Attend a Ranger Program

 

A Ranger talks with a group high above Echo Lake. NPS Photo.

Ranger-guided programs provide the opportunity for visitors to learn more about the natural and cultural wonders of Acadia National Park. Discover stories of Acadia's history, take a walk along a trail or carriage road, or learn about various animal and plant species living in the park. Visit the Park Calendar to find the perfect program for your visit. Most programs are offered from May to October, however, programs do occur throughout the year.

Most ranger programs are scheduled early or late in the day to avoid mid-day congestion, and to maximize parking availability. Some programs allow you to "drop-in" for short interactions with a ranger as you travel through the busiest areas of the park. Check "View Details" under each program calendar listing for information regarding location, times, and if a reservation is required.

 

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Walks & Talks

 

Acadia National Park ranger Bob Thayer, photographer and park naturalist, leads an evening program at Seawall Campground amphitheater. (Photo by Joseph Philipson/Friends of Acadia)

Campfire Talks

Are you ready to explore, test your skills, and learn about Acadia and the world around you? Join us for our interactive programs geared towards families and kids under 12 at the campground amphitheatres. All are welcome! All children must be accompanied by an adult. If you're not staying in the campgrounds, parking is available near the amphitheater. All amphitheatres are wheelchair accessible.

 

Visitors watch birds during a bird watch program at Sieur de Monts in Acadia National Park , ME on July 1, 2018. (Photo by Yehyun Kim)

Guided Walks

Join a ranger on a guided walk through the fascinating history and habitats of Acadia National Park. Walks range in topics from birds and plants to people. They also range in length and difficulty with some walks including hikes up some of Acadia's beautiful and challenging mountains. All walks require proper footwear.

 

A ranger points out a peregrine falcon during the Peregrine Falcon Watch Program at the Precipice parking lot. Photo by Ashley L. Conti/Friends of Acadia

Peregrine Falcon Watch

Each spring the Precipice Trail closes to allow the endangered peregrine falcons to nest and raise their young undisturbed. You can join rangers, volunteers, and partners staff at the base of the mountain to view the falcons with the aid of ranger provided scopes or on a monitors. The program is typically offered from the end of May through July on varying days of the week. Up to date schedules can be found on the park calendar. July can be an exciting month because that is when the fledglings are often learning how to fly.

 

Visitors listen to a park rangers explanation on night sky at Sand Beach in Acadia National Park, ME. Photo by Yehyun Kim/Friends of Acadia/NPS

Night Sky Talks

Maine’s striking coastline is often admired for its rugged rocks. Relax on Acadia’s largest sand beach with uninterrupted views of the night sky while park rangers share significant stories to help discover the intricacies of the stars. Acadia's Sand Beach, located just off the Park Loop Road, is a unique and exceptionally dark location for stargazing. Come join rangers as they share the natural history, inspiring stories, and an orientation to the night skies of Down East Maine.

Sand Beach is not handicapped-accessible. Bring a towel or chair and dress warmly. Bring bug spray as there are insects on the beach.

 

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Bike Tours

 

A ranger shares a bit of history about the carriage roads during a tour stop on the carriage road bike tour. NPSPhoto.

Carriage Road Bike Tour

Enjoy the car-free carriage roads at a comfortable pace on a ranger-guided 6.0 mile moderate ride while discovering the diverse beauty of Acadia. Tours typically meet in the morning and run 2-3 hours. Tours explore the remarkable history of the development of the carriage roads, their engineering, and how they helped lead to the founding of Acadia National Park.

 

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Boat Tours

 

Ranger talks about the surrounding landscape on the Islesford Historic and Scenic Cruise. NPS NPS/Victoria Stauffenberg.

Islesford Historic and Scenic Cruise

Explore the connections between people and the sea on a ranger-led boat tour of Great Harbor and Somes Sound, with a visit to the Islesford Historical Museum on Little Cranberry Island. The cruise typically lasts between two-and-a-half and three hours and includes a visit to the town of Islesford and the Islesford Historic Museum.

 

A ranger explains how lobsters molt to the Rothberg family during the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Baker Island Cruise. Photo by Nathaniel X. Boechat/Friends of Acadia.

Baker Island Cruise

Spot seabirds and marine mammals on a cruise along coastal Acadia. Explore beautiful Baker Island, its homestead, lighthouse and history for a one hour, 1.0-mile walking tour. Terrain requires good mobility and footwear as you will be departing one boat and boarding another to make it to shore. Not recommended for young children. No pets or strollers. No restrooms on island. The entire tour takes 5 hours.

 

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Just 4 Kids

All ranger programs at Acadia are family friendly, but these regularly offered programs are made especially for kids and their families. You can also explore our education pages to find exciting activities for children at home or in the classroom.

 

Jacqueline Champagne (left) and Madeleine Champagne (right) play a traditional game at Carroll Homstead in Bar Harbor , ME on July 17, 2018. (Photo by Yehyun Kim)

Carroll Homestead Drop-in Program

Visit with a ranger anytime during program hours to explore the grounds of an 1800s farm and hear family stories. Wheelchair accessible. Portable wheelchair-accessable restrooms are onsite. Activities and exhibits are currently outside while the homestead building is closed.

 

A Park Ranger leads the Junior Ranger Station Program at Sieur de Monts themed around animals in Acadia National Park. (Photo by Emma Forthofer/FOA)

Junior Ranger Stations

Stop by Hulls Cove Visitor Center or Sieur de Monts Nature Center during program hours for fun activities and to complete your Junior Ranger book. Then take the Junior Ranger oath to get your badge. Wheelchair accessible.

 

A ranger shows how strong a mussel is during a touch tank demonstration. (Photo by Ashley L. Conti/Friends of Acadia/NPS)

Touch Tank Talks

If you visit the Schoodic District of the park, you can get up close and personal with intertidal creatures and learn how to safely explore along Acadia’s rocky shorelines through our touch tank talks. Kids can explore muscles and lobsters and learn more about the ecology of Acadia's fragile tidepools. Talks typically last one half hour. Wheelchair accessible.

 

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Program Calendar

Visit the park calendar for a complete list of ranger programs or explore the calendar below.

 

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