Park Headquarters
Open All Year

November 1 to
mid-April
8 am - 4:30 pm
7 days a week

mid-April
to October 31
8 am - 4:30 pm, M-F

photography by
Bruce Gourley

 

The Park was established in 1916 and is the northernmost national park in the lower 48.  It also holds the distinction of being the first national park established east of the Mississippi River.  Today, one-quarter of the population of America live within a day's drive of Acadia.

Long before the modern era, native people's inhabited the area at least 5000 years ago.  In later centuries, European explorers arrived.

Mount Desert Island inspired artists and authors alike, and in turn their works led to an influx of wealthy families and individuals, some of whose foresight led to early conservation movements that helped preserve the landscape.  The park's first superintendent, George B. Dorr, came from this movement.

For today's visitor, Cadillac Mountain offers spectacular views of Frenchman's Bay, while miles of carriage roads travel through forest, meadow and mountains, providing ample opportunities for walkers and bicyclers.  October is an especially beautiful time of year, as Acadia is clothed with brilliant reds, oranges and yellows.