JavaScript must be enabled

Page will not work without JavaScript enabled

Maine

New England's Gem: Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park

Program No. 16429RJ

Get to know Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park as you learn about the East Coast’s only fjord, explore a compound area of the Rockefellers' and enjoy a lobster feast.

Wishlist

Start

National Parks Small Group

Program

At a Glance

Duration

5 days

Program Begins

Bar Harbor, Maine

Program Concludes

Bar Harbor, Maine

Group Type

Small Group

Meals

9 ( 4B, 3L, 2D )

Activity Level

Enjoy an insider’s look at the jewel of coastal New England — Acadia National Park on Maine’s Mount Desert Island — as those who know the area best share their knowledge and insights. Hear the story of the park’s creation by America’s wealthy elite, including philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr., and visit Northeast Harbor and Seal Harbor, the last two bastions of old-money wealth on Mount Desert Island. Trace the relationship between the park and the island, exploring the island’s history of ice harvesting and ship building. Year-round residents introduce the island’s seasonal rhythms and best-kept secrets.

Best of all, you'll...

Journey through the park over carriage roads and bridges to discover landmarks like Cadillac Mountain and out-of-the-way treasures such as Compass and Southwest Harbors.
Learn about Somes Sound, the only fjord on the East Coast.
See how crustaceans are captured after you enjoy a real Down East lobster dinner.

View Full Itinerary

Earl Brechlin

Earl D. Brechlin is a Bar Harbor resident who brings the history, magic and beauty of Maine’s North Woods alive in his new book of evocative essays “Return to Moose River.” He was the founding editor of the Mount Desert Islander and the holder of more than 100 awards for news and featured writing, and photography. Brechlin is a registered group leader in Maine, a former Maine Journalist of the year and the author of seven books on Maine and Acadia National Park.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

View All Experts

Steve Haynes

Steve Haynes is an expert on granite quarrying; Maine is renowned for the quality of its granite, which is featured in many buildings and memorials throughout the United States, including the gravestone of John. F. Kennedy in Arlington National Cemetery. He not only discusses granite quarrying on Mount Desert Island but performs a spellbinding demonstration of granite cutting.

Linda J. Shingleton

Linda Shingleton is passionate about conveying her extensive knowledge of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park to Road Scholars. Like many of the participants who attend Road Scholar programs, she is a retired educator, having spent 30 years in that field, and her ability to relate to others is a major reasons she’s such a well-liked group leader. Linda’s eager to help immerse participants in the diverse history and lore of Acadia and to brighten Road Scholars’ days with her unfailing optimism and good cheer.

Lauren Tucker

Lauren Tucker spent years as a marketing executive before returning to her first love, Mount Desert Island. She has extensive knowledge of the island, its wonders and its hidden charms. She enjoys sharing her affinity for the island with Road Scholars.

Raney Bench

Raney Bench is Curator of Education at Bar Harbor's Abbe Museum, which spotlights Native American culture and history on Mount Desert Island. Her presentation on Wabanaki practices is always well received, and is followed by time for participants to browse the many exhibits of the museum.

Sheila Bressler

Sheila Bressler first visited Mount Desert Island (MDI) over a decade ago with family and friends and has been captivated by its picturesque landscape ever since. She and her husband, Michael, live and travel across the country in their camper full time, and their love of the granite mountains and the rocky ocean shoreline keep them coming back to Acadia National Park for more adventures. Sheila loves to hike, bike, and kayak, and to share the beauty and history of MDI with Road Scholars.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking up to two miles on mostly even terrain, boardwalks and trails.

Small Group (13 to 24)

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Suggested Reading List

View Full List (3 Books)

You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!

Call 800-454-5768

Start Enrolling

Enroll with Confidence

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.