Last updated: August 10, 2026
Place
Sieur de Monts Nature Center
NPS Photo by Robyn Smyth
Quick Facts
Location:
Sieur de Monts, Acadia National Park
Significance:
nature center, exhibits, information
Amenities
9 listed
Benches/Seating, Bus/Shuttle Stop, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Wheelchair Accessible
Sieur de Monts Nature Center is one of the park visitor centers and offers various exhibits on the “science behind the scenery” of Acadia.
Learn more about the important work of park biologists and researchers to protect park resources through family-friendly exhibits and activities. A large map relief by the entrance helps visitors with park orientation. Nature Center passport stamps are also available.
Four-panel wayside next to path towards Wild Gardens of Acadia displays hiking trail maps and cultural history information for the Sieur de Monts Spring area.
Across the courtyard, visitors can explore the Wild Gardens of Acadia. The gardens have more than 400 native plant species. The plants are grouped into 13 sections that show different natural areas found in Acadia National Park.
Sieur de Monts Nature Center is usually open from May through mid-October. Check Operating Hours & Seasons for specific dates and times.
Island Explorer buses have wheelchair lifts. Ask the bus driver for help if needed.
People with disabilities can call 207-667-5797 to request a pickup. Pickups are available at locations up to three-quarters of a mile from the regular bus route.
Rangers and volunteers at the Nature Center can help visitors choose a trail that works best for them.
Restrooms are available at the Sieur de Monts parking lot. Each side of the restroom area has three small stalls and one larger stall intended for visitors using wheelchairs.
Learn more about the important work of park biologists and researchers to protect park resources through family-friendly exhibits and activities. A large map relief by the entrance helps visitors with park orientation. Nature Center passport stamps are also available.
Four-panel wayside next to path towards Wild Gardens of Acadia displays hiking trail maps and cultural history information for the Sieur de Monts Spring area.
Across the courtyard, visitors can explore the Wild Gardens of Acadia. The gardens have more than 400 native plant species. The plants are grouped into 13 sections that show different natural areas found in Acadia National Park.
Sieur de Monts Nature Center is usually open from May through mid-October. Check Operating Hours & Seasons for specific dates and times.
Getting to the Nature Center
From Route 3, one of the first stops on Park Loop Road is Sieur de Monts. Visitors will find a large parking lot with three accessible parking spaces.- One accessible space is on the left side near the restroom.
- Two accessible spaces are on the right side near the path to the Nature Center and Wild Gardens of Acadia.
Island Explorer buses have wheelchair lifts. Ask the bus driver for help if needed.
People with disabilities can call 207-667-5797 to request a pickup. Pickups are available at locations up to three-quarters of a mile from the regular bus route.
What to Expect
Several trails begin near the Nature Center. These trails lead to Dorr Mountain, the Great Meadow wetland, and a historic branch of the Abbe Museum. The museum building is currently closed to the public.Rangers and volunteers at the Nature Center can help visitors choose a trail that works best for them.
Restrooms are available at the Sieur de Monts parking lot. Each side of the restroom area has three small stalls and one larger stall intended for visitors using wheelchairs.
Open Transcript Open Descriptive Transcript
Transcript
The video shows an asphalt parking loop with diagonal parking spaces. Towards the end of the parking loop there are two van accessible spaces. One is on the left side by the restrooms and is designated by a sign on a post and paint on the ground. There is a concrete path connecting the parking lot to the restrooms. The other van accessible parking space is on the right side near the paths to the nature center and the Wild Gardens of Acadia. This space is also marked by a sign on a post and paint on the ground. The asphalt path leading to the nature center winds through a stand of (birch?) trees before reaching the stone patio outside of the nature center. Extending from this patio, there is a network of trails in the area, and these are accessed by wooden bridges on either side of the nature center. The trails vary in surface material, including asphalt, compact gravel, and wooden boardwalks.
Descriptive Transcript
The video shows an asphalt parking loop with diagonal parking spaces. Towards the end of the parking loop there are two van accessible spaces. One is on the left side by the restrooms and is designated by a sign on a post and paint on the ground. There is a concrete path connecting the parking lot to the restrooms. The other van accessible parking space is on the right side near the paths to the nature center and the Wild Gardens of Acadia. This space is also marked by a sign on a post and paint on the ground. The asphalt path leading to the nature center winds through a stand of (birch?) trees before reaching the stone patio outside of the nature center. Extending from this patio, there is a network of trails in the area, and these are accessed by wooden bridges on either side of the nature center. The trails vary in surface material, including asphalt, compact gravel, and wooden boardwalks.
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- Duration:
- 51.285 seconds
An accessible description and transcript of the Sieur de Monts parking area in Acadia National Park. (July 2025)