Mount Desert Island Maine Map

Mount Desert Island, Maine is a popular summer vacation destination located off the coast of Maine. The island is home to Acadia National Park, which attracts millions of visitors each year. But Mount Desert Island has much more to offer than just its national park. From outdoor adventures to cultural immersion, this comprehensive travel guide covers the top attractions and hidden gems of Mount Desert Island, Maine.

Top Attractions

Acadia National Park is the main attraction on Mount Desert Island. The park features over 47,000 acres of rugged coastline, forests, lakes, and mountains. Visitors can hike, bike, swim, and camp in the park. Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the east coast of the United States, offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Other top attractions on Mount Desert Island include the Abbe Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Wabanaki people, and the Asticou Azalea Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden featuring over 20 varieties of azaleas.

Hidden Gems

While Acadia National Park is the main draw for visitors to Mount Desert Island, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover on the island. One such gem is the Beech Mountain Trail, a challenging hike that rewards visitors with panoramic views of the island and the surrounding waters.

The Wendell Gilley Museum is another hidden gem on Mount Desert Island. The museum features the work of Wendell Gilley, a renowned bird carver who lived on the island. Visitors can see Gilley’s carvings and learn about the art of bird carving.

Food Scene

Mount Desert Island has a thriving food scene, with a variety of restaurants and cafes serving up delicious meals. Lobster is a local specialty, and visitors can enjoy it at many of the island’s seafood restaurants. One popular spot is Thurston’s Lobster Pound, which has been serving up lobster since 1946.

For something a little different, visitors can try the popovers at the Jordan Pond House. The Jordan Pond House is a historic restaurant located in Acadia National Park. The popovers, served with butter and jam, are a must-try.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Visiting Mount Desert Island doesn’t have to break the bank. One budget-friendly option is to camp in Acadia National Park. The park has several campgrounds, and camping fees are much lower than the cost of a hotel room.

Another budget-friendly option is to visit some of the island’s free attractions, such as the Abbe Museum’s outdoor exhibits or the Seal Cove Auto Museum, which features vintage cars and motorcycles.

Outdoor Adventures

Mount Desert Island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to hiking and biking in Acadia National Park, visitors can also go sea kayaking, rock climbing, and fishing. The island’s many lakes and ponds offer opportunities for swimming and boating.

For a unique outdoor experience, visitors can take a whale watching tour. Several companies offer tours that take visitors out into the Atlantic Ocean to see whales, dolphins, and other marine life.

Historical Landmarks

Mount Desert Island has a rich history, and visitors can explore that history by visiting some of the island’s historical landmarks. The Somesville Bridge is one such landmark. The bridge, which dates back to the 19th century, is one of the oldest surviving bridges in Maine.

The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is another historical landmark on Mount Desert Island. The lighthouse, which dates back to 1858, is still in operation today. Visitors can tour the lighthouse and learn about its history.

Family-Friendly Activities

Mount Desert Island is a great destination for families. In addition to the outdoor activities in Acadia National Park, there are also plenty of family-friendly attractions on the island. The Mount Desert Oceanarium is one such attraction. Visitors can see live marine animals, including lobsters, crabs, and sea stars.

The Wild Gardens of Acadia is another family-friendly attraction. The gardens feature over 300 species of native plants, and visitors can learn about the island’s natural history.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

For visitors who want to get off the beaten path, Mount Desert Island has plenty of options. One such option is to explore the island’s many trails. The Wonderland Trail is a lesser-known trail in Acadia National Park that offers stunning views of the coast.

Another off-the-beaten-path experience is to visit the Islesford Historical Museum. The museum, located on Little Cranberry Island, tells the story of the island’s fishing and lobstering industry.

Natural Wonders

Mount Desert Island is home to many natural wonders, in addition to Acadia National Park. The Bass Harbor Marsh is one such wonder. The marsh is a popular spot for birdwatching, and visitors can see a variety of bird species.

The Otter Cliffs are another natural wonder on Mount Desert Island. The cliffs, located in Acadia National Park, are a popular spot for rock climbing and offer stunning views of the coast.

Vibrant Nightlife

While Mount Desert Island is known for its natural beauty, it also has a vibrant nightlife scene. Bar Harbor, the island’s main town, has several bars and nightclubs that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

The Lompoc Cafe is one popular spot. The cafe serves up craft beers and live music, and has a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the island.

Local Markets

Visitors to Mount Desert Island can get a taste of the local culture by visiting one of the island’s many markets. The Bar Harbor Farmers Market is one such market. The market features locally grown produce, as well as handmade crafts and artisanal foods.

The Southwest Harbor Farmers Market is another option. The market is held on Fridays during the summer months, and features live music and a variety of vendors.

Beaches and Mountains

Mount Desert Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and mountains in the United States. Sand Beach, located in Acadia National Park, is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.

The Beech Cliff Loop Trail is a popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the island’s mountains and coastline.

Cultural Immersion

Visitors to Mount Desert Island can immerse themselves in the island’s culture by attending one of its many cultural events. The Acadia Night Sky Festival is one such event. The festival celebrates the island’s dark skies and features stargazing events, lectures, and workshops.

The Bar Harbor Music Festival is another cultural event on Mount Desert Island. The festival features classical music performances by renowned musicians from around the world.

Art and Music Scene

Mount Desert Island has a thriving art and music scene. The Island Arts Association is a nonprofit organization that promotes the arts on the island. The association sponsors art shows and events throughout the year.

The Criterion Theatre is another cultural institution on Mount Desert Island. The theater, which dates back to 1932, hosts a variety of events, including films, concerts, and plays.

Walking Tours

Visitors to Mount Desert Island can explore the island’s history and culture by taking a walking tour. The Bar Harbor Historical Society offers walking tours of the town, which cover the town’s history and architecture.

The Abbe Museum also offers walking tours. The tours cover the history and culture of the Wabanaki people, who have lived on the island for thousands of years.

Architectural Marvels

Mount Desert Island is home to many architectural marvels, including the Rockefeller Estate. The estate, located in Acadia National Park, features a collection of rustic buildings that were designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape.

The Saint Saviour’s Episcopal Church is another architectural marvel on Mount Desert Island. The church, which dates back to 1877, features a unique combination of Gothic and Shingle-style architecture.

Historical Sites

Mount Desert Island has a rich history, and visitors can explore that history by visiting some of the island’s historical sites. The Abbe Museum is one such site. The museum features exhibits and artifacts that showcase the history and culture of the Wabanaki people.

The Criterion Theatre is another historical site on Mount Desert Island. The theater, which dates back to 1932, has been restored to its original Art Deco style and is now a popular venue for films and live performances.

Biking Routes

Visitors to Mount Desert Island can explore the island’s beauty by taking a bike ride. The Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park are a popular spot for biking. The roads, which were built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in the early 20th century, wind through the park and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The Island Explorer is a free shuttle service that transports visitors and their bikes to various locations on the island. The shuttle runs during the summer months and is a convenient way to explore the island by bike