Bar Harbor is a small town with an amazing history and heritage that’s just waiting to be discovered. While the town is home to just 5,000 people, it has tons to offer in the way of attractions and nature. That includes four intriguing Bar Harbor museums that showcase everything from the town’s long history on Mount Desert Island to details of the region’s important natural significance. Read on to see why any visit to Bar Harbor should include a visit to the town’s museums.

1. Bar Harbor Historical Society Museum
Bar Harbor Historical Society, 127 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Facebook / Bar Harbor Historical Society
An incredible 41-room, 1902 mansion called La Rochelle today holds the collections of the Bar Harbor Historical Society. This is a fantastic place to visit if you're curious about early life in the area.
Bar Harbor Historical Society, 127 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
127 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Facebook / Bar Harbor Historical Society
The home is a well preserved treasure and its collections provide a ton of fascinating details about the town's early history. It's one of the best museums in Bar Harbor. Read more about the Bar Harbor Historical Society.
2. Abbe Museum
Facebook / Abbe Museum

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Abbe Museum, 26 Mt Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Facebook / Abbe Museum
This museum in the heart of Bar Harbor is dedicated to exploring the history and culture of Maine's Native people, the Wabanaki. The museum has a large number of interesting and important artifacts from prehistoric and historic times. Start planning your visit and learn more about the Abbe Museum.
3. George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History
George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History
Facebook / George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History
The interesting George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History is housed in the original headquarters of Acadia National Park. It features exhibits, programs, and activities about the natural world of our state. This is one of the most fun museums to explore in the state. If you like quirky museums in Maine, we're willing to bet you will like this one too.
4. Mount Desert Oceanarium
Mount Desert Oceanarium
Facebook / Mount Desert Oceanarium
The final museum in Bar Harbor on this list is a new property that opened in 2022. The Mount Desert Oceanarium is an organization dedicated to place-based education and conservation.

Museums are just a small part of what you can do in this town. Bar Harbor is one of the most scenic places in Maine – it’s home to the largest parts of Acadia National Park and it’s a place with a lot of stunning natural beauty. Once you have taken in Bar Harbor’s Museums, you might want to lace up your hiking shoes.

Here’s a scenic hiking path along the ocean that’s simply incredible.

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Bar Harbor Museums

Danielle Schwartz | June 04, 2022

What is the most scenic town in Maine?

There are so many scenic towns in Maine, it's hard just to choose one! Once you've gotten a taste of one of these beautiful places, you'll be excited to go check out the rest of them as well. One of the most scenic towns in Maine is Searsport, found in Waldo County. It's the best place for water views, from The Penobscot River estuary in Moose Point State Park to Penobscot Bay. Come in the fall season to check out the stunning autumn foliage reflected in the water all around you.

What are the most unique museums in Maine?

If you like one-of-a-kind places to learn about things you never knew before, check out some of the most unique museums in Maine.

  • The Moxie Museum, Lisbon: This unique spot houses all kinds of merchandise related to the well-known beverage, so while it is very specific, it's a fun choice that you won't find anywhere else!
  • The International Cryptozoology Museum, Portland: Another fascinating place to learn new things. If you've always wanted to know more about legends like Yetis, Bigfoot, and more, this is the right place for you.
  • The Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport: For a sweet and charming afternoon, you'll love this spot. You'll get the chance to see all kinds of electric trains and other vehicles from all over the country.

 

What are the most well-known historical landmarks in Maine?

The most well-known historical landmarks in Maine are famous for good reason!

  • The Portland Observatory, Portland: This beautiful spot to check out when you're looking for beauty and history wrapped up in one. Its bright red color will let you know you've definitely come to the right place.
  • The Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Brunswick: This is a wonderful place to feel history all around you. This landmark is where Stowe wrote the famous Uncle Tom's Cabin.

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