Overview

Open year round, the Wild Gardens of Acadia are maintained by volunteers and free to the public. garden is maintained by volunteers. Native species are labeled in 12 habitat areas: Mixed Woods, Road side, Meadow, Mountain, Bird Thicket, Heath, Seaside, Brookside/Damp Thicket, Coniferous Woods, Bog, Marsh and Pond. Local Birds are listed on a chart in the Bird Thicket. Level gravel and pine needle paths are easily accessible. A self guided tour brochure and post cards can be purchased on the honor system at the entrance to the gardens.

Location

The Gardens are located at Sieur De Monts Spring, 2 miles south of Bar Harbor near the intersection of the Park Loop Road and Route 3 on Mount Desert Island, Maine. The Free Island Explorer Bus makes regular stops here during its season.

Highlights

This garden is a tranquil treasure that is rarely crowded and worth visiting at various times of the day and season. The Gardens focus on native Maine plants and natural ecosystems of Acadia National Park Including: violets, lady’s Slippers, Jack-in-the-pulpit and goldthread, Ferns, Mayflower, Flowering Raspberry, Juniper, Blueberry, Roses, Strawberry, Evening Primrose, Crowberry, Columbine, Rhodora (rosy and rare white), Huckleberry, Honeysuckle, Chokeberry, rare Roseroot, Arctic Beachhead Iris, Sea lavender, Holly, Trout Lily, Rosybells, Elderberry and Witch Hazel, Cranberry, Bog Orchids, Scullcap, Marsh Marigolds, Wild Calla and Sweat Flag and more.

Please Note

These habitats require high maintenance so visitors are asked to refrain from smoking or bringing pets into the Wild Gardens of Acadia.