Sieur De Monts Spring

Rarely crowded the spring itself is no longer in operation. It is housed in a Spanish style octagonal building with the traditional Spanish tile roof. Monumental stones were carved when the building was erected in the early 1900’s. Open year round it is located 2 miles south of Bar Harbor near the intersection of the Park Loop Road and Route 3 on Mount Desert Island. No entrance fee is required and the free Island Explorer bus system makes scheduled stops here.

History

The historian will find wealth in the history of the spring. Learn about George B. Dorr, the first superintendent of Acadia National Park who erected the Spanish style buildings, one of which is now the Abbe Museum, in 1909. He named the Spring after Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Monts, commissioned Lieutenant Governor in 1603. Or learn about the original settlers to the island at the Abbe Museum, with artifacts from Native American tribes of Maine known as the “People of the Dawn” or Wabanaki.

Nature

The Nature Center is located, a short distance from the spring with museum quality natural exhibits, interpretive rangers, and educational information. Adjacent to the Nature Center are the Wild Gardens of Acadia. Maintained by volunteers, it meticulously categorizes the plant life found in 12 different ecosystems on the island.

Trails

Further exploration of the island ecosystems is accessible by the connected trails.

• The Board walk is level stroll with built in decks and benches for quit reflection along the way. Deer are often seen in the hours of dawn and dusk.
• Follow the Jessup Path to the Great Meadow Loop or the Mountain Trails of Dorr Mountain and Homans Path.
• Hemlock Ravine is a wide path for hiking and biking. Owls and woodpeckers are common here.
• Don’t forget to take the short path to the Tarn, built by Dorr to be a reflecting pool; it is frequented by a verity of wildlife.