Wild Gardens of Acadia in Acadia National Park

The Wild Gardens of Acadia in Acadia National Park, Maine is maintained by a diverse group of community volunteers. It reflects the typical habitats as found on Mount Desert Island. More than 300 native species are labeled to make identification easy in nine separate display areas. The garden is open year round and is located at the Sieur de Monts Spring and Nature Center, 2 miles south of Bar Harbor near the intersection of the Park Loop Road and Route 3 on Mount Desert Island. There is no entrance fee required. (Wild Gardens of Acadia Photos)

When you first drive into the parking area, it may not seem like much. But trust me, when you get out and start your walk past the brown building, a magical world unfolds which not only includes the Wild Gardens of Acadia, but the original park location of the Abbe Museum and the Nature Center as well. There are a few little benches in special spots where you can relax and become more familiar with the diversity of plant life that creates such a unique mixture on the coast of Maine.

Behind and to the right of the gardens are some hiking trails. Your may want to spend some time exploring these while you are here as well. To the left, the walking path goes to Sieur de Monts Spring House then continues to Abbe Museum. A trail continues south from here to The Tarn. If you go to the right of the gardens, you may connect up with Jesup Trail which goes towards Bar Harbor. There are some striking views along these trails.

The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus has a pickup and drop-off point here. (View nearby hiking trails.)

Nature Center GPS: Latitude 44.362097; Longitude -68.207830

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