, Maine

The standpipe is a key location in Stephen King's novel 'IT', inspiring fans to visit this piece of literary history.

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Top of the Standpipe (during tours)

On rare tour days, climb to the top for breathtaking views of Bangor and the surrounding Maine landscape.

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Planning Your Visit

Limited Access, Plan Your Visit

The Thomas Hill Standpipe is only open for public tours a few times a year. Check the Bangor Water District website for specific dates and times, often in the fall. Arrive early on tour days to avoid crowds and secure parking.

Stephen King Connection

Fans of Stephen King will recognize this iconic landmark from his novels, particularly 'IT'. While not a direct filming location for the movies, its presence in the fictional Derry adds a layer of intrigue for enthusiasts.

Best Times

When
Tour Days (Fall)
Why
Limited access for stunning views
Crowd
High
When
Any Sunny Day
Why
Pleasant park stroll
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Stopping to explore around the Thomas Hill Standpipe. It was built in 1897 and holds 1,750,000 gallons.Located in Bangor,Maine. #Bangor #maine #watertower #standpipe #architecture #tourism #history #city #explore #discover #travel #landmark #hiddengems
downeastcowboy
481 likes • 7.6K views

📅 Check Tour Dates

Public access is limited to a few days a year. Plan ahead! Instagram

👑 Stephen King Fan Pilgrimage

A must-see for 'IT' fans; line up photos with the movie setting. Reddit

Did you know that the Thomas Hill Standpipe opens to the public four times a year? It’s a great opportunity to see some breathtaking views of the City of Bangor. Especially when the leaves change in the fall! 🍁🍂 Check it out this year on Oct. 4 and Oct. 11 from 3 - 6 pm! https://bangorwater.org/about-us/thomas-hill-standpipe/ #mainething #hussonu #bangor #maine #explore @downtownbangor @mainehi...
hussonu
222 likes • 7.1K views
@teacherkrissyandlola showing #thebeatles the #highlights on the #hometownvisit in #stephenking #stephenkingsit #pennywisetheclown #paulbunyan #bangormaine #bangor #thomashillstandpipe #yellowsubmarine #bandontherun #roadtoringo #teach #sing #love #allyouneedislove #dontstopbelieving
lolaandthelads
4 likes • 124 views

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

If visiting on a tour day, you'll be climbing stairs. Reddit

📸 Drone Photography Potential

Great for aerial shots, especially at sunset. Instagram

While Bangor's Thomas Hill Standpipe doesn't play a role in either the IT miniseries or the movies, it does factor into Stephen King's novel, the Standpipe, located in the fictional town of Derry is where Stan Uris first meets Pennywise. The Standpipe is actually a part of the Bangor water works, built in 1897, it holds much of the city's water and is open up the pubic on certain days of the year ...
kelly.marsh86
3 likes • 229 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📅 Check Tour Dates

Public access is limited to a few days a year. Plan ahead! Instagram

👑 Stephen King Fan Pilgrimage

A must-see for 'IT' fans; line up photos with the movie setting. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

If visiting on a tour day, you'll be climbing stairs. Reddit

📸 Drone Photography Potential

Great for aerial shots, especially at sunset. Instagram

💧 Impressive Water Capacity

Holds nearly 1.8 million gallons of water! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(53 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Thomas Hill Standpipe impressive for its historical architecture and its significant role in Stephen King's 'IT'. While interior access is limited, the exterior is still a striking landmark. Many appreciate the unique connection to literary horror and the potential for great photos, especially during rare tour days.

"Went here to visit the filming location for IT. Have to say, was very cool being in the exact spot they filmed, and lining up photos with the movie. To a non Stephen king fan it probably looks like nothing but I thought it was very cool. Recommend to all the king fans."

Natalie Cantle

"Calling this place massive is an understatement. It is unfortunately can’t get in and walk around. There’s a staircase that leads to a giant steel riveted tank encased and a wooden jacket. The place was built in 1997 and 1,75 million gallons of water."

Malcolm Godwin

"I am not sure why I liked this so much but I did. It has a history and is very interesting architecturally. It is also surprisingly large and from a distance with its windows may be mistaken for something other than what it is. Speaking of it, it also has a history in one of the King novels. On a nice day the park is a pleasant place to enjoy the structure."

Perks Advisor

What People Like

Impressive historical architecture
Stephen King 'IT' connection
Unique photo opportunities

What People Dislike

Limited interior access
Crowded on tour days

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Thomas Hill Standpipe is located in Bangor, Maine. It's accessible by car and is often part of local tours. Parking can be limited on tour days, so arriving early is advised. TikTok

Information on direct public transportation is scarce. It's best to check local Bangor transit routes or consider ride-sharing services if you don't have a car. TikTok

It's approximately a half-mile walk from the Stephen King house in Bangor, making it a feasible option for those interested in combining visits. Reddit

Yes, the Bangor Water District occasionally offers guided tours, typically a few times a year. These are popular, so check their official website for announcements. Instagram

For a full experience, try to visit on a day when tours are offered to see the interior and views. Otherwise, it's still an impressive structure to admire from the outside. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, the grounds are accessible without tickets. However, for interior tours and access to the top, specific dates and potential registration are required. Instagram

Visiting the exterior of the standpipe and the surrounding park is free. There may be a fee or registration requirement for special tour days. Reddit

The exterior is generally accessible during daylight hours. Interior tours have very limited, specific hours announced by the Bangor Water District. Instagram

Public access inside the standpipe is limited to a few designated days each year, often in the fall. Keep an eye on the Bangor Water District's announcements. Instagram

While the park area is usually open, interior access is restricted to specific tour dates. It's crucial to check the schedule in advance. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the scale of the structure from the base, or if on a tour, the panoramic views from the top are spectacular. Sunset can also offer dramatic lighting. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local ordinances and potentially contact the Bangor Water District for permission before flying. Instagram

Photography is generally permitted inside during tour days, allowing you to capture the unique interior architecture and the water tank itself. Instagram

Golden hour, around sunrise or sunset, can provide beautiful light for exterior shots. Midday is fine for capturing the structure's details. Instagram

Fans often recreate scenes from 'IT' by posing with the standpipe, especially if they've visited other Stephen King-related sites in Bangor. Reddit

🎫 📚 Stephen King Connection

The Thomas Hill Standpipe is featured in Stephen King's novel 'IT' as a significant location in the fictional town of Derry, where Pennywise the clown often appears. Instagram

While it's a key location in the book, the actual filming for the 'IT' movies took place elsewhere. However, it remains an important site for fans visiting Derry (Bangor). Instagram

Yes, several Stephen King-themed tours of Bangor include a stop at the Thomas Hill Standpipe, offering insights into its literary significance. Reddit

It's primarily associated with Stan Uris's encounters with Pennywise and serves as a landmark within the fictional Derry. Instagram

Yes, Bangor is filled with Stephen King landmarks, including his childhood home, which is a short walk from the standpipe. Reddit

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