Acadia National Park, nestled along the coastline of Maine, is a stunning area rich in both history and beauty. Visitors will find plenty to do from exhilarating hiking trails to innovative museum exhibits to fun, friendly activities around Bar Harbor. This year, the park is celebrating its 100th birthday! To celebrate, 300 people from organizations like the Friends of Acadia came together to plan an unforgettable Centennial. Exciting activities are happening all year long to commemorate the anniversary of the East Coast’s oldest national park.

History
Surrounded by the coastal towns of Maine, Acadia was the first national park established on the East Coast. Acadia is also the first park to be made up entirely of private donations of land! George B. Durr, known as the “Father of Acadia” was instrumental in protecting this beautiful piece of Maine.

Acadia technically has three birthdays. The park was originally founded in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson and called Sieur de Monts National Monument. Three years later, its name was changed to Lafayette National Park. Then, in 1929, Durr acquired additional lands, the donation of a British family who were against the name. Durr then chose Acadia because of its historical relevance and expressive nature.

Centennial Celebrations

Centennial Logo
To celebrate the Centennial, the Acadia Centennial Task Force held a contest through which they found their Centennial Logo. Designed by an artist in Maine, the logo features a drawing of one of Acadia’s most stunning views from a hiking trail. The slogan, “Celebrate our past, Inspire our future” is also printed on the logo.

Bar Harbor Art Walks
Throughout the summer, downtown Bar Harbor hosts Friday Art Walks. See special performance pieces, world class musicians, alongside paintings, sculptures, and other items on display. In June, Bar Harbor honor Acadia’s Centennial with a special commemorative evening! Walking maps are available from hotels as well as the Chamber of Commerce.

Acadia Centennial Lecture Series
In addition to Acadia’s usual Lecture Series’, this year a special Centennial lecture will be featured, presented by Friends of Acadia. The lecture will focus on conservation in the 21st century. This is a unique opportunity to hear from some of today’s most influential minds in modern preservation as well as influential community members who take pride in Acadia’s history.

Auto Wars Exhibit
An exciting “choose-your-own-adventure” exhibit, Seal Cove Auto Museum allows you to follow the story of those who were for or those who were against the arrival of cars in Mount Desert Island. Explore the turmoil of the 1900’s when many people argued that cars would ruin the beauty of their precious land while others welcomed the new technology. Stay on the lookout for other events since the museum will also be hosting Lego Day where kids build their own cars, a Picnic Day, as well as Kid’s Day in July.

Bar Harbor Music Fest
The acclaimed Bar harbor Music Festival runs all through July, and in 2016, they celebrate their 50th Anniversary! Come for free outdoor concerts and enjoy musical recitals, string orchestra concerts, operas, jazz and more! Known for drawing talented young artists, The Bar Harbor Music Festival is the best place to hear soon-to-be-acclaimed performances. To celebrate Acadia’s Centennial, the festival will feature the world premiere of two new compositions inspired by the park.

Red Cloak Tour
On Friday, July 8th, Acadia’s official birthday, the park is hosting a special Red Cloak Haunted History Tour! Explore spooky sites while you learn all about the history of the park as well as it’s haunting ghost stories!

Acadia Quest
Another fun Centennial Event for kids, teens and their families to participate in is the Acadia Centennial Quest. Described as an “experiential scavenger hunt” the Quest runs from April to November. Family teams can sign up to receive a list of activities that revolve around the history of Acadia.

Acadia 100 Challenge
The Acadia 100 Challenge runs until the end of 2016. Teachers are encouraged to celebrate the centennial with their students by completing a centennial-themed project. The class could write a 100 word poem, complete 100 drawings of Acadia, or invent their own project! Completed projects, along with a class photo, will be posted on the Centennial website.

Where to Stay
Acadia has many friendly, comfortable lodging options that keep you close to all the action.
Come stay at Acadia Inn, only about 1 mile from downtown Bar Harbor and the National Park. The Acadia Inn provides great value with nice rooms, fair prices and up-to-date amenities like a jacuzzi, heated outdoor pool and continental breakfast. Modeled after buildings from the Grand Hotel Era of the 1800’s, The Bar Harbor Grand Hotel is located downtown. Providing deluxe accommodations and an East Coast fashion, the Grand Hotel is an elegant experience for the spirited traveller. For a relaxing and inviting stay, come to the Bar Harbor Inn & Spa complete with a health club, heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi. Situated on the water in The Frenchman Bay, the charming hotel includes vibrant, beautiful gardens and plenty of outdoor space. Dine at the Reading Room Restaurant & Lounge, relax by the fireplace or in a wooden rocking chair out on the porch as the sun sinks into the sky.

Don’t miss your chance to join in on Acadia’s unforgettable Centennial celebrations. At Acadia National Park, you can see world class musicians perform, learn from the top minds in modern conservation, and enjoy a relaxing vacation along the gorgeous coastal towns of Maine. Plan your trip today!