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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Limited access for stunning views

Thomas Hill Standpipe
Best Time
Limited access for stunning views

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

📅 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
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
Stephen King Connection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📅 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.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
If visiting on a tour day, you'll be climbing stairs.
📸 Drone Photography Potential
Great for aerial shots, especially at sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
📅 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.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
If visiting on a tour day, you'll be climbing stairs.
📸 Drone Photography Potential
Great for aerial shots, especially at sunset.
💧 Impressive Water Capacity
Holds nearly 1.8 million gallons of water!
What Travellers Say
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."
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What People Like
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
Visiting the exterior of the standpipe and the surrounding park is free. There may be a fee or registration requirement for special tour days.
The exterior is generally accessible during daylight hours. Interior tours have very limited, specific hours announced by the Bangor Water District.
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.
While the park area is usually open, interior access is restricted to specific tour dates. It's crucial to check the schedule in advance.
📸 📸 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.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local ordinances and potentially contact the Bangor Water District for permission before flying.
Photography is generally permitted inside during tour days, allowing you to capture the unique interior architecture and the water tank itself.
Golden hour, around sunrise or sunset, can provide beautiful light for exterior shots. Midday is fine for capturing the structure's details.
Fans often recreate scenes from 'IT' by posing with the standpipe, especially if they've visited other Stephen King-related sites in Bangor.
🎫 📚 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.
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).
Yes, several Stephen King-themed tours of Bangor include a stop at the Thomas Hill Standpipe, offering insights into its literary significance.
It's primarily associated with Stan Uris's encounters with Pennywise and serves as a landmark within the fictional Derry.
Yes, Bangor is filled with Stephen King landmarks, including his childhood home, which is a short walk from the standpipe.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining a visit with other family-friendly spots in Bangor. The Stephen King connection might also spark interest in older children who are fans of his books or movies, offering a chance to discuss storytelling and imagination.
📚 Stephen King Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to take photos that mirror scenes from the book or movie. While it wasn't a direct filming location for the movies, its presence in the fictional Derry makes it an iconic landmark for literary exploration.
📸 Photographers & Architecture Buffs
For architecture enthusiasts, the standpipe is a prime example of late 19th-century industrial design. The visible rivets and the overall scale are impressive details to capture. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to do justice to its grandeur.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Engineering
Walking around the base, you can appreciate the sheer scale of the standpipe and the intricate details of its construction, including the visible rivets on the steel. For those fortunate enough to visit during one of the rare open house days, the climb to the top offers a unique perspective on the city and a chance to see the inner workings of this historic water reservoir.
Its historical significance is amplified by its role in local lore and literature. The standpipe stands as a testament to Bangor's past and continues to be a prominent landmark, blending industrial history with architectural interest.
The Literary Haunting of Thomas Hill Standpipe
While the standpipe itself wasn't a primary filming location for the movie adaptations, its presence in Bangor, King's hometown, makes it a crucial pilgrimage site for enthusiasts. Many visitors come specifically to connect with the literary origins of their favorite horror stories, often combining a visit here with other King-related landmarks in the city, such as his childhood home.
Experiencing the standpipe through a literary lens adds a layer of eerie fascination, allowing fans to imagine the unsettling events that unfold within its shadow, as described in King's vivid prose. It's a tangible link to the imagination that has captivated millions worldwide.




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