
Activities & Services
Explore Your OptionsMount Desert Island and Acadia National Park provide an incredible array of activities suited for every member of the family. From adventure seekers to those looking to unwind, this stunning region of Maine’s downeast coast offers a wealth of beauty, relaxation, and exciting experiences that can be found in its waters, along its shoreline, and amidst its picturesque forests and mountains.
Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy hiking the various trails, exploring tide pools, biking along the scenic carriage roads, or taking part in ranger-led programs that make learning about the natural environment fun for all ages. Acadia’s Sand Beach, tranquil lakes and ponds are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply soaking in the sun.
Planning a Wedding: If you’re considering tying the knot in this beautiful spot, Mount Desert Island provides numerous picturesque locations for ceremonies, whether it’s in the heart of Acadia National Park or at one of the charming local venues with breathtaking views.
Pet Care and Transportation: For those traveling with pets, there are local services available that provide pet care and boarding, ensuring your furry friends are well taken care of while you explore the island. Additionally, transportation options to and from the airport can be easily arranged, making your arrival and departure hassle-free.
With its wide range of resources and activities, Mount Desert Island is not only an ideal vacation destination but also a wonderful pl
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Tour & Explore
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Acadia by Carriage
207-600-7204
info@acadiabycarriage.com
https://acadiabycarriage.com/
Explore the Acadia Carriage Trails by horse and carriage! Acadia By Carriage at Wildwood Stables is the new concessioner for the 2025 season providing carriage tours, stall rentals and equestrian camping. Reservations available online or call for more information!
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Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School
207-288-8186
https://acadiamountainguides.com/
Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School offers a complete selection of beginner through advanced rock and ice climbing programs in our home area of Acadia National Park. AMGCS also provides instruction and guiding in the White Mountains, Baxter State Park, and in nearby Camden and Clifton, Maine. Whatever your mountain dreams are, AMGCS can help you reach them!
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Acadia National Park
207-288-3338
https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm
People have been drawn to the rugged coast of Maine throughout history. Awed by its beauty and diversity, early 20th-century visionaries donated the land that became Acadia National Park. The park is home to many plants and animals, and the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast. Today visitors come to Acadia to hike granite peaks, bike historic carriage roads, or relax and enjoy the scenery.
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Acadia Repertory Theater
207-244-7260
art@acadiarep.com
https://acadiarep.com/
The Acadia Repertory Theatre is located in Somesville on Mount Desert Island, Maine, performing in the rustic Masonic Hall which is converted each summer into a 148 seat, intimate performance space.
ART has presented over 300 productions and employed over 750 performers, directors, designers, and technicians, building a a strong audience base of both local residents and summer visitors over decades of performances.
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Acadian Boat Tours
207-801-2300
https://acadianboattours.com/public-boat-cruises/fishing-trips/
Come aboard the Acadian, Eden Star, Islander, Rambler and the Jennifer Ann. Our boats are clean and family-oriented and the Acadian & Eden Star are pet-friendly! The larger boats offer a snack bar and indoor heated cabin. All boats offer clean restrooms. Our boats are USCG Safety Inspected yearly.
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ArtWaves
207-266-0010
https://www.artwavesmdi.org/
ArtWaves is a simple concept with boundless opportunity, art for everyone and in multiple forms. This is the foundation of ArtWaves, our local community arts center. Our mission is to provide residents and visitors of Mount Desert Island, and the surrounding area, with accessible, affordable, and dynamic art and movement curriculum. We are a center of learning, engagement, and community where those at every age and skill level can experience and create art throughout the year.
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Atlantic Climbing School
207-288-2521
https://www.climbacadia.com/
Never rock climbed before or only climbed indoors? Looking for a good way to spend a day in Acadia or Camden? These courses are designed for the first-time climber. Our mission is to provide professional, fun and rewarding rock climbing experience for clients of all ages and abilities.
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Baker Island Acadia National Park Tour
207-288-2386
https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/baker-island.htm
Baker Island is one of the highlights of Acadia National Park. Travel aboard the M/V Miss Samantha to Baker Island and land on shore by launch. Join our Acadia National Park naturalist who will provide fascinating stories of human and natural history. On Baker Island, enjoy beautiful vistas, the dance floor rock formation, and the Gilley Farm dating back to 1804. Be sure to bring warm clothes and rain gear.
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Bar Harbor Ball Park
https://www.barharbormaine.gov/293/Athletic-Recreational-Facilities
Park Street Playground – Located on Park Street across from the ball fields, it is open year round.
Athletic Fields – Bar Harbor’s Ball fields are on the corner of Park Street and Main Street We have five fields used by our local sports teams at various times throughout the year.
Town Hill Playground – Located on Route 102 between Camden National Bank and Town Hill Fire Station.
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Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company
207-288-2386
https://www.barharborwhales.com/
Explore the breathtaking natural and historical sights of Maine with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, the largest boating tour company in the state. Our tours offer a unique opportunity to witness some of the most spectacular marine life and coastal scenery, including the majestic Acadia National Park.
Whale Watching Tours: Experience the thrill of seeing the largest animals on Earth up close, as well as a variety of other fascinating marine creatures. Our knowledgeable guides provide insights into whale behavior and the ecosystem, making for an unforgettable experience.
Lighthouse and National Park Tours: Discover the stunning lighthouses that dot the coastline and explore the unique beauty of Acadia National Park from the water. Enjoy picturesque views of the rugged shoreline, vibrant flora, and serene landscapes.
Lobster Fishing and Seal Watching: Dive into the local culture with our lobster fishing tours, where you can learn about the lobster industry and even help haul traps. Don’t miss the chance to spot seals basking on the rocks or swimming playfully in the water.
Puffin and Seabird Tours: For bird enthusiasts, our puffin and seabird tours offer a chance to see these colorful and charismatic birds in their natural habitat. Witness the incredible diversity of seabirds that call Maine home.
Frenchman Bay Nature Cruises: Relax and soak in the beauty of Frenchman Bay with our nature cruises, where you can enjoy the scenic surroundings, spot wildlife, and learn from our expert guides about the unique maritime environment.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company provides a range of unforgettable experiences that showcase the natural wonders and rich maritime history of Maine. Join us for a memorable adventure on the water!
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Bass Harbor Head Light
https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/bass-harbor-head-light-station.htm
The Bass Harbor Head Light Station is located in Tremont, Maine, marking the entrance to Bass Harbor and Blue Hill Bay on the southwest corner of Mount Desert Island. Among about 80 lighthouses across Maine, it is one of three lights managed by Acadia National Park, including two others on Baker Island and Bear Island. It appeared on the America the Beautiful quarter in 2012, the NPS centennial postage stamp in 2016, and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
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Carriage Trails and Hikes
www.acadiamagic.com
Very Easy: (smooth path over level ground)
Bar Harbor Shore Path, Cadillac Summit, Jordan Pond Nature Trail, WonderlandEasy: (uneven ground but fairly level)
Bar Island, Most Carriage Roads, Ship Harbor Nature Trail, Schooner Head Trail, Ocean PathModerate: (some steep grades, some level stretches)Beech Mountain Trail, Bowl Trail, Bubble Rock Trail, Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail, Champlain Mountain – Bear Brook Trail, Gorham Mountain Trail, Great Head Trail, Jordan Pond Shore Trail
Strenuous: (steep grades, many steady climbs)
Acadia Mountain Trail, Beehive Trail, Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail, Champlain Mountain – Beachcroft Trail, Dorr Mountain, Mansell Mountain, Norumbega Mountain – Goat Trail, Pemetic Mountain Trail, Precipice Trail -
The Criterion Theatre
207-288-0829
info@criteriontheatre.org
https://www.criteriontheatre.org/
The 1932 Criterion Theatre exists to serve the community as a beacon of the arts on MDI and the surrounding area.
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D’Amanda’s Candlepin Bowling Alley
207-667-9228
https://www.damandas.com/
Enjoy the nostalgia of this Candlepin Bowling Alley with the world’s oldest known candlepin pinsetter machines still in use.
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Diver Ed’s Dive-In Theatre
207-288-3483
https://www.diveintheater.com/
The Dive-In Theater adventure begins with a pleasant cruise to nearby Frenchman Bay. As you steam toward some of the bay’s most interesting dive spots, Diver Ed points out and discusses the surrounding wildlife. Once there, you and your kids help him suit up, and then push him overboard! As Diver Ed heads for the bottom, the boat turns into a mini-theater with LCD projector. While Ed’s assistant narrates topside, deep down below, Ed maneuvers his underwater video camera to capture live footage of the creatures that dwell at the bottom of the bay. You can even talk to Diver Ed while he’s underwater! Just before surfacing, Diver Ed manages to collect up dozens of deep-sea surprises to bring back to the boat for you and your family to experience first hand! As he tells you all sorts of fascinating facts about these amazing critters, you and your kids get to see them up close, even handle them! Afterward, all the creatures are returned safely to the bay, and you steam back to the dock having experienced one of the most fun and interesting adventures Maine has to offer! Two trips each week are led by an Acadia National Park Ranger.
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Down East Nature Tours
207-288-8128
https://www.downeastnaturetours.com/
Welcome to Down East Nature Tours, the leader in birding adventures based in Bar Harbor, Maine. Michael J. Good, MS has been offering personalized bird watching and nature tours since 1993 for individuals, couples, families and small groups. We help you discover the flora and fauna of Mt. Desert Island, Downeast and Northern Maine with a special emphasis on native and migratory birds such as Bald Eagles, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Shorebirds, Warblers, more.
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Downeast Sailing Adventure
207-288-2216
https://downeastsail.com/
Experience the Real Maine on Acadia’s Quiet Side as we sail among the Cranberry Islands and Somes Sound. Enjoy the breath taking vistas of Acadia National Park. Sit back and relax as we sail past the lighthouses, lobstermen, and magnificent summer “cottages” that make this world-class cruising area unique.
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Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines
207-546-2927
https://downeastwindjammer.com/
Enjoy a 1-1/2 to 2 hour windjammer cruise aboard the 151’ schooner. Sailing from Bar Harbor, enjoy your choice of a Morning Sail, Ranger-Narrated Sail, Afternoon Sail and Sunset Sail. Bring a picnic — fun for the whole family!
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Golf Of Maine
207-266-7560
https://golfofmaine.com/
Fishing together in the Gulf of Maine has inspired Holly and David to share their many sea stories, from harvesting lobsters, scallops, shrimp, and groundfish with visitors of Mount Desert Island (MDI).
By playing an 18-hole round of mini golf, guests will experience a fun way to learn about the Gulf of Maine and gain an appreciation for coastal communities and fishermen while getting up close and personal with live sea creatures.
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Harborside Hotel Spa
207-288-5033
https://www.opalcollection.com/harborside/spa/
Relax and recover at the Spa at Bar Harbor, a full-service spa that offers an extensive menu of head-to-toe treatments.
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Lulu Lobster Boat Ride
207-288-3136
207-963-2341
https://lululobsterboat.com/
Our wildly popular Maine boat tour is consistently one of the top-rated boat cruises in the region. We are the only lobster boat tour in Bar Harbor hosted on a traditional Downeast-style lobster boat, offering exclusive two-hour tours that are personal and unique. We sail from the heart of the Bar Harbor waterfront at the beautiful Harborside Hotel & Marina. Come experience what is sure to be a highlight of your time in Maine!
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MDI Biological Laboratory’s Public Tours
207-288-3605
https://mdibl.org/
Give your children the chance to see dogfish sharks, skates, and other marine animals up close while they learn how marine biomedical research at the laboratory contributes to improvements in human health.
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MDI Classic Charters
207-288-9045
http://elkspar.com/charters.html
MDI Classic Charters, owned and operated by Jim Elk of Elk Spar and Boatshop, has been offering a unique way to explore Mount Desert Island and her waters and outer islands for the past 15 years: on the deck of Premise, a classically beautiful wooden boat. Whether you choose a day sail, a week-long or even a month-long charter, Premise will take you on a once in a lifetime adventure.
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Mt. Desert Festival of Chamber Music
https://mtdesertfestival.org/
The Mt. Desert Festival of Chamber Music was started in 1963 at a time when Mt. Desert Island was culturally dormant. The goal of the festival was clear from the outset: to present a series based on the masterworks of the chamber music literature. Through its excellence and loyal list of subscribers, the festival became a premier institution in the state of Maine. We continue to expand the musical boundaries to include more music from the Baroque and pre-Classical eras, as well as contemporary and American works. At a time when many organizations are attempting to reach larger audiences by offering accessible and perhaps less challenging programming, it is the festival’s intention to continue the pattern of providing an enriching and musically intense listening experience for all who come to our concerts.
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Mt. Desert Island YMCA
207-288-3511
https://www.mdiymca.org/
For over ten decades the MDI YMCA has been at the center of health and fitness, sports and recreational athletics on the island of Mount Desert. We’ve helped train five generations of young men and women to win gracefully, lose with dignity, and above all, enjoy the satisfaction of a personal best effort. Our success can be seen of the faces of our members.
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Mt. Desert Land And Garden Preserve
207-276-3727
https://www.gardenpreserve.org/
Land & Garden Preserve manages and lovingly cares for 1400 acres of historic, public lands, gardens, and trails on Mount Desert Island, Maine.
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National Park Sea Kayak Tours
800-347-0940
https://mainestatekayak.com/
National Park Sea Kayak is dedicated to providing its guests with quality Ecological Sea Kayak Tours on the Western Side of Mount Desert Island. We have close to twenty seasons with a perfect safety record. National Park Sea Kayak is owned and operated by a Mount Desert Island native. Paddle with Experienced Professional Maine Sea Kayak Guides. Discover why the remote West Side is the preferred paddling area to: view wildlife, explore the undeveloped Coast of Maine and experience that off the beaten path feeling that many people seek out.
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The Natural History Center
207-266-9461
https://www.thenaturalhistorycenter.com/
Since 2010, The Natural History Center has been sharing our passion for the natural world. As a family-run business based out of Bar Harbor, Maine, we strive to make the natural world accessible and enjoyable by offering an array of experiences for all ages and interests, providing all the quality tools and resources you need. The Natural History center offers all manner of nature and adventure tours, year round. This includes birding, nature walks, tide-pool tours, hiking, bicycling, sea kayaking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, and snoe shoeing. We cater specificaslly to families and small groups with most of our tours being private-guided.
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Oli’s Trolley-Acadia Island Tours
866-987-6553
207-266-9899
https://olistrolley.com/
Our fully narrated tours of Mount Desert Island are a fun, relaxing way to discover the unique treasures of the island. Enjoy our friendly guides’ knowledge and flair for storytelling as you journey past historic landmarks and fantastic scenery.
For new visitors and returning guests alike, Oli’s Trolley offers an unforgettable way to explore Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Join us to see why guests say it’s the best tour they have ever taken!
We can accommodate manual wheelchair needs on our Acadia National park tours with an advance reservation, which must be made via telephone with an agent to ensure availability.
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Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
207-288-2133
https://www.piratescove.net/locations/maine/bar-harbor/
At Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf the legends of infamous pirates come to life. Enter the 18th century and see carousing buccaneers along with an authentic, full-scale pirate ship. Putt your way through mountain caves, over footbridges, and under magical waterfalls.
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Reel Pizza Cinerama
207-288-3811
https://www.reelpizza.net/now-playing
Reel Pizza offers a unique movie-going experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the state of Maine. We show quality Hollywood, art, independent, and foreign language films in stereo-surround sound in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. Inside you’ll find fixed theatre seats as well as couches and recliners. Not only can you get great popcorn with a variety of toppings and your favorite movie candy but also juice, soda, beer and wine, nachos and fresh-dough pizza.
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Selkie Sauna
selkiesauna@gmail.com
https://www.selkiesauna.com
Mobile saunas offer a unique and versatile way to experience the benefits of sauna therapy and cold plunging, on the move. Selkie Sauna can bring the sauna experience to you, whether it’s to the woods, the sea, or even your own backyard. Perfect for a bridal shower, company event, birthday, a day with friends, and much more. Experience the freedom of sauna therapy, wherever your adventures take you!
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Timber Tina Great Maine Lumberjack Show
207-266-5486
info@mainelumberjack.com
https://mainelumberjack.com/
12 exciting events packed into an hour and 15-minute show. Axe throwing. Log Rolling. Underhand Chopping. Power Hot Sawing. Obstacle Pole Relay. Crosscut Sawing. Pole Climbing… And More! Rain or Shine!
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Vital Pilates, Inc.
Mara D. Raskin
302-383-5466
Friday & Saturday 9:00am yoga classes on the Bar Harbor Club lawn. All are always welcome!!
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Volta Climbing Gym
207-412-0488
info@voltaclimbing.com
https://voltaclimbing.com/
Nurturing community is at the heart of Volta. The climbing aspect of our gym is a passion-inspired means to bring people together in a healthy, supportive, and playful way. In addition, Volta offers dynamic fitness options, group experiences, teams and more, to encourage you to learn new skills and make new connections. Volta is committed to personal growth and community building.
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Acadia by Carriage
207-600-7204
info@acadiabycarriage.com
https://acadiabycarriage.com/
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Bikes & Boats
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Acadia Stand Up Paddle Boarding
207-610-2970
https://www.acadiasup.com/
The beautiful lakes and bays in and around Acadia National Park await you! As the first and only destination for all things paddle boarding in downwest Maine, we are passionate about what we do and helping you discover the wonders of stand up paddling. We offer group or private SUP trips, SUP yoga, and paddleboard rentals.
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Acadia 1 Watersports
207-812-0777
http://www.kayak1.com/
We deliver sea kayaks to Lamoine Beach, one mile from our location; from here there are dozens of paddling options for all skill levels. There are several protected coves, many have active Bald Eagle’s nests. For the experienced paddlers looking for big water; the massive saltwater Skilling’s River will challenge even the most experienced paddlers. Foam blocks and straps are included with your rental at no additional cost; transport the boat yourself and save the delivery fees.
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Acadia Bike Rentals
207-288-9605
800-526-8615
https://www.acadiabike.com/
There’s no better way to experience Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island, Maine, than by bicycling. At Acadia Bike, we have the equipment and expertise to make your biking adventure one you’ll remember for years to come. We have everything you need, whether you plan to pedal on the island’s wonderful carriage roads or plan to take the more heavily used Park Loop Road. Our friendly professionals at Acadia Bike will give you all the advice you need for a great day of bicycling. We’re conveniently located at 48 Cottage Street in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park.
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Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop
207-288-3886
https://barharborbike.com/
The Bar Harbor Bike Shop has served the year-round needs of the recreational and sport bikers on Mount Desert Island for more than 25 years. Local residents and visitors from around the world rent, buy, and ride our bikes. From children’s tricycles to high-performance off-road and racing bikes, Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop offers the best name brands, the highest quality equipment, and a knowledgeable staff.
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Coastal Kayaking Tours
207-288-9605
https://www.acadiafun.com/
Coastal Kayaking Tours provides a wide variety of exciting tours, with most of them conducted among the dramatic Porcupine Islands in Frenchman Bay. Whether you are an experienced paddler, or brand new to the sport, we have a tour that is perfect for you.
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Ellis Boat Charters
207-266-7911
charters@ellisboat.com
https://ellisboatcharters.com/
Ellis Boat Charters offer high-quality, fully insured, and professionally maintained boats for cruising the Maine coast. Fully immerse yourself in boating by living aboard as you venture the Maine coast for an extended vacation. Or enjoy an Ellis Charter boat as an extension of your sea-side residence, making day trips to all of your favorite local retreats. Our charter fleet currently includes a number of Ellis 36s, a Hinckley Talaria, and a Wilbur 38 Flybridge Cruiser. All Charter vessels include a small tender on davits and proper cruising/safety equipment.
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Get Out Sailing
207-956-0838
mike@getoutsailing.com
https://getoutsailing.com/
Get Out Sailing was created by Mike and Michelle Brzezowski to bring the joy of sailing the coast of Acadia National Park and MDI to visitors and locals alike. It was formed in the winter of 2021 while dreaming of summer sailing adventures.
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Island Bike Rental
207-276-5611
207-266-3217
https://islandbikerental.weebly.com/
Northeast, Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park offer visitors many different cycling adventures. The park’s 35,000 acres include 57 miles of well marked, car free, carriage roads. Travel through evergreen forests, by pristine lakes, across Rockefeller’s granite bridges. We offer several types of rentals. From our most popular; recreational bicycles, perfect for the carriage roads and around town, to road or hybrid bikes, best for a ride round the Park Loop Road.
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Island Cruises
207-244-5785
islandcruisesinfo@gmail.com
https://bassharborcruises.com/contact/
Started over 30 years ago by the Strauss family this business now has a third generation working on the boat and learning the ropes. We drive the boat, work in the office, answer emails and maintain and improve the boats during the winter. The boat rides are our favorite thing to do and we are so pleased to share a bit of the coast of Maine with our passengers.
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Maine State Sea Kayak
207-244-9500
https://mainestatekayak.com/
Since 1990, Maine State Sea Kayak has been delighting adventurers with specialized kayak tours in Acadia National Park and along the coastlines of MDI. Our excursions primarily utilize tandem sea kayaks made here in Maine. This allows us an opportunity to cover larger distances in a safe and comfortable manner.
Our guide team works diligently to choose the best routes for our participants, highlighting natural, historic, and cultural wonders of the Acadia region. Our routes allow us to respectfully paddle through wildlife habitat, to feel solitude on our excursions, and to focus on providing more purposeful paddling opportunities!
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MDI Community Sailing Center
207-244-7905
info@mdisailing.org
https://mdisailing.org/
Non-profit sailing club in Southwest Harbor, Maine.
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National Park Canoe And Kayak Rental
207-244-5854
https://www.nationalparkcanoerental.com/
Sunsets, sunny summer days, misty evenings where every sound is magnified by the mist, paddling on the water at Long Pond has many faces. You can choose your sport, too. Grab paddle boards and beat your friends to Pond’s end, or pack a picnic and kayak to an island. The fishing is great, too, and our stable canoes are an excellent way to go where the fish are.
All our equipment is top-quality, safe and fun. Pick your paddle, and get out on the water.
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National Park Sea Kayak Tours
800-347-0940
https://mainestatekayak.com/
National Park Sea Kayak is dedicated to providing its guests with quality Ecological Sea Kayak Tours on the Western Side of Mount Desert Island. We have close to twenty seasons with a perfect safety record. National Park Sea Kayak is owned and operated by a Mount Desert Island native. Paddle with Experienced Professional Maine Sea Kayak Guides. Discover why the remote West Side is the preferred paddling area to: view wildlife, explore the undeveloped Coast of Maine and experience that off the beaten path feeling that many people seek out.
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Mansell Boat Rentals
207-244-5625
https://www.mansellboatrentals.com/
We provide sailboat rentals, sailing lessons, motorboat rentals, captain services, and personalized sightseeing tours for the Acadia National Park area surrounding Mount Desert Island, Maine. Located at the southern entrance to Somes Sound right next to the Hinckley Yacht Yard in Southwest Harbor, Mansell Boat Rentals has the right selection and expertise to help make your visit to the area a truly memorable one. You will soon see why there is nothing quite like experiencing Acadia from the ocean.
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Morris Yachts
207 664-8111
207 244-5509
https://morrisyachts.com/
For more than 40 years, Morris Yachts has been building sailboats by hand, one at a time, by Maine’s finest craftsmen. Started by Tom Morris, and now continued by his son Cuyler, the family’s boatbuilding tradition upholds the same values now as it did then: Every boat should be stunning, deliver supreme performance, and be crafted with the type of quality, precision, and attention to detail that will turn heads wherever she goes.
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Pedego Electric Bikes Bar Harbor
207-801-9252
https://pedegoelectricbikes.com/dealers/bar-harbor/
Pedego Bar Harbor is a locally-owned store where you’ll be treated like family. As the region’s foremost electric bike experts, we put our hearts into helping you find the perfect electric bike and get the most out of it for many years to come.
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Southwest Cycle Shop
207-244-5856
http://southwestcycle.com/
Southwest Cycle is a full service bike shop that sells and rents road and mountain bikes, repairs all brands of bicycles, and sells clothing, shoes and accessories.
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Acadia Stand Up Paddle Boarding
207-610-2970
https://www.acadiasup.com/
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Museums & Libraries
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Abbe Museum
207-288-3519
https://www.abbemuseum.org/
In recent years, the Abbe has grown from a small trailside museum, privately operated within Acadia National Park, to an exciting contemporary museum in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor. In 2013, the Museum became the first and only Smithsonian Affiliate in the state of Maine. At the Abbe’s downtown museum, visitors find dynamic and stimulating exhibitions and activities interspersed with spaces for quiet reflection. The history and cultures of the Native people in Maine, the Wabanaki, are showcased through changing exhibitions, special events, teacher workshops, archaeology field schools, and workshops for children and adults.
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Bar Harbor Historical Society
207-288-0000
https://barharborhistorical.org/
The Bar Harbor Historical Society is one of Bar Harbor’s best used public spaces: the #1 cultural community center for the village and one of the top five “must see” destinations on Mount Desert Island. The Society is a community and institutional leader that welcomes residents and visitors alike to discover the past in order to understand the present, and to take pride in community connections.
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Bass Harbor Memorial Library
207-244-3798
https://bassharborlibrary.com/
Bass Harbor Memorial Library is a Public library. This library is the central facility for the library system that serves Bernard, ME.
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Carroll Homestead
207 288-3338
https://www.nps.gov/acad/learn/historyculture/carroll-family-homestead.htm
In the late 1700s and early 1800s, settlers came to Mount Desert Island to build houses, create farms and live off the land and sea. For 92 years, three generations of Carrolls lived on this traditional New England homestead near present-day Somesville. Together, the family worked the small-scale farm to provide their needs, supplimented by income from jobs in the village. After the family moved into the main town in 1919, the homestead continued to be used by Carroll family relatives as a place of retreat and remembrance. It was donated to Acadia National Park in 1982, and today visitors from around the world come to explore the preserved historic site and learn about homestead life on Mount Desert Island.
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Dorr Museum Of Natural History
207-288-5015
https://www.coa.edu/dorr-museum/
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.
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Garland Farm - Beatrix Farrand Society
207-288-0237
https://www.beatrixfarrandsociety.org/garland-farm/
Garland Farm is a historic house and garden property at 475 Bay View Drive in Bar Harbor, Maine. The property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, is significant as the last home of the noted landscape designer Beatrix Farrand, and is now owned by the Beatrix Farrand Society.
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Great Harbor Maritime Museum
207-276-5262
http://greatharbor.mainememory.net/page/2809/display.html
The Great Harbor Maritime Museum is located on Main Street in Northeast Harbor. The former town fire station has undergone various renovations and changes since its donation to Great Harbor Inc. to build the monument to local maritime that it is today. Throughout the years, the museum has hosted events ranging from model boat regattas to lectures from notable boat builders and other prominent guests.
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Isleford Historical Museum
207-288-3338
https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/islesford-historical-museum.htm
Explore the Cranberry Isles and the lives of their hardy inhabitants in the Islesford Historical Museum on Little Cranberry Island. On permanent exhibit in every corner of the museum are objects—many of them everyday tools of their time—that tell stories of island life: sextant and octants, harpoon gun and ship clocks, store ledgers and weights.
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Jesup Memorial Library – Bar Harbor
207-288-4245
https://www.jesuplibrary.org/
Located in the village of Bar Harbor, the Jesup Memorial Library offers a large collection of books, books on tape, public computers, wireless internet, children’s programs, concerts, workshops, and fine art exhibits. The huge annual book sale on the third Saturday in August is famous throughout New England.
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Maine Granite Museum
207-244-7299
https://www.mainegraniteindustry.org/
The Society’s mission is to collect and preserve the history of the quarrying industry in Maine and New England. Our vision for the museum is to make that history come alive for school children and the general public.
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Mount Desert Island Historical Society
207.276.9323
info@mdihistory.org
https://mdihistory.org/
We foster meaningful engagement with the histories of Mount Desert Island.
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Mount Desert Oceanarium
207-288-5005
https://theoceanarium.org/
The Gulf of Maine is home to uncountable bizarre and otherworldly creatures that live beneath the waves, atop the waves, and along our shores. It’s also home to numerous coastal communities whose residents make their living from the sea and visitors from near and far who enjoy our beaches, marshes, and waterways.
The mission of the Oceanarium is to bring a small piece of this exotic world to the surface so visitors can gain a window into the everyday lives of these incredible creatures and the lives of people who depend on them.
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Northeast Harbor Library
207-276-3333
https://nehlibrary.org/
- Serving not only as a reliable resource for reading materials, the Northeast Harbor Library boasts an outstanding children’s library, provides private study and meeting spaces, and enjoys a robust schedule of activities, presentations, and events throughout the year and especially in the summer season.
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Seal Cove Auto Museum
207-244-9242
https://www.sealcoveautomuseum.org/
The Seal Cove Auto Museum fosters joyful experiences for people of all ages and interests. Our collection features some of the earliest automobiles and motorcycles, as well as clothing and accessories, from 1895 through the early 1920s. Antique auto enthusiasts, history buffs, as well as anyone who simply loves stories or wants to experience something entirely different, will delight in this unique collection.
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Somesville Library
207-244-7065
https://www.somesvillelibrary.org/
The Somesville Library is a quaint community space in the village of Somesville, located in Mount Desert, Maine. Walking in the door feels like stepping back in time, yet patrons have access to a contemporary collection of fiction and free Wi-Fi.
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Southwest Harbor Public Library
207-244-7065
https://swhplibrary.org/
Open Doors…Open Minds is a synopsis of our mission statement: “The Southwest Harbor Public Library encourages the enjoyment of reading and the pleasure of life-long learning by welcoming all through its doors.” Our shared vision for the library is that our doors are open to everyone, and inquisitive minds will thrive here. We invite you to open the door to a myriad of ways of opening your mind. You are always welcome.
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Wendell Gilley Museum
207-244-7555
https://www.wendellgilleymuseum.org/
Wendell Gilley delighted in helping others find connections with nature and creativity. Our Museum sustains his legacy through vibrant art exhibitions and a wide range of hands-on creative and educational programs for all ages.
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Yourcenar House
207-276-3940
https://www.petiteplaisanceconservationfund.org/
The simple white country house, with its dormers and pleasant gardens, has been maintained, according to Marguerite Yourcenar’s final wishes, exactly as she last saw it. There, visitors may find not only a repository of her books, art objects, and memorabilia but the very ambiance in which her creativity flourished.
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Abbe Museum
207-288-3519
https://www.abbemuseum.org/
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Weddings & Events
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Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center
800-336-2463
https://barharbormainehotel.com/weddings/
The Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center is one of Bar Harbor’s most beautiful oceanfront destinations. Our wedding specialists offer stress-free planning with custom menus, an unforgettable ceremony and an exquisite reception
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Bar Harbor Weddings
720-273-0962
https://www.barharborweddings.com/
Performs personalized wedding ceremonies in Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island and surrounding communities. We will coordinate and officiate at your upcoming wedding. Whether you choose an intimate, private ceremony or an elaborate, elegant ceremony, we offer professional and courteous services and will quickly respond to your inquiries. We are available 7 days a week all year for weddings at sunrise, sunset and all other times.
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Bar Harbor Inn Oceanfront Resort and Spa
844-814-1668
https://barharborinn.com/the-hotel/
Create lasting memories on your special day! Outstanding location for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners and showers. Spectacular setting on the waterfront, with downtown convenience. Function room features private deck with fabulous ocean views. Truly elegant accommodations and incomparable personal service. Professional menu planning and complete bridal service. Close to Acadia National Park.
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The Bar Harbor Regency Hotel & Marina
877-237-3610
https://www.barharborregency.com/weddings
The Bar Harbor Regency is capable of catering groups of 10 to 500. Our Food and Beverage team is capable of preparing and serving meals to all tastes, from a continental breakfast buffet to a full-service seven-course dinner and everything in between. Our staff will gladly work with your vendors and other contractors.
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Burke's Hollow Florist on the Westside
207-244-3540
https://www.burkeshollowwestsideflorist.com/
For the best and freshest flowers in Southwest Harbor, Burke’s Hollow Florist on the Westside has exactly what you’re looking for! Check out our wide selection of flower arrangements to make your next occasion memorable.
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Camp Beech Cliff
207-244-0365
https://www.campbeechcliff.org/rentals
Camp Beech Cliff hosts many gatherings each year. From multi-day weddings in the amphitheater, to more intimate lakeside team retreats and afternoon birthday parties on the climbing wall, CBC has a space to make your group experience memorable. The resources of Acadia Leadership Institute are also always available to add the experiences that will make your visit to Mount Desert Island unforgettable.
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Cottage Flowers
207-288-2509
https://cottageflowersmaine.com/
Fresh garden flowers and and classic blooms are just the beginning. Cottage Flowers specializes in creating individual floral arrangements that celebrate your occasion and match it in spirit and style.
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Floret
207-460-9162
floretmaine@gmail.com
https://www.floretmaine.com/weddings-and-events/
From the smallest detail to the final display. Every wedding is unique and special, no matter how big or small. Let us make your dream a reality.
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The Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina
866-258-7253
https://www.opalcollection.com/harborside/
Imagine exchanging your vows in a picturesque setting at the Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina, surrounded by the stunning beauty of nature and the warmth of exceptional service. Our expert wedding professionals are dedicated to making your dream wedding a reality, crafting custom menus, personalized ceremonies, and lavish receptions that reflect your unique style and vision.
From an intimate gathering to a grand celebration, our dedicated team will work closely with you to bring your vision to life. With our extensive expertise and attention to detail, you can relax and enjoy every moment of your special day. At Bar Harbor Resorts, we’re committed to making y
- Juniper Catering 207-266-3633 juniperkitchenmdi@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/juniperkitchencranberryisles/
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Queen Anne’s Flower Shop
207-288-2860
http://www.queenannesflowershop.com/
Intuitive attention to your personal vision. Event design, local and eco-friendly floral arrangements.
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R. L. Sisson Events
401-935-6704
https://www.rlsissonevents.com/
A full-service event collective based on Mount Desert Island, Maine. We have a shared passion for creating experiences that transcend time and place and leave an indelible impression of joyfulness on friends and family for years to come.
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Terramor Outdoor Resort
207-288-7500
info@terramoroutdoorresort.com
https://terramoroutdoorresort.com/our-locations/bar-harbor/experiences/weddings/
Whether you’re dreaming of a small intimate elopement or a gathering of grandeur, Terramor will ensure you and your guests are immersed in the beautiful ambience of nature.
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Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center
800-336-2463
https://barharbormainehotel.com/weddings/
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Medical Needs & Pet Care
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Acadia Veterinary Hospital
207-288-5733
https://acadiaveterinary.com/
At Acadia Veterinary Hospital, we treat each pet in a loving, individual manner but are consistent in giving all of our pets the loving attention it needs to get well. With a complete staff of qualified veterinarians plus our caring staff of pet providers, we will care for your pet like one of our own. Quality care, quality facilities, we are here to serve your pet’s needs on a regular or emergency basis. Acadia Veterinary will not only give your pet the care it needs, but will suggest a balanced plan of nutrition to keep your pet healthy and well.
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Acadia Woods Kennel
207-288-9766
https://www.dogsatacadiawoods.com/home-page
A modern full service pet care facility, centrally located in the small village of Town Hill on Mount Desert Island. Sited in a quiet evergreen forest, we strive to be counted among the best kennels in Maine. Acadia Woods Kennel was established in 1996 by the present owner. Acadia Woods Kennel is a clean, safe, secure environment. Our staff provides for each pet’s individual needs.
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Aspen Dental Emergency Dental Care
Ellsworth
207-669-4826 https://www.aspendental.com/Relief is right around the corner with our dedicated emergency dentist and dental care services in your neighborhood.
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ConvenientMD Urgent Care
235 High St
Ellsworth
207-412-5200ConvenientMD Urgent Care in Ellsworth, ME offers accessible and affordable care right in your backyard—so you can get the care you need, when you need it (for less than a visit to the ER). We have a full medical team on site for minor emergencies and routine care, ready to treat patients of all ages in a welcoming environment. No appointment needed—just walk in to our urgent care clinic in Ellsworth today or register online to save your spot in line.
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Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic
207-989-6267
https://emevc.com/
The dedicated team at Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Brewer, ME, stands ready to deliver exceptional emergency and urgent care for your cherished pets.
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Go Vet Go
Dr. Brandi Smith
207 337-6100
https://www.govetgopets.com/
Dr. Brandi recently relocated to Maine from Chester,VT where from 2011 through 2019, she owned and operated a busy solo small animal practice. She has extensive experience providing wellness, medical and surgical services for cats and dogs. Her favorite thing in the world is helping pets and their people have happy healthy lives together. She will do anything she can to help you and your pet family members thrive!
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Mount Desert Island Hospital Emergency
10 Wayman Lane
Bar Harbor
207-288-5081 https://www.mdihospital.org/service-at-mdi-hospital/emergency-department/ -
Northern Light Health Care
32 Resort Way
Ellsworth
207-664-7751 https://northernlighthealth.org/Our-System/Maine-Coast-HospitalNorthern Light Walk-in Care is your go-to option for prompt medical care for minor illnesses and injuries, available every day. If your primary care doctor is unavailable, you don’t have a physician, or you’re visiting from out of town, simply walk into any Northern Light Walk-in Care Center. You’ll receive expert, compassionate, and immediate care for a range of issues, including broken bones, sprains, strains, minor injuries, and various illnesses. Our dedicated team is committed to providing the support you need, ensuring a quick and effective treatment process.
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Oceanside Animal Hospital
207-664-2944
https://www.oceansidepetvet.com/
Welcome to Oceanside Animal Hospital, where we provide friendly and professional care for your furry family members! Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring your pets receive the highest quality of veterinary services in a compassionate and welcoming environment. Whether it’s a routine check-up, vaccinations, or treatment for an illness, we are here to support the health and well-being of your beloved companions. Thank you for trusting us with your pet’s care!
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Acadia Veterinary Hospital
207-288-5733
https://acadiaveterinary.com/
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Just For Kids
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Artwaves
1345 ME-102
Bar Harbor
207-266-0010 https://www.artwavesmdi.org/ArtWaves is a simple concept with boundless opportunity, art for everyone and in multiple forms. This is the foundation of ArtWaves, our local community arts center. Our mission is to provide residents and visitors of Mount Desert Island, and the surrounding area, with accessible, affordable, and dynamic art and movement curriculum. We are a center of learning, engagement, and community where those at every age and skill level can experience and create art throughout the year.
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Be A Junior Ranger
207-288-3338
https://www.nps.gov/kids/junior-rangers.htm
When you arrive in Acadia National Park, stop by the visitor center, nature center, or one of the park campgrounds to purchase your junior ranger booklet. There is a booklet for ages 8 and older and another for ages 7 and younger. You will then be ready to begin your junior ranger training! Complete activities in the booklet and attend ranger programs, then take the completed booklet back to the visitor center, nature center, or park campgrounds. A park employee will check your answers, sign your booklet and give you an official Acadia National Park junior ranger patch. You can take it home and show all your friends!!
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Camp Beech Cliff
207-244-0365
https://www.campbeechcliff.org/
At Camp Beech Cliff, we focus on the physical, social and emotional development of our campers by engaging them in fun and challenging activities. Our programs are designed around groups of campers becoming friends and mastering challenges together as a team. We also focus on skills-based activities. Throughout the summer, campers have the opportunity to develop progressive skills in nine program areas (such as swimming, visual arts, and nature).
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Charlotte Rhoades Park & Butterfly Garden
191 Main Street
Southwest Harbor
https://www.rhoadesbutterflygarden.org/visit.htmlStroll through the garden or sit and observe the butterfly activity that varies from day to day. Make the most of your day trip to Mount Desert Island with everything you need to know.
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Diver Ed’s Dive-In Theatre
207-288-3483
https://www.diveintheater.com/
The Dive-In Theater adventure begins with a pleasant cruise to nearby Frenchman Bay. As you steam toward some of the bay’s most interesting dive spots, Diver Ed points out and discusses the surrounding wildlife. Once there, you and your kids help him suit up, and then push him overboard! As Diver Ed heads for the bottom, the boat turns into a mini-theater with LCD projector. While Ed’s assistant narrates topside, deep down below, Ed maneuvers his underwater video camera to capture live footage of the creatures that dwell at the bottom of the bay. You can even talk to Diver Ed while he’s underwater! Just before surfacing, Diver Ed manages to collect up dozens of deep-sea surprises to bring back to the boat for you and your family to experience first hand! As he tells you all sorts of fascinating facts about these amazing critters, you and your kids get to see them up close, even handle them! Afterward, all the creatures are returned safely to the bay, and you steam back to the dock having experienced one of the most fun and interesting adventures Maine has to offer! Two trips each week are led by an Acadia National Park Ranger.
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Golf of Maine
55 Main St
Southwest Harbor
207-266-7560 https://golfofmaine.com/Fishing together in the Gulf of Maine has inspired Holly and David to share their many sea stories, from harvesting lobsters, scallops, shrimp, and groundfish with visitors of Mount Desert Island (MDI).
By playing an 18-hole round of mini golf, guests will experience a fun way to learn about the Gulf of Maine and gain an appreciation for coastal communities and fishermen while getting up close and personal with live sea creatures.
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Mt. Desert Island YMCA
21 Park St.
Bar Harbor
207-288-3511 https://www.mdiymca.org/For over ten decades the MDI YMCA has been at the center of health and fitness, sports and recreational athletics on the island of Mount Desert. We’ve helped train five generations of young men and women to win gracefully, lose with dignity, and above all, enjoy the satisfaction of a personal best effort. Our success can be seen of the faces of our members.
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The Neighborhood House
Northeast Harbor
207-276-5039 https://www.theneighborhoodhouse.com/The Neighborhood House offers a wide array of programs for all age groups, from toddlers to seniors. The Neighborhood House prides itself on the flexibility of its programs, and the ability to alter or add programs in order to meet the needs of the community. If you have any ideas for community programs, please do not hesitate to let us know.
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Playgrounds
Park Street Playground (In Bar Harbor next to the YMCA).
Southwest Harbor Playground (329 Main St. behind the Harbor House).
Town Hill Playground (On Rt # 102 between the Camden National Bank and the Town Hill Fire Station).
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Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
368 State Highway 3
Bar Harbor
207-288-2133 https://www.piratescove.net/At Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf the legends of infamous pirates come to life. Enter the 18th century and see carousing buccaneers along with an authentic, full-scale pirate ship. Putt your way through mountain caves, over footbridges, and under magical waterfalls.
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Summer Festival of the Arts
207-244-3855
https://www.sfoamaine.org/
The mission of SFOA is to encourage a community of artists of all ages where children can express themselves creatively through a wide range of artistic endeavors, gain a lifelong appreciation for the diversity of the creative spirit, and celebrate that creativity through the performing and non-performing arts.
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Artwaves