Maine quarantine, virus testing cancel Acadia vacation plans

A leading business group says Bar Harbor faces a “catastrophic closing of businesses” and a tourism season that is “all but lost”  after a spate of new lodging cancellations caused by the Maine quarantine order and other tough new restrictions on out-of-state visitors this summer. Joining the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce in its criticism, the Bar Harbor Town Council also sent a letter to Gov. Janet Mills, citing a 90 percent drop in business and town parking revenue. Acadia amid COVID-19: Another in a series

Maine quarantine order rocks Acadia vacations, life on MDI

For frequent Acadia visitors like Deni Farr and Mount Desert Island lodging operators like Kristin Hutchins, Maine’s 14-day quarantine order has upended life as usual. Acadia opened June 1 with rangers wearing face masks and providing info under an open-air tent, but visitors and business owners await Gov. Janet Mills’s final plan this week to boost tourism. Acadia amid COVID-19: Another in a series

Acadia National Park during the pandemic: Masks, isolation, limited services

Acadia National Park opens the Park Loop Road to traffic today, Jordan Pond House offers takeout, and rangers wear face masks while helping visitors in open-air tents. But park passes must be purchased online and printed out ahead of time, as they won’t be on sale on-site until June 8. Carriage roads won’t open until June 5, but only for pedestrians. Acadia amid COVID-19: First in a series

Acadia National Park navigates new era for iconic lighthouse

Acadia National Park is poised “any day now” to take over the vacant Bass Harbor Head Light Station, setting the stage for a new era for the iconic lighthouse, one of the most popular attractions within the park’s boundaries. Ahead of becoming the new owner, Acadia is weighing recommendations in a new study of Bass […]

Cadillac reservations start in August for fall trial run of parking system

The pandemic has delayed openings at Acadia National Park and indefinitely postponed operation of shuttle buses, but leaders are forging ahead with plans for a trial run this fall of a parking reservation system for Cadillac Mountain and Ocean Drive, with people allowed to make online reservations in August. The dry run for parking at […]

Amazin’ Maine Virtual Race with medals a new way to socially distance

Giving a new meaning to social distancing, the Amazin’ Maine Virtual Race brings far-flung family and friends virtually near, alone together, on a magical virtual tour of Acadia to Katahdin and along the coast from Lubec to Ogunquit. With Acadia National Park closed until at least June 1 and the cancellation yesterday of what would […]

Acadia National Park bus sets record ridership, eyes expansion

Were you among the more than 640,000 riders of the Island Explorer in 2019, the Acadia bus shuttle’s 20th anniversary year?
Well, you were part of the record setting year of ridership on the propane-powered bus line, which has transported more than 8 million passengers in and around Acadia National Park since its start in 1999.
Find out what’s in store for 2020 and beyond, in this Q&A with Paul Murphy, executive director of Downeast Transportation, Inc., which operates the Island Explorer, with funding from Friends of Acadia, L.L.Bean, Acadia National Park and other sources.

Top 11 Acadia National Park events that defined the decade

Eleven important Acadia National Park events shaped the decade at the Maine national park and left some lasting changes including new records in visits, the park’s 100th anniversary, a new superintendent, a presidential visit and a heightened awareness of climate change. Here are some key moments, happenings and trends that dominated Acadia National Park during […]

Traffic shuts Cadillac, other spots in Acadia National Park 105 times in 2019

Traffic congestion forced the closure of the summit road to Cadillac Mountain 58 times in 2019 and the road to Bass Harbor Head Light 32 times, spotlighting the need for a reservation system to park at certain popular attractions in Acadia National Park. The reservation system is tentatively planned to start in 2021. According to […]

Katahdin and Acadia holiday gift ideas for that special someone

Making your list, checking it twice, and looking for special Katahdin or Acadia National Park holiday gift ideas for someone nice? How about a discounted Acadia National Park annual pass, a 2020 moose calendar by a Millinocket wildlife photographer or an Acadia to Katahdin Virtual Race entry with a special lobster and moose finisher’s medal? Whether you start your holiday shopping on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday or Giving Tuesday, here’s a special selection to help raise funds for charity, support local business and bring memories of Maine home for the holidays.