About Acadia

 

Acadia National Park is located on Mount Desert Island in gorgeous coastal Maine and offers something for everyone.  To the outdoor enthusiast, the island is a playground with mountains, lakes, ocean, rock and trails.  Acadia's rugged beauty and wildlife lures the naturalist, and the quaint village shops, succulent sea food, and charming views intrigue visitors of all ages.

The island was once home to the Abenaki Indians, but was discovered by Europeans in 1604 with the arrival of French explorer, Samuel de Champlain, for whom the highest island peak is named.  He was also the one responsible for naming the island Mount Desert, a title that identified the bald mountains from the sea.  In 1759 when the British defeated the French in the French and Indian War, the island became part of New England and the first pioneers arrived, making their living from the sea.  Somesville was the site of the first permanent settlement. Before long, the island's beauty had captivated the hearts of many rich visitors.  In 1872, Harper's magazine boasted that "Eden" was the place to visit and extraordinary 30 to 80-room "summer cottages" were built on the island. 

In fact, it was thanks to many of these inhabitants that Acadia National Park exists today.  Some of them donated land to ensure the island remain untouched; John  D. Rockefeller Jr. donated almost a third of the park's land.  He was also the one who planned and constructed the winding carriage trails and elaborate bridges that allow visitor's today to see Acadia in its rustic beauty. Unfortunately the great fire of 1947 wiped out the impressive homes along route 3 to Bar Harbor, known as "Millionaire's Row."

Today, there are roughly 10,000 year-round inhabitants on the island, many of whom still make their living from the sea.  However, the summer population is three times as large, and over three million visitors attend the park each year, making tourism the island's largest income.

Spend a week in the park and you are bound to see Osprey, Eagles, Loons, raccoons, deer, and harbor seals.  The island abounds with hiking and nature trails, and every view is splendid.  Be sure to pack a camera and some walking shoes and bring a friend along to share your lobster roll... oh, never mind; just buy two. 

For more information about Acadia, go to http://acadiamagic.com 

Pick up a book at the visitor's center, like the AMC Guide to Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park