Nature Center in Acadia
The Nature Center, operated by the National Park Service in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island (see history), provides answers to some of the most important questions regarding the natural balances and dynamics at play. Issues covered range from the air quality to the roles that fires play, and the variety of wildlife hat has been seen recently in the park. There are several interesting and informative displays and a friendly person is available during regular season to answer your questions. This is a good place to begin your journey through the park and to gain an appreciation for this amazing resource. There is a Park Loop Road entrance just south of Bar Harbor on Route 3 immediately after the Jackson Labs facility. The turn to enter the Nature Center parking area is between Route 3 and the Park Loop Road.
What is here to see?
When you drive into the parking area, you may wonder what all the fuss is about. But park, and leave your vehicle to begin the exploration. You quickly will discover the original Abbe Museum and the Wild Gardens of Acadia in the same general area. There are beautiful paths and walking trails throughout that add to the enchanting experience. Take a leisurely stroll and be sure to, not only look around you, but also to look down at the ground. If you love nature, and want to learn more about the beginning of Acadia National Park, be sure to set aside a little time to visit here. You may also want to checkout the Park Visitor Center at Hull Cove on the northwest side of the Bar Harbor business district as well.
Nature Center Specs
Open: Mid-June through late September
Location: 2 Miles South of Bar Harbor off Route 3 at Sieur de Monts Spring
GPS: Latitude 44.362097; Longitude -68.207830
Free Seasonal Bus Service (In-Season) is provided by Island Explorer Shuttle Bus
An Entrance Pass is Required within the Park
Acadia Hiking Trails & Walking Paths
Additional Information
- National Park Service
Acadia National Park
P.O. Box 177, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Abbe Museum: (207) 288-3519
- Bar Harbor, Maine: Street Map
- Information Center: Village Green
- Mount Desert Island: Map
Good Place to Start
There are several entrance points to Acadia National Park but this is a great location to start exploring. The Park Loop Road creates a sort of loop around the right quardrant of the Park that is on Mount Desert Island. Route 3 crosses over the Park Loop Road on the south side of Bar Harbor. Right next to this is an entry point. Immediately after is the entrance to the Nature Center on the left. Follow various paths to learn what is there, as well as check out what is in the building.
