Sullivan, Maine: Quiet Outpost Near Acadia National Park

Q: Is there a shuttle to Acadia from Sullivan?

No dedicated Sullivan shuttle; park shuttles operate within Acadia. You’ll likely drive or arrange transport to Schoodic or Mount Desert Island entrances.

Q: What are lodging prices like in Sullivan?

$83+ per night for hotels; vacation rentals start around $50 per night; deals show up midweek or in off-peak periods.

Q: Can I find outdoor gear locally in Sullivan?

Not in Sullivan itself; for gear, plan a trip to Ellsworth or Bar Harbor where outdoor retailers are located.

Q: How close is Ellsworth to Acadia access points?

Ellsworth is a short drive to Bar Harbor and central Acadia, and Schoodic Peninsula is about 20–25 minutes from Sullivan via the highway network.

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Overview

About This Town

Sullivan sits on Maine's mid-coast as a quiet outpost that still serves Ellsworth and Mount Desert Island. It maintains a rural feel with a close-knit community, and evenings tend to be quiet. Lodging options range from inns and motels to vacation rentals, with modest prices by Maine standards.

The Vibe

Sullivan is the working-town counterpoint to the coast: practical, affordable, and unpretentious. You’ll need a car; this isn’t a walking town, and the pace suits folks who want nature without resort-town crowds.

Stock Up Here

Hannaford in Ellsworth stocks a full range of groceries and sits about 17 miles from Sullivan. In Sullivan, Hancock Grocery covers the basics, and Maine Coast Sea Vegetables sells local sea greens. There are no dedicated outdoor-gear stores in Sullivan; for gear, plan a trip to Ellsworth or Bar Harbor.

Late Night Intel

Most kitchens shut down by 9–9:30 PM; Sullivan-specific late-night options are scarce. If you’re craving a bite after hours, the best bet is to head to Ellsworth for late options.

Town at a Glance

Town Type

Quiet Outpost / Local Working Town

Population

1,260

Distance to Park

Schoodic Peninsula entrance ~13 miles away (20–25 minutes); Mount Desert Island entry ~35 miles away (45–50 minutes).

Highlights

Known For

Coastal views and a calm pace, with Schoodic Peninsula access nearby.

Main Attractions

Schoodic Peninsula entry for Acadia; coastal views and quiet trails

What Makes It Special

Rural Maine character, proximity to Acadia without island crowds, and a straightforward, workaday atmosphere that locals respect.

Seasonal Planning

Peak Season

Summer

Shoulder Season

Late spring and early fall

Winter

Quiet in winter; many businesses slow or close; prepare for limited services

Best Time to Visit

Shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall) are quieter; summer brings modest crowds but not overwhelming.

Tips & Advice

Gas stations in Sullivan close in the evening. Fill up in Ellsworth before heading here.
Kitchens likely close by 9 PM; plan dinners accordingly.
Stock up in Ellsworth (Hannaford, IGA in nearby towns) because Sullivan’s selections are limited.
Parking is generally easy; avoid blocking driveways.
Bring cash; some small shops may be cash-only.

Details

Services & Facilities

Lodging

Hotels/Motels 8

B&Bs 6

inns, motels, vacation rentals, cabins

Dining

Restaurants 9

Price Range Moderate; tourist pricing closer to Acadia entrances

local dives, casual eateries, tourist-oriented options near park entrances

Essential Services

Grocery: Hancock Grocery, Maine Coast Sea Vegetables; Nearby Hannaford (Ellsworth) and Trenton Marketplace IGA
Gas: Gas stations present; likely close in the evening; plan accordingly
Gear/Outdoor Shops: No dedicated outdoor gear stores in Sullivan; head to Ellsworth or Bar Harbor for gear
Medical: Nearest urgent care in Ellsworth (~17 miles); hospital options in Bangor or Bar Harbor

Conveniences

Banks/ATMs Available

Insider Tips

• Gas up in Ellsworth before heading to Sullivan. • Hancock Grocery covers basics; Maine Coast Sea Vegetables sells local greens. • Expect limited after-hours dining; plan meals by 9 PM. • For gear or big shopping, head to Ellsworth or Bar Harbor.

Things to Do

Summer Activities

Coastal drives, short hikes, wildlife viewing along Schoodic

Winter Activities

Winter slowdown; nearby trails for snowshoeing; Ellsworth remains accessible

Shopping

Limited local shops; bigger options in Ellsworth; some souvenir spots may exist

Breweries & Nightlife

Limited options in Sullivan; more choices in Ellsworth/Bar Harbor

Events & Festivals

Seasonal community events nearby; Sullivan itself stays low-key

Getting There & Staying

Nearest Airport

Bangor International Airport (BGR) ~50–60 miles

Shuttle to Park

No dedicated Sullivan shuttle to Acadia; drive to Schoodic entrance; park shuttles operate within Acadia

Cell/WiFi

AT&T strongest coverage; overall connectivity varies; some dead zones; lodgings may offer WiFi

Visitor Center

Acadia’s Hulls Cove Visitor Center in Bar Harbor and the Schoodic Peninsula area serve as the primary information hubs; the Schoodic SEER Center has local resources.

Best Area to Stay

Staying in Sullivan keeps nights quiet and residential. Ellsworth is the nearby service hub with groceries and medical options, while Mount Desert Island sits nearer to Acadia’s entrances; from Sullivan it’s about 31 miles (roughly 45 minutes) to the Park’s Entrance Station.

Book Ahead

Book lodging 6 months ahead for peak season; midweek stays often cheaper

Visitor Information

Accessibility & Walkability

Car required; town is not very walkable; some sidewalks exist, but parking is generally easy

Family-Friendly

Safe streets and nature-based activities; quieter nights mean kid-friendly outings outdoors

Nearby Facilities

Ellsworth has urgent care and larger grocery options; Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island include a wider range of services and activities.

FAQs

Is there a grocery store in Sullivan?

Yes: Hancock Grocery and Maine Coast Sea Vegetables; for bigger selections, nearby Ellsworth has Hannaford and Trenton Marketplace IGA.

Is there a shuttle to Acadia from Sullivan?

What are lodging prices like in Sullivan?

Can I find outdoor gear locally in Sullivan?

How close is Ellsworth to Acadia access points?

Campground at Acadia National Park with numerous RVs and trailers parked around a grassy central loop by the shoreline.

Acadia Seashore Camping & Cabins

Coastal campground: gravel/grass sites, hot showers, water spigots, and a private booking system near Acadia.

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Sullivan • Acadia National Park

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Sullivan