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Acadia National Park
Plan A Field Trip
 

Acadia National Park offers a variety of activities suitable for visiting educational groups. Both self-guided and ranger-led experiences are available, although staff limitations are such that park personnel cannot be provided for all group visits. The information below is intended for groups planning either a self-guided or ranger-led trip.
 
Entrance Fees
The park entrance fee, valid for a private vehicle for seven days, is $20 in season. The entrance station is open May through October.

Educational fee waivers may be granted to school groups that will be using the park for non-recreational purposes. Fee waivers for educational groups are not necessary if students are under 16 years of age. If all participants are 16 years or older and are visiting the park for educational purposes, groups may qualify for a fee waiver if certain criteria are met. 

Hulls Cove Visitor Center
Located off Route 3 in Hulls Cove, the visitor center offers restrooms, a 15-minute audiovisual program, a large relief map of Mount Desert Island, and a bookstore. Short orientation talks are usually available to groups reserving ahead; call 207-288-8812.

The visitor center is open daily April 15 through October. Hours of operation change seasonally. Park headquarters serves as an off-season visitor center from November until April 15.
 
Park Headquarters
Park headquarters on Route 233 near Eagle Lake does not have facilities or services for groups, but can be contacted for information or in emergencies. Hours of operation change seasonally. 
 
Restrooms
Restrooms are located at campgrounds, picnic areas, Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, Sieur de Monts Spring, Echo Lake, Thompson Island Information Center, Hulls Cove Visitor Center, and the Jordan Pond House. Park restrooms are closed in the off-season, but there are portable toilets at a few sites and restrooms with running water at park headquarters.
 
Picnic Areas
Park picnic areas are located at Thompson Island, Bear Brook, Fabbri, Pretty Marsh, Seawall, and Frazer Point at Schoodic (some areas closed in winter). Check the park map for exact location. Tables, grills, and restrooms are available at each area.
 
Camping
Group camping is available at Blackwoods and Seawall Campgrounds. Each campground has five group sites holding 15 people. 

Other Activities and Facilities
Acadia offers plenty of indoor and outdoor activities that can provide a fun learning experience for your students. Taking some time to explore this website will help you discover other things to do during your visit to the park.

Science Education Activities
Acadia National Park has been a magnet for scientists and naturalists for well over a century. With your impending visit, you are continuing this long tradition of natural and cultural study at New England's only national park. To protect park resources for future generations of visitors, educators, and students, we are requiring all education groups conducting activities in the park to adhere to specific rules. Thank you very much for your cooperation.

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Did You Know?
The Guide's Guide to Acadia National Park, originally created to share important information about the park's facilities and natural and cultural resources with commercial guides, is available to the public on this website. The guide contains everything you would want to know about the park.
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Last Updated: August 18, 2011 at 11:31 MST