Last updated: August 7, 2026
Place
Acadia Gateway Center
NPS Photo by Robyn Smyth
Quick Facts
Amenities
13 listed
Bus/Shuttle Stop, Entrance Passes for Sale, Food/Drink - Vending Machine/Self Service, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Information - Maps Available, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Internet/WiFi Available, Parking - Auto, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Water - Bottle-Filling Station, Wheelchair Accessible
The Gateway to Acadia
The Acadia Gateway Center (AGC) is located on Route 3 in Trenton, ME, three miles north of Mount Desert Island. The AGC is owned by the State of Maine and operated by the Maine Department of Transportation in partnership with the National Park Service, Downeast Transportation Inc., and Maine Office of Tourism.Visitor facilities include an Island Explorer bus stop, day-use parking, and an 11,000-square-foot welcome center with park and tourism information, Park Store, waiting area, and restrooms.
Different from the often tightly crowded Hulls Cove Visitor Center, the Acadia Gateway Center has wide space to navigate between desks and is wheelchair accessible through the main entrance.
Parking Lot
Drivers will arrive and find a parking lot with seven accessible parking spots at the end nearest the building. These spots are distinguished by a small sign on a wooden post and paint on the ground. All accessible parking spaces are about 150 paces from the main entrance of the Gateway Center.One feature of AGC is visitors’ ability to leave their personal vehicles in the parking area and utilize the fare-free Island Explorer bus system to explore Acadia National Park. The bus departs every 30 minutes from the gateway center, there are bus schedules online or in person at the Island Explorer information desk.
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's Inside
Visitors can follow the path through the courtyard to the entrance. Along the path displays share information about Acadia National Park and the Downeast Maine area.The left entrance doors have a button that opens the doors automatically.
Inside, visitors will first see the Maine Office of Tourism desk. To the right are the Acadia National Park information desk, pass and fee information, and the park gift store. To the left are brochures and a seating area where visitors can wait for the Island Explorer Bus.Accessible restrooms are located on the right before the second set of doors. Outside, visitors will find a water bottle filling station, trash cans, and an Acadia parking pass machine.
Braille copies of important Acadia information and the park brochure are available at the ranger desk and other visitor stations throughout the park.