Islesford Historical Museum

Mount Desert Island


Run by the National Park Service, this appealing little museum gives the lowdown on all things Cranberry Isles–related. Exhibits cover everything from lobstering life to the island's impressive number of artisans and poets. Several ranger talks happen daily – call a park office for times.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mount Desert Island attractions

2. Whistler Cove

1.98 MILES

This pretty stretch of rocky shoreline backed by pine forest is reached by a short trail (one-mile round-trip) that starts near the Great Cranberry Island…

3. Thuya Garden

3.25 MILES

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…

4. Asticou Azalea Garden

3.68 MILES

Created in 1957, this lovely 2.3-acre garden is laced with paths, little shelters and ornamental Japanese-style bridges. Azaleas and rhododendrons bloom…

5. Wendell Gilley Museum

4.61 MILES

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…

6. Thunder Hole

4.78 MILES

Waves rush into a natural opening carved into the rocks to create a thunderous splash, reaching high into the air when conditions are right. Steps from…

7. Jordan Pond

5.22 MILES

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…

8. Sand Beach

5.45 MILES

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…