Carroll Homestead Accessibility Information

The Carroll Homestead Open House.

NPS Photo by Robyn Smyth

Quick Facts

Location:

Southwest Harbor, ME 04679

Significance:

Example of early settlement on Mount Desert Island

Explore an example of island life at Carroll Homestead, a time capsule of early settlement before Mount Desert Island became a tourist destination and Acadia National Park came into being.

As tourism came into fashion on the island in the late 1800s, farms were sold, new houses built, outbuildings were left to collapse, and fields were reclaimed by forests. In many respects, this is the story of thousands of traditional farmsteads across northern New England. The Carroll Farm was spared this fate and shares with us what life could be like on a homestead almost 200 years ago.

Getting to Carroll Homestead

Carroll Homestead is approximately 30 minutes from Hulls Cove Visitor Center.

• By car: From Hulls Cove Visitor Center, go straight at the four-way intersection at the exit of the visitor center parking lot. Continue 3 miles until signs for ME Route 233 and exit left. Turn right onto ME Route 233, turn right onto 198 when 233 dead ends. At the stop light turn left onto ME Route 102 towards Southwest Harbor. The gravel road that leads to the parking lot will be on your left and there is a sign for the homestead.
• By bus: There is no bus stop at Carroll Homestead. When the Island Explorer is running, the bus will drop off and pick up people on ME Route 102 by the Carroll Homestead driveway. To get dropped off, pull the cord as the bus approaches. To get picked up, wave down bus; if the bus is full, you may have to walk to Echo Lake to get onto a bus.

Take either of the two paths from the parking lot to view the homestead. You can choose between the path to the left which is a walking path through the woods, or you can walk the gravel drive up to the accessible parking area straight ahead.
 

• Buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Please see bus driver for assistance.
• People with disabilities may call 207-667-5797 to request a pickup at a location up to three-quarters of a mile off a regular bus route.

What to Expect

• Terrain/Safety: Carroll Homestead is in a grassy field, with some uneven surfaces. To get inside of the home, there is a metal ramp. Once inside, each doorway has a small trim that visitors will need to step over or may need assistance getting over in a mobility chair. The space is small and the floors are uneven.

There are two portable toilets located in the accessible parking area, one is wheelchair accessible. 

Programming

Rangers open the homestead for touring on a seasonal basis. Check the park calendar for dates and times.

Tags: acadia national park, accessibility, carroll homestead, wheelchair accessible, acadia