Bar Harbor, Maine

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Bar Harbor, Maine, originally called Eden, has a world renowned ambiance that blends seashore community, Downeast character, rocky shores, and the famous Maine Lobster. Founded in 1796, it is the best known town on Mount Desert Island with an approximate population of 4,820 (year 2000 census) and 28,800 scenic acres. The villages of Hulls Cove, Salisbury Cove, and Town Hill are all part of the municipality of Bar Harbor, as is a large portion of Acadia National Park. The National Park and Bar Harbor are often spoken and thought of as being the same thing.

Bar Harbor, Maine, often the center for visitors of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park, has many hotels, inns, shops, taverns and restaurants. Bar Harbor is also home to College of the Atlantic. You will notice it on the ocean side of Route 3 as you enter the town. Jackson Lab, the world's largest mammalian genetic research facility, is here as well. For those who are not familiar with its name, the Jackson Lab is at the forefront of the genetics revolution that is transforming contemporary medicine. Wild Gardens of Acadia (at Sieur de Monts Spring in Acadia National Park), features over 200 species of plants, trees and shrubs indigenous to the island. Abbe Museum, also at Sieur de Monts Spring in Acadia National Park, has a year-round location in the downtown district. The focus of both museums is on the Native American culture and its history in Maine.

There is a picturesque Shore Path you should walk on at least one morning during your visit or anytime during the day. The path, originally created about 1880, begins near the town pier and the Bar Harbor Inn and continues for about 1/2 a mile along the eastern shore of Bar Harbor. Off shore to the east are the four Porcupine Islands which are especially beautiful at sunrise. Be sure to click the link on this page to view the pictures taken from this Shore Path.

Directly north of the town pier is Bar Island. This island is accessible by foot at low tide and provides a spectacular view of the town of Bar Harbor with the mountains behind it. See this fireworks picture.

Several cruise ships such as the majestic Queen Mary visit this Maine harbor town providing their passengers with one of the most unique visual experiences available on the east coast of North America. (see panoramic) For people wanting water related recreation, there is whale watching, kayaking, and some narrated tours of a few of the islands. The views from the ocean of the mountains of Acadia National Park are striking.

The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus makes regular stops at The Village Green for those wanting to leave the driving to someone else. For Bar Harbor, Maine, and area lodging, dining, activity, and Acadia National Park information, please use the links at the top or bottom of this page. Be sure to click the pictures to see larger versions and the Photos and Shore Path links to see others. For books on the area, visit Acadia Book Store page.

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