By Amy L. Gouger
Tourism in Bar Harbor, Maine
Located on Bar Desert Island off the eastern coast of Maine, Bar Harbor believes in sustainable tourism, which cares for the environment and preserves cultural legacy. Tourism in Bar Harbor centers on nature-based and cultural activities.
Acadia National Park
Surrounding Bar Harbor on three-sides, Acadia National Park is the tenth most-visited national park.
Acadia National Park
Rte 233 McFarland Hill
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(207) 288-3338
http://www.nps.gov/acad/
Camping
Bar Harbor possesses beautiful landscapes and ocean views. The campgrounds, like Bar Harbor Koa Campground, offer guests a choice of oceanfront or wooded sites.
Bar Harbor Koa Campground
136 County Rd
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
(207) 288-3520
http://www.koa.com/where/me/19133
Whale Watching
About 20 miles off the coast of Maine, whales congregate to feed. Common sightings include humpback, finback and minke whales. The Bar Harbor Whale Watch company runs a variety of tours that take advantage of the whales' proximity.
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
1 West Street
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
(207) 288-2386
http://www.barharborwhales.com/
Bird Watching
Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge includes several islands that host a variety of birds, including Atlantic Puffin, which come to raise their young. Other sea birds include common eiders, common arctic and roseate tern. The refuge is only accessible by boat.
Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 279
Milbridge, ME 04658
(207)-546-2124
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/mainecoastal/
Native Americans
The Abbe museum serves locals and tourists from two locations---one in downtown Bar Harbor and one in Acadia National Park. The museum is dedicated to the preservation and understanding of Maine's Native American culture.
The Abbe museum
P.O. Box 286
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
(207) 288-3519
http://www.abbemuseum.org
Resources
About the Author:
Amy L. Gouger holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from East Stroudsburg University. Previously a technical agent, she now serves as a ghostwriter and contributor to various online publications.
Photo Credits:
Maine Coast Near Bar Harbor by Hermann Ottomar Herzog
