Mount Desert Island
Formed by glaciers some 18,000 years ago, Mount Desert Island (MDI) is the jewel of the Down East region. It offers vast geographical variety, from freshwater lakes to dense forests, and from stark granite cliffs to voluptuous river valleys. There are many ways to experience the 108-sq-mile island's natural beauty, whether hiking the forested mountains, swimming in the secluded lakes or kayaking along the rocky coast. About two-thirds of Mount Desert Island belongs to Acadia National Park, one of New England's biggest draws.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Mount Desert Island
New England's only national park turned 100 in 2016 – it's a fine-looking centenarian. Within its borders are impressive coastal landmarks and great…
Acadia National Park
Don't leave the park without driving – or hiking – to the 1530ft summit of Cadillac Mountain. For panoramic views of Frenchman Bay, walk the paved 0.5…
Acadia National Park
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…
Acadia National Park
On clear days, the glassy waters of this 176-acre pond reflect the image of Penobscot Mountain like a mirror. A stroll around the pond and its surrounding…
Mount Desert Island
Some of the most beautiful gardens on the island lie hidden atop a forest-backed bluff overlooking the east side of the harbor. Flowers bursting with…
Mount Desert Island
For rainy-day amusement, pay a visit to this handsomely designed museum, which displays the exquisite wooden carvings of Wendell Gilley, one of the world…
Mount Desert Island
Created in 1957, this lovely 2.3-acre garden is laced with paths, little shelters and ornamental Japanese-style bridges. Azaleas and rhododendrons bloom…
Mount Desert Island
There is only one lighthouse on Mount Desert Island; it sits in the somnolent village of Bass Harbor in the far southwest corner of the park. Built in…
Attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
Mount Desert Island
Look out for new-release movies, concerts and one-off events (comedy nights, puppet shows) at this charming downtown theater, built in 1932 and rich in…
Mount Desert Island
Four-hour kayak tours leave at various times (morning, afternoon and sunset) and explore Mount Desert Island's 'Quietside' – the remote west coast. Small…
Mount Desert Island
Save the ales! About 10 miles northwest of downtown Bar Harbor, this brewery is well worth a visit – for free daily tours (at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm, June to…
Mount Desert Island
This post-dinner must is a cult hit for innovative ice-cream flavors such as stout beer with fudge, chocolate with wasabi, and blueberry-basil sorbet. The…
Mount Desert Island
This downtown museum contains a fascinating collection of cultural artifacts related to Maine's Native American heritage – particularly the Wabanaki…
Mount Desert Island
There is only one lighthouse on Mount Desert Island; it sits in the somnolent village of Bass Harbor in the far southwest corner of the park. Built in…
Mount Desert Island
Head here to mingle with locals and lobstermen over a pint and some hearty, inexpensive seafood or a great-value burger. There's live music Friday and…
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Here's what you can't miss in Bar Harbor: our guide to the Maine attractionsNov 19, 2021 • 5 min read
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