Please join us for the first "Cultural Connections in the Park" event for summer 2017, a performance by the Burnurwurbskek Singers, 11 am to 1:00 pm, Wed June 28 at the summit of Cadillac Mountain.
The Burnurwurbskek Singers are a men’s drum group from the Penobscot Nation at Indian Island, Maine. This group has been performing traditional Wabanaki songs for audiences across Maine and other states for many years. This performance on top of Wapuwoc, or the “white mountain of the first light,” is a cultural demonstration that will captivate audience members of all ages.
All Cultural Connections in the Park programs are sponsored by Dawnland, LLC, are offered in partnership with Acadia National Park, and are free and open to the public.
2 hours, Location TBD, reservations required: Call 207-288-8832
Find, identify, and discuss some of Acadia’s most fascinating birds on this easy walk. Bring binoculars.
Baker Island Cruise
5 hours, Harbor Place, 1 West Street, Bar Harbor (Starts mid-May)
Explore beautiful Baker Island on a moderate hike, viewing historic homesteads, a lighthouse, and geology. $49 adults, $27 children 6–14, $9 children age 5 and under. (207) 288-2386 www.barharborwhales.com
Beech Mountain Hike
2.5 hours, Beech Mountain parking area. Uncover the wilds while hiking through lichen-draped forests and steep, rocky outcrops on this moderate to strenuous 2.5-mile (4 km) hike.
Bike with a Ranger
2 hours, Location TBD, reservations required: Call 207-288-8832
Explore carriage roads on this 3-4 mile (5-6.4 km) ride at a comfortable pace. Age 11+. Bring your own bike (rentals available in local communities), water, snack, and helmet.
Blackwoods Evening Program
1 hour, Blackwoods Campground Amphitheater
Program topics vary. A parking area near the amphitheater accommodates non-campers.
Carroll Homestead Open House
3 hour, Carroll Homestead Between 10 am and 1 pm
Visit an 1800s farm home, hear family stories, and play pioneer games. Imagine what life was like for the generations who lived here
Family Program
1 hour, check listings for specific locations at Sand Beach, Seawall Picnic Area, or Sieur de Mont Springs Nature Center. Activities may vary from art to animal adaptations.
Fire Tower Open House
Beech Mountain Summit. Enjoy the views from Beech Mountain Fire Tower. Hike from parking lot at the southern end of Beech Hill Road, 0.4 mile one way.
Frenchman Bay Cruise
2 hours, Bar Harbor Inn Pier
Climb aboard a schooner and hoist sails in search of wildlife and history. $42 adults, $39 seniors (65+), $32 ages 6–11, $7 ages 2–5, infants free. Group rates (15+) are available. (207) 288-4585 www.downeastwindjammer.com
Headland Hike
2.5 hours, Sand Beach parking area
Learn how to read the geologic and cultural story in Acadia's dramatic landscape on this moderate, rocky two-mile hike.
Islesford Historic and Scenic Cruise
2 hours 45 minutes, Municipal Pier, Northeast Harbor
Explore the connections between people and the sea with a visit to the Islesford Historical Museum on Little Cranberry Island. $31 adults, $29 seniors (65+), $18 ages 5–11, $7 ages under 5. (207) 276-5352 www.cruiseacadia.com
Junior Ranger Table
Hulls Cove Visitor Center
Stop by the Junior Ranger table at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center with your completed book and get sworn in by a park ranger.
Knowing the Night
Vary from 1.5 to 2 hours, Location TBD, reservations required: Call 207-288-8832
Challenge your senses and experience the mystery of Acadia after dark. Ages 8+.
Mr. Rockefeller’s Bridges
2.5 hours, Parkman Mountain parking area
Follow tree-lined carriage roads to explore the stories behind John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s gift to Acadia on this easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) walk.
Ocean Path Walk
2 hours, unmarked parking area beyond Gorham Mountain parking area
Discover stories of history and nature along the scenic Otter Cliff section of Ocean Path on this easy to moderate two-mile (3.2-km) walk.
Peregrine Falcon Watch
Precipice Trail parking area (Usually mid-May through July)
Drop by during program hours to observe a peregrine falcon nest on the cliffs of Champlain Mountain through viewing scopes, weather permitting.
Ranger's Choice
From 1.5 to 2.5 hours, Location TBD, reservations required: Call 207-288-8832
Learn about unique aspects of this island park. Length and difficulty varies, call for details.
Seawall Evening Program
1 hour, Seawall Campground Amphitheater
Program topics vary. A parking area near the amphitheater accommodates non-campers.
Stars Over Sand Beach
1 hour, Sand Beach
Sit back and learn about Acadia’s night sky. Dress warmly, bring something to lie on, and please minimize flashlight use to preserve night vision.
Touch Tank Talk
Dorr Museum of Natural History, College of the Atlantic
Get up close and personal with intertidal creatures and learn how to safely explore along the shore.
Program Descriptions
Schoodic Peninsula District
Animal Adaptations
1 hour, Schoodic Woods Campground Amphitheater. Explore the adaptations of local wildlife and learn how they survive. Ages 12 and under.
Animal and Bird Skulls of Acadia National Park
45 mins, Schoodic Woods Campground Amphitheater Learn about native animals and birds in this hands-on discussion about skulls and adaptations. Ages 12 and under.
Art Adventure
2 hours, Eliot Hall parking area, Schoodic Education and Research Center Create art in the park with an artist-in-residence or ranger. Age 12+. Wear closed-toe, sturdy hiking shoes to this easy walk.
Bird Walk
2 hours, Blueberry Hill parking area Find, identify, and discuss some of Acadia’s birds on this easy 1 mi (1.6 km) walk. Bring binoculars.
Birding for Beginners
1.5 to 2 hours, Schoodic Woods Campground Ranger Station Learn basic bird identification using a free App. Wear sturdy shoes for an easy walk on uneven ground.
Campground iNaturalist Walk
1 hour, Schoodic Woods Campground Ranger Station Learn about plants and animals and connect with other users during this easy walk. Download at https://www.inaturalist.org/
Critter Chat
45 mins, Schoodic Woods Campground Amphitheater Meet the wild creatures that make Acadia their home and find out how they make a living here in every season. Ages 12 and under.
Junior Naturalists
45 mins, Schoodic Woods Campground AmphitheaterInvestigate plants and animals then use iNaturalist to turn photos into observations to help us understand what's happening at the park. Ages 12 and under.
Marine Touch Tank
Dorr Hall at Schoodic Education and Research Center Drop by to meet some marine creatures and learn about adaptations to constantly changing conditions between the tides.
Schoodic Sleuths
1 hour, Schoodic Woods Campground Amphitheater Get the inside scoop on habitats, ecology and history during this nature walk with children's activities. Wear close-toed shoes for rocky and wet areas. Ages 12 and under.
2 hours, Schoodic Woods Campground Ranger Station Join a ranger for a look at ecology along this 1-2 mile (1.6 to 3.2 km) moderate hike. Wear sturdy shoes, dress in layers, bring water.
Sundew Phenology Hike
1.5 to 2 hours, Eliot Hall parking area Join a ranger on this moderate, uneven trail to monitor local plants using Nature’s Notebook. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snacks.
