If you’re planning a visit to Bar Harbor and you’re concerned about the National Park closure, Mount Desert Island is filled with places to hike and explore that are outside of Acadia National Park. Government shutdown or not, you can still experience the island and so much of what it has to offer, including: hiking, boat tours, museums, restaurants, shops, art galleries, bike rentals, kayak trips, and more. We have created a quick list to help you explore beyond Acadia.
Featuring a historic Mount Desert Island farm, this 128-acre preserve is surrounded by scenic fields and pleasant forests that lead to Northeast Creek.
Located in a quiet western corner of Bar Harbor, Blue Horizons is an ideal spot for people seeking a peaceful walk in the woods to a picturesque shoreline.
Hiking trails and carriage roads are open all year round from dawn until dusk.
This 36-acre preserve in Somesville features meadows, salt marsh, and a small wooded area that attracts wildlife throughout the year.
In the center of Mount Desert Island, this expansive preserve is within a 2,000-acre block of protected land teeming with wildlife.
A year-round recreational destination, Kelley Farm in Bernard offers dramatic views of the area, including the mountains of Acadia National Park.
Trails that are outside of the Park boundaries from Northeast Harbor village up to Lower Hadlock Pond and to the Asticou Stream.
This is a very popular area for fishing, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Located in the historic Maine coastal village of Somesville, on Mt. Desert Island, the Sanctuary protects and conserves over 250 acres of forested and wetland areas surrounding Somes Pond, and provides public access to these areas via well-maintained trails.
The preserve supports abundant wildlife; the careful visitor may see white-tailed deer, porcupine, snowshoe hares, ruby-crowned kinglets or osprey. The preserve is home to at least 12 species of warblers and six members of the woodpecker family, including black-backed and pileated woodpeckers.
Relaxing schooner tours around Frenchman Bay and the islands.
Sight seeing and nature cruises (Top rated by TripAdvisor)
Lobster boat tours on a traditional Downeast-style lobster boat.
Whale watch tours, along with historical light house tours, and nature cruises.
Sea kayaking tours offered in the ocean waters on both sides of Mount Desert Island.
Canoe and kayak rentals located next to Long Pond.
Bicycle shop offering sales and rentals from children’s tricycles to high-performance off-road and racing bikes.
Rental and tour company offering scooter, kayak and bicycle rentals and area tour services.
Bicycle rental company offering traditional and e-bike options for a wide range of ages, along with hiking and biking tours.
The Asticou Azalea Garden is an inspiring garden at the Lawn & Garden Preserve, combining the best natural features of Mount Desert Island with design elements inspired by classic Japanese gardens.
The Preserve’s beloved garden on a hill, Thuya Garden is a quiet place to wander, reflect and enjoy nature’s beauty.
Stroll 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.
Personalized birding and nature tours on Mount Dessert Island.
Fully narrated trolley tours of Bar Harbor.
Inspiring learning about the Wabanaki Nations through exhibits, activities, and programs for all ages. A Smithsonian Affiliate.
Learn about the history of Bar Harbor inside the La Rochelle mansion and museum.
Jennifer Booher gave a slide talk about her research into stained-glass windows in Bar Harbor buildings. The project began as a photo-essay for the Mt. Desert Island Historical Society in 2019, and has since been awarded two Maine Arts Commission Grants to support research travel.
The library opens doors with our activities and resources for those who live and work here, and for those who visit.
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.
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.
The newly renovated and restored 1932 theatre is a nonprofit cinema offering first-run Hollywood films, a variety of live shows, music, dance, and children’s programming.
A unique movie theater where you can order you dinner and watch a movie while eating.
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.
A TRUE LANDMARK IN BAR HARBOR! Enter the world of 18th century pirates--carousing buccaneers, an authentic, full-scale pirate ship, and lavish landscaping. Putt your way through mountain caves, over footbridges and under cascading waterfalls!
Fishing-Inspired 18-Hole Discovery Mini Golf in Maine. Conveniently located in the heart of Southwest Harbor, Maine, just minutes from Acadia National Park!
Established in 1888, 8th Oldest Golf Club in the Country, and Oldest Golf Club in the State. Rich in Tradition, Endless in Surprises, Incapable of Being Mastered, Once Played, Never Loses Its Attraction.
The Northeast Harbor Golf Club was established in 1895 on Mount Desert Island near the shores of the only fjord on the east coast of North America.
