Concession contracts are one method of authorizing commercial visitor services. They have the following characteristics:

• The term of concession contracts is generally 10 years or less.
• Some concession contracts have a "preference in renewal."
• Contracts are awarded under competition and are limited in number.
• The concessioner pays a franchise fee to the government determined by the probable value to the concessioner for the privileges provided by the contract.

Acadia National Park currently works with four concessioners:

• The Acadia Corporation manages the Jordan Pond House Restaurant and three shops in the park.
• Carriages of Acadia, Inc., operates Wildwood Stables and offers horse-drawn carriage rides.

• National Park Tours and Oli's Trolley offer narrated bus tours through the park.