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Bar Harbor is a resort town on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County, Maine. As of the 2020 census, the town has a population of 5,089 permanent residents, though this number swells dramatically during the summer and fall tourist seasons. The town serves as the primary gateway to Acadia National Park, which contains Cadillac Mountain—the highest point along the entire Eastern Seaboard.
The area was originally inhabited by the Wabanaki Indians, who knew the island as Pemetic, meaning “range of mountains” or “mountains seen at a distance.” They seasonally fished, hunted, and gathered berries, clams, and other shellfish in the area, leaving great piles of shells as evidence of their presence. French explorer Samuel de Champlain first arrived in September 1604, naming the island Isles des Monts Deserts, meaning “island of barren mountains.”
European settlement began in 1761 when Abraham Somes established the first village on Mount Desert Island, naming it Somesville. The town itself was incorporated as Eden in 1796 and was renamed Bar Harbor in 1918, after the sand bar visible at low tide that leads across to Bar Island.
During the mid-to-late 19th century, Bar Harbor emerged as an elite Gilded Age resort destination. Artists from the Hudson River School and Luminism movement—including Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church—were drawn to the area’s rugged maritime scenery, inspiring journalists, sportsmen, and “rusticators” to follow. By 1880, thirty hotels had been established, and tourists arrived by train and ferry to experience a resort that rivaled Newport, Rhode Island. The wealthy and famous built elaborate summer cottages, often hiring landscape architects like Beatrix Farrand to design their gardens.
Bar Harbor was home to many influential figures throughout history. John D. Rockefeller Jr. donated about one-third of the land for Acadia National Park and built the carriage roads that remain popular for hiking and biking today. J.P. Morgan, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and the Astor family all maintained properties in the area. Nelson Rockefeller, who would become Vice President of the United States, was born in Bar Harbor.
The town suffered a devastating wildfire in October 1947 during a severe drought. The fire burned nearly half of Mount Desert Island, destroying 67 cottages and five historic grand hotels. Over 10,000 acres of Acadia National Park were lost, though the town’s business district was spared.
Today, Bar Harbor retains much of its historic character. The Shore Path, a coastal path skirting waterfront lawns, offers visitors views of the Porcupine Islands. The town has many historic houses, including large “cottages” along the shore, many of which have been converted to other uses. The Village Green was recognized by the American Planning Association as one of the top ten Great Places in America for Public Spaces in 2012.
Maritime tours introduce visitors to puffins, whales, seals, seabirds, and lighthouses, illustrating the working waterfront side of Bar Harbor. The town also hosts many long-distance cyclists, as it serves as the eastern terminus of the Adventure Cycling Association’s Northern Tier Bicycle Route.
Bar Harbor experiences a humid continental climate with large seasonal temperature differences. Warm to hot summers and cold winters characterize the area. The best time to visit is from May through October when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities. Many visitors come for Acadia National Park, with its hiking trails and carriage roads providing opportunities for biking, bird watching, and mountain climbing. Fall foliage season brings particularly stunning views, though crowds thin after the summer peak. Winter visits offer a quieter experience but come with challenges—temperatures can drop significantly, and many businesses operate on limited schedules.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Bar Harbor. Choose your favorite!
The Abbe Museum in Maine is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. As the only Smithsonian-affiliated organization in the state, it holds a special place for its focus on the Wabanaki Nations, the indigenous population of Maine. The museum owes its e…
Acadia National Park is located near Bar Harbor and offers a range of stunning natural attractions. Covering over 47,000 acres of land, the park boasts breathtaking coastline, captivating forests, and Cadillac Mountain, which stands as the highest p…
When you’re in Bar Harbor, exploring the region by boat is a fantastic way to make the most of your experience. There are various boat tour options available that cater to different interests. If you love seafood, why not join Lulu Lobster Boat for…
When you visit Bar Harbor, not only will you be amazed by its beautiful surroundings, but you’ll also have the opportunity to witness the incredible wildlife in the area. The Gulf of Maine is home to various whale species, and you can easily spot th…
Imagine a charming little island close to the Shore Path that everyone loves, whether they’re tourists or locals. When the tide is low, something magical happens: the water retreats, revealing a pathway that connects Bar Harbor to Bar Island. It’s n…
In downtown Bar Harbor, you’ll find a charming and colorful scene. The small size of the town means that you’ll likely spend a lot of time here. Main Street and the surrounding thoroughfares are home to local restaurants and shops, all housed in del…
Discover the wonders of Maine’s wildlife at the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History. Operated by the College of the Atlantic, this charming museum is all about sharing knowledge and creating awareness about the diverse creatures that inhabit Ma…
Bar Harbor has an amazing introduction that showcases its stunning scenery: the Shore Path. This 1 1/2-mile pathway isn’t meant for hiking but rather for leisurely strolls along Frenchman Bay. To start your journey, head to Agamont Park, a lovely sp…