Historical and Educational Museums on Mount Desert Island

History. Culture. Education.

Sure, you come to Acadia National Park because of the nature and outdoors, but especially during your first visit you should take some time to visit some of the museums on Mount Desert Island and walk around the visitor centers.

In Bar Harbor, there are several interesting museums to enjoy. Most visitors stop at the Abbe Museum to learn about the Wakanaki Nations , including incredible handwoven baskets. Bar Harbor is also home to the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History on the College of the Atlantic campus and Museum in the Streets – a self-guided heritage discovery trail through the heart of downtown.

Several of the museums on Mount Desert Island are outside of Bar Harbor. In Southwest Harbor, be sure to stop by The Wendell Gilley Museum, which celebrates the life and work of Wendell Gilley, a pioneer in the field of decorative bird carving. It teaches the art of bird carving and presents art exhibitions and educational programs with a special focus on people, nature, and art.

The Great Harbor Maritime Museum is located on Main Street in Northeast Harbor. Throughout the years, the museum has hosted events ranging from model boat regattas to lectures from notable boat builders and other prominent guests.

Explore the many historical and educational museums on Mount Desert Island below!

Great Harbor Maritime Museum

The Great Harbor Maritime Museum, in downtown Northeast Harbor, features changing exhibits. Past exhibits have included steamship transportation on Mt. Desert Island and model boat exhibitions.

Wendell Gilley Museum

The museum celebrates the life and work of Wendell Gilley, a pioneer in the field of decorative bird carving.

Sound Schoolhouse

A visit to the Sound Schoolhouse offers people of all ages an opportunity to step back in time and think about how education in a one-room school would differ from today’s schooling.