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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.
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Start
National ParksSmall Group
Length
5 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,999
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.
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Featured Expert
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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
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
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 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.
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.
Rich MacDonald is a field biologist, ornithologist, naturalist, group leader, writer, photographer, husband, and father who lives in Bar Harbor, Maine. As a field biologist, Rich has studied the natural world, focusing on issues relating to climate change, forest ecology and birds. Rich is the director of The Natural History Center, an organization teaching and leading educational programs and trips throughout the natural world of Acadia National Park, Down East Maine and beyond (including leading Road Scholar trips around Norway, Cuba and the Great Lakes).
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 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.
Bryan Paxton came to Maine in 2017 from North Carolina to work at ABCKT and fell in love with Mount Desert Island on his first visit. After graduating from NC State, he pursued his interest in helping others recreate outdoors. He loves every season on MDI for its unique qualities and is passionate about the island’s history, often searching for lost trails and forgotten treasures. He's also regularly found hiking, biking, beach combing, rock climbing, or cruising around in one of his old Jeeps.
Brittany Slabach is a professor of biology and the Emily and Mitch Rales Chair in ecology at College of the Atlantic, of which she is also a graduate. She received her M.S. and Ph.D. from Tufts University and the University of Kentucky, respectively. She studies how landscape ecology and park management affect biodiversity of small mammals.
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 Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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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 is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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 is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

  • 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.