Best Museums in Acadia National Park

"This splendid museum of Maine’s native peoples shifted its focus a few years ago from archaeology of a vanished world to an emphasis on living culture. Many Wabanaki artists helped design the core exhibit, “People of the First Light,” which explores the 12,000-year continuous history of people living in the Wabanaki homeland. The tales of confrontation, adaptation, and survival paint a picture of a resilient — and very much living — culture."

"A post shared by Abbe Museum (@abbemuseum) on Oct 8, 2018 at 7:13am PDT. This museum was made to introduce the history and culture of Maine’s Native people, the Wabanaki. The exhibits about the tribe would amaze you."

"Located on Eden Street in Bar Harbor, the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History is full of interactive exhibits, displays, and artifacts relating to the area’s natural history. The museum is now housed in what was once the Acadia National Park’s main offices, and one of their most impressive and popular exhibits is the life-size diorama of the environment between the land and sea. There’s also a lifelike artificial tidal pool that’s full of interesting sea creatures, like snails, starfish, and a variety of crabs."

"Located directly across the street from the Highbrook Motel, the Dorr Museum features dioramas of coastal Maine wildlife and a tide pool tank that houses a variety of live sea stars, hermit crabs, snails and other marine creatures. Visitors of all ages can touch, smell, listen and create while learning about the natural history of Maine. All exhibits are designed and produced by students at College of the Atlantic."

"Housed in the original headquarters of the Acadia National Park, the Dorr Museum investigates and interprets the natural history of Bar Harbor. All exhibits are curated by students from the College of the Atlantic, and there are many programs and activities for all ages. Don’t miss the gift shop, with an array of books, toys, and apparel related to Maine’s natural history."

"Paintings, drawings and graphics by Maine artist Russell D'Alessio. Brightly animated, whimsical stories told through the art with an eclectic mix of materials and genres that reflect the human spirit. Visit his website or stop by the gallery today!"

"The Bar Harbor Historical Society is a non-profit organization that strives to collect, preserve, promote and celebrate the history of our community. If you would like to learn more about the colorful history of Bar Harbor on your next visit, take a little time to explore their museum at 127 West Street. For more information visit their website www.barharborhistorical.org"

"Learn about the history of Bar Harbor inside a museum building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (207) 288-0000 | barharborhistorical.org"

"Christopher creates art to increase people’s awareness of wildlife and to reveal to them nature’s inherent beauty. His desire is to express the reverence he feels when he observes animals in their natural habitat. Christopher is especially recognized for his bird sculptures."

"Specialty Museums4 Herrick Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679MoreLess Info. The Wendell Gilley Museum is a community center and museum that covers the work of nature carver Wendell Gilley. The center teaches bird carving, shows art exhibits, and conducts education programs about art and nature."

"This gallery museum is a major showcase for the bird carvings of one of the 3 world renown pioneers of the art form - Wendell Gilley. Located in Southwest Harbor, Maine."

"The studio gallery is on Main Street, in the center of town, with showrooms on two floors. Antiques, jewelry and custom framing are available as well. Featured are paintings and limited edition prints by both Wini Smart and Gail Cleveland."

"Champlain Mountain, at just over 1000 ft, provides stunning views of the eastern side of Mt Desert Island. It is also accessible via the Cadillac Mountain South and North Ridge Trails, but for a fun challenge try hiking the daunting Precipice Trail. The trail, which involves an exhilarating climb up the face of Champlain Mountain using iron rungs, handrails and ladders, is not for little kids or anyone with a fear of heights."

"One of Acadia's most surprising features is this beautiful stretch of sandy shoreline tucked between mountains on the east side of Mount Desert Island. The beach is around 300m long and attracts sunbathers, strollers and a few intrepid souls willing to brave the 55ºF/12.7ºC (summertime) water temperatures for a dip. A beautiful hiking trail starts from here."

"Maine has some gorgeous beaches, and Acadia National’s golden jewel is the popular Sand Beach. Nestled on the east side of Mount Desert Island, this idyllic shoreline perfectly sums up Maine’s natural beauty. Evergreen forest encircles the wide, sandy shores and granite mountains rise above the inlet."

"Sand Beach, the most sought-after destination in the park is a gorgeous beach nestled between the rocky cliffs and mountains. It is beautiful and perfect to spend a day there relaxing. The clear blue waters and sparkling sand are inviting and soothing."

"Nervous Nellie's cooks up delicious jams and chutneys the old-fashioned way from its base on Deer Isle. It's well worth making the trip to load up on jars of sweetness made from Maine blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. But Nervous Nellie's is also a sprawling fantasyland where the artist Peter Beerits has taken old buildings and transformed them into vivid installations using found and repurposed objects. Afterwards, visit the shop and cafe for hot drinks and jam-topped scones."

"Paintings, drawings and graphics by Maine artist Russell D'Alessio. Brightly animated, whimsical stories told through the art with an eclectic mix of materials and genres that reflect the human spirit. Visit his website or stop by the gallery today!"

"Southwest Harbor Public Library inspires and supports the enjoyment of life-long learning, the love of literacy, and the exploration of new ideas, welcoming everyone through its doors."

"There are a couple benches where you can sit with your dog at the pet-friendly Morning Glory Bakery. Morning Glory offers a variety of baked goods, from cupcakes to danishes, and also serves a small selection of egg sandwiches and bagels for breakfast. Check the bakery's Facebook page for their daily specials, like focaccia or churros."