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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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National Parks Small Group

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

5 days

4 nights

9 meals

4B 3L 2D

Check-In, Registration, Overview of MDI, Welcome Dinner

Bar Harbor, Maine

Oldfarm, Acadia National Park's Ocean Drive, Cadillac Mtn.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Lobster Class, Victorian Walking Tour, Granite Cutting

Bar Harbor, Maine

Nature Walk, Cranberry Islands Boat Ride, Free Time

Bar Harbor, Maine

Winter Habitat & Local Fauna, Program Concludes

Bar Harbor, Maine

View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

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.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

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

Small Group

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

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.

Featured Expert

All trip experts

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 this program.

Steve Haynes View biography

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 View biography

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 Brechlin View biography

Rich MacDonald View biography

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 View biography

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 View biography

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.

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

Enroll with Confidence

Protecting the Environment

At a Glance

Best of all, you’ll…

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