Jordan Pond House

A two story grey building lined with windows and blue trim in front of a green lawn

Jordan Pond's still waters mirror Mount Desert Island's mountains from this historic tea house on the lake's southern shore. The pond is a glacially-carved basin—a textbook example of Pleistocene ice-sheet work, where ancient glaciers scoured bedrock and meltwater filled the depression. The 1982 building (rebuilt after a 1979 fire) has served tea and popovers since the 1890s, placing a century of human tradition at the heart of a landscape shaped by ancient ice ages.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 44.3201980005,-68.2533344004
Accessibility: Building entrance wheelchair accessible, accessible restroom, level lawn seating.

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Jordan Pond trails including Jordan Cliffs Loop, Jordan Pond Dam Bridge, Jordan Pond Gatehouse, Carriage Roads network, Norumbega Mountain Loop, Park Loop Road.
Nearby Facilities: Restaurant with table service, snacks, gifts and souvenirs, restrooms, drinking water, information desk, trailhead access.
Best Time To Visit: May–June for manageable crowds and clear views; early September for lower humidity and emerging fall colors on surrounding mountains.
Tips Advice: Arrive early (before 11am) to secure parking and prime lawn seating.
Pond water remains cold even in summer; bring a sweater.
Afternoon sunlight best illuminates the mountains; visit late morning through mid-afternoon for photography.
Tea and popovers service is popular; arrive by 2pm if interested.
Post-lunch carriage road walks are nearby.
Insider Tips: Look for bald eagles and osprey on the water at dawn.
The lawn seating fills mid-day; early arrival ensures best spots and peace.
The 1847 farmhouse footprint remains visible—ask staff about the property's history.
Wind picks up over open water mid-afternoon; morning visits are calmer.

More details

Family Friendly Notes: Excellent family destination with historic ambiance and scenic views; supervise children near pond edge (water is cold and deep). Lawn seating accommodates families.
Recent Updates: Restaurant building reconstructed in 1982 following 1979 fire.
Attraction Type: Historic Building on Glacial Lake Shore
Accessibility Level: Building entrance and restrooms wheelchair accessible; level lawn seating area near water.
How To Get There: Located on the southern end of Jordan Pond on Mount Desert Island. Access via Park Loop Road (seasonal, typically mid-April through early December) or multiple hiking trails and carriage roads. Parking available for private vehicles and buses.
Parking Availability: Auto parking and bus/RV parking available.
Seasonal Access: Typically open spring through fall; Park Loop Road access generally mid-April through early December. Call ahead for winter status or off-season hours.
Main Features: Glacial lake views, historic 1982 building (rebuilt after 1979 fire), restaurant and tea service, lawn seating overlooking the pond, passport stamp location, proximity to mountain peaks and carriage roads.
What Youll See: Glacial Jordan Pond with Mount Desert Island's mountains reflected in the water, historic tea house building, aquatic birds, and forested shoreline.
Unique Characteristics: Operating since the 1890s as a tea house and restaurant—one of the park's longest continuously operating dining establishments. Passport stamp location. Original property established as farmhouse in 1847 by George and John Jordan.
Safety Considerations: Water-edge location—exercise caution near pond shore; pond water is cold year-round. Nearby Jordan Cliffs to the north; stay on designated paths and watch footing. No railing along parts of lawn seating; supervise children near water's edge.
Photo Opportunities: Sunrise or sunset over Jordan Pond with mountain reflections; the tea house building framed by water and mountains; lawn seating with pond backdrop.
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Flush
Picnic Areas: 1
Interpretive Signs: 1
Water Available: 1
Guided Tours Available: 0
Scientific Interest: Jordan Pond exemplifies a glacially-carved lake depression on Mount Desert Island; visible landforms reflect Pleistocene ice dynamics. Mountain peaks show glacial cirques.
Best Visit Times: Early morning or mid-week visits; shoulder seasons (May–June, September).
Busiest Season: July–August afternoons.
Fishing Nearby: 1
Boating Allowed: 1
Review Summary: Visitors consistently praise the historic ambiance and scenic glacier-carved lake setting. Most appreciate the century-long tea tradition with views. Peak crowds in mid-summer (July–August) afternoons; shoulder seasons offer better experiences. This location functions as both a geological landmark (glacial lake) and cultural icon (historic tea house tradition).

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is Jordan Pond House worth visiting?

Yes—it's one of Acadia's most photographed vistas and a 130-year tradition. The lawn is free to access; restaurant seating requires purchase. Most visitors spend 1–2 hours.

Can I visit without buying food?

Yes. The lawn is open to the public with free views of the pond and mountains. Dining at the restaurant or tea service requires a purchase.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Building entrance and restrooms are wheelchair accessible; lawn seating is on level terrain with close parking.

What if I visit in winter or early spring?

Park Loop Road typically closes early December through mid-April. During off-season, access may be limited or unavailable. Call ahead or check the park website for current status.

Can I swim or paddle here?

Jordan Pond allows paddling (kayaks, canoes). Swimming is not permitted at the tea house, but nearby Echo Lake and other park waters do allow swimming. Paddle launch points are at other locations on the pond.

How much does it cost?

Entry to Acadia requires an entrance pass ($35 per vehicle). The tea house and restaurant operate as a concession; menu items and tea service have separate costs.