You’ve seen the photos. Those wrought-iron gates at 47 West Broadway in Bangor, Maine, with the bats and the spiders crawling through the metalwork. It’s arguably the most famous driveway in literary history. Honestly, if you’re a Constant Reader, a stephen king house tour is basically a pilgrimage. But there’s a massive misconception that people run into when they pull up to that red, Victorian mansion.
Most people think they’re going to walk inside, see the desk where It was written, and maybe spot a stray red balloon in the corner.
That’s not how it works.
The King family hasn't actually lived there full-time for years. These days, the house serves a much more interesting purpose as a retreat for writers and the home of his personal archives. It’s less of a museum and more of a living, breathing piece of Maine history. You can't just buy a ticket and walk through the front door like it’s Graceland.
The Reality of the Stephen King House Tour Experience
Let’s get the logistics out of the way because it saves a lot of heartbreak. You cannot go inside the house. Period. Unless you are a visiting scholar or a writer-in-residence with specific permission, the interior of 47 West Broadway is off-limits to the general public.
So, why do thousands of people still flock to Bangor every year?
Because the "tour" isn't just about the house; it’s about the city that became Derry. When people talk about a stephen king house tour, they’re usually referring to a curated trek through Bangor that hits the spots that inspired his most terrifying work. You’re looking at the Thomas Hill Standpipe, which inspired the water tower in It. You're visiting Mount Hope Cemetery, where King had a cameo in the Pet Sematary film.
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It’s about the vibe. The atmosphere. The way the Maine fog rolls over the Penobscot River.
The Bat-Winged Gates and the Architecture
The house itself is a stunning example of Italianate Villa architecture, built around 1858. It’s painted an iconic, deep red—a color King reportedly chose himself. The most photographed part of the property is, without a doubt, the fence. King commissioned it in the early 80s, and it’s become the unofficial symbol of his brand.
If you stand there long enough, you’ll see people from all over the world snapping selfies. It’s weirdly peaceful. Despite the macabre ironwork, the neighborhood is quiet and residential. You’ve got to be respectful. People live here. It’s not a theme park.
Transforming 47 West Broadway into a Creative Hub
A few years ago, Stephen and Tabitha King petitioned the Bangor City Council to rezone the property. They didn’t want it to just sit there as a vacant mansion while they spent their time in Florida or their other Maine home.
They turned it into a non-profit.
Now, the house is technically the headquarters for the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation. More importantly, it houses King’s archives. We’re talking about original manuscripts, notes, and first editions. It’s a literal goldmine for literary historians.
I think that’s cooler than a museum. Instead of tourists shuffling through with audio guides, the house is being used to foster new writers. It stays a place of creation. That feels right for a guy who has spent his entire life championing the craft of writing.
The "Derry" Connection: Beyond the Mansion
If you’re doing the stephen king house tour properly, you have to leave the West Broadway area and head into the guts of Bangor.
- The Standpipe: It sits on a hill overlooking the city. In It, this is where some truly gruesome stuff happens. In real life, it’s a beautiful historical landmark that opens for tours a few times a year.
- The Sewer Grate: Yes, there is a specific sewer grate at the corner of Union and Jackson streets that is widely believed to be the inspiration for Georgie’s encounter with Pennywise. People leave paper boats there. It’s a bit eerie.
- The Library: The Bangor Public Library is a gorgeous building that King actually donated millions to for renovations. You can see the inspiration for the library scenes in his books everywhere in the stacks.
SK Tours: The Local Legend
If you want the "official" unofficial experience, you look for Stuart Tinker. He ran a bookstore in Bangor for decades and is basically the world's leading expert on King’s Maine roots. His tour is the one people talk about. He takes you to the places that aren't on the map—the spots where King used to hang out, the diners that made it into the prose, and the specific street corners that sparked a nightmare.
Hearing the stories from a local who actually knows the man adds a layer of reality that a Google Map just can’t provide.
Why Bangor Matters
You can’t separate King from Maine. He’s the state’s most famous export (besides lobsters and LL Bean boots). The house on West Broadway is the epicenter of that connection. Even though he’s one of the wealthiest authors in the world, he stayed in Bangor for a long, long time. He coached Little League there. He bought the local radio stations (WKIT, "The Rock of Mid-Maine").
He’s a part of the community.
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When you stand in front of that house, you aren't just looking at a celebrity’s mansion. You’re looking at the place where a massive chunk of American mythology was dreamt up. It’s where Cujo was born. It’s where the Losers Club came to life.
Planning Your Visit: Tips for the Constant Reader
If you’re heading up to Maine, don't just wing it. Bangor is about two hours north of Portland. It’s a bit of a trek, but the drive is beautiful, especially in the fall.
- Be a good neighbor. Do not climb the fence. Do not ring the doorbell. Do not leave "gifts" on the lawn. The Kings are incredibly generous to the city, and the best way to thank them is to respect their property.
- Check the weather. Maine weather is unpredictable. You’ll be doing a lot of walking if you’re hitting all the It landmarks.
- Visit Gerald Winters and Son. It’s a bookstore in downtown Bangor that specializes in rare King editions. It’s basically a museum you can buy stuff from.
- Stay at the Residence Inn. It’s right near the Cross Insurance Center, but more importantly, it’s close to the downtown area where you can walk to several King-related sites.
The stephen king house tour is really what you make of it. If you’re looking for a thrill-ride, you might be disappointed. But if you’re looking to understand the DNA of stories that have defined horror for fifty years, there is no better place on Earth. You can practically feel the stories vibrating in the air.
Just keep an eye on the drains. You never know.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Book an organized tour in advance: Spots with local guides like SK Tours fill up months ahead of time, especially during "Spooky Season" in October.
- Download a self-guided map: If you prefer to go solo, several fan sites offer PDF maps of Bangor’s "Derry" landmarks.
- Visit the Mount Hope Cemetery: It’s one of the oldest garden cemeteries in the US and is open to the public during daylight hours; just stay on the paths and be mindful of ongoing services.
- Check the Bangor Public Library hours: It’s a public space, so you can actually go inside and see where King spent a lot of his time researching and writing.