In 1916, ACADIA NATIONAL PARK became the first National Park east of the Mississippi River. Shaped by glaciers over 10,000 years ago, the park encompasses over 40,000 acres of dramatic Maine coastline, lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and majestic mountains.

Northern and temperate climate zones meet and overlap at Acadia, resulting in an abundance of life. The park is home to over 300 species of birds, forty-two species of mammals, and 1100 species of plants. Tidepools along the coast are awash with numerous shapes and colors of shells, sea urchins, starfish, seaweed, and other marine life.

Photo: Charles Clusen