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Mount Desert Island attractions
Mount Desert Island attractions
Park Headquarters
Anyone interested in spending time in Acadia National Park should visit the Park Headquarters. Here, rangers lead programs, answer questions, and administer park passes. If you're interested in working with a GPS and learning about the park's Natural History ask about the Earthcache program- a virtual scavanger hunt which will lead you to some of the most celebrated locations on the island. Park Headquarters is the ideal location for beginning your Acadia adventure.
Gardens
Thuya Garden- This gorgeous garden in Northeast Harbor has row after row of native, non-native, perennial and anual plants. A small pond sometimes houses frogs, and a beautiful wishing well is a site to behold. (207) 276-3727.
Wild Gardens of Acadia- This garden showcases all the different ecosystems one can see on the Island. Located at Sieur De Mont, the mini-exhibits range from bogs to seashores to alpine forests. Contact: AcadiaMagic.com.
Asticou Azalea Garden- A gorgeous japanese style garden, tranquil beauty in the heart of Northeast Harbor. Bring book, a cup of tea, and just relax. A favorite spot for photographers. (207) 276-3727.
Bubble Rock
Located at the summit of the South Bubble Mountain, this giant glacial erratic was left on top of Bubble Mountain during the last ice age. Small chatter marks and dykes are also viewable. A moraine is located within Jordan pond, and is visable from the summit. A great spot for the novice Geologist. Accessable via the Park Loop Road.
Farms
Beech Hill Farm- A beautiful little farm located in Somesville. The produce is sold at the Beech Hill Farmstand, and is also used to stock the College of the Atlantic's dining hall. 603-223-0828.
Seal Cove Farm- A goat farm located in Seal Cove. Their goat cheese is sold around the Island. High quality products, and over 125 goats! 207-667-7127.
The Village Green
Located in the heart of Bar Harbor, the village green is a great rest-stop. On summer nights, there are often concerts on the bandstand. Street performers will often roam the sidewalks, and there's free Wifi! Just create an account name and sign on. Located at the intersection of Mt. Desert Street and Main Street.
Museums
The Abbe Museum:Original-* Located at Sieur De Mont, this one-room museum is the original MDI Native American museum. A bit pricey, but lots of information. (207) 288-3519.
The Abbe Museum:New-* Devoted to the Native American tribes of Maine. Located on Mount Desert Street in Bar Harbor, the new Abbe museum is much larger and offers plenty of activities for both adults and children. A good rainy day activity. (207) 288-3519.
The Bar Harbor Whale Museum Located on West Street facing the harbor. Open daily from 10am to 8pm. Admission by donation. The museum is devoted to whales and other sea creatures. There are many real skeletons (from stranded marine mammals) on display including a 28 foot long juvenile humpback whale. Other exhibits include climate change, bioacoustics, marine adaptations, and a brief history of whaling. Great for kids and adults. Great souvenirs and presents to be found in the gift shop.
The Dorr Museum of Natural History-* Located on the College of the Atlantic campus, the Dorr Museum is dedicated to the natural history of the North East. Exhibits vary from year to year, and are designed by College of the Atlantic students. There is always a touch-tank filled with sea creatures, and plenty of taxidermied animals to examine. Child friendly. (207)288.5015.
The Carroll Homestead-* Only open on certain days. The Carroll Homestead is one of the only old houses left from the settlement days of MDI. Contact Park Headquarters for days when tours are available.
Somesville Historical Society Museum and Gardens-* Museum located in the quaint village of Somesville, the first settlement on the Island. It details the history and development of the island and its people.
The Gilley Museum-* A museum devoted primarily to wood carving and artist Wendell Gilley. (207)244-7555
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WHERE TO TRAVEL NEXT IN 2020
Mount Desert Island Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.