Hulls Cove Visitor Center

Bathrooms, maps, Junior Ranger info—start here.

Insider tip

Use the separate accessible entrance to bypass stairs

Insider tip

Pay entrance passes at the main lot with the automated machine

When to come

Weekdays mornings are quieter; weekends can be crowded—arrive early.

Visitor Center

Visitor Center★ 4.5

Your starting point for planning a park visit: grab free Unigrid maps, talk to a ranger for itinerary help, and pick up detailed trail maps. Entrance passes are sold on site, and Junior Ranger materials are available; be ready for crowds during peak season.

Quick facts

Daily Hours
8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Seasonal Hours
Early May–October 31
Seasonal Operation
Open May through Oct 31
Phone
(207) 288-3338

Hours & contact

Daily Hours
8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Seasonal Hours
Early May–October 31
Seasonal Operation
Open May through Oct 31
Phone
(207) 288-3338
Phone Available
0
Best Contact Method
Information desk; speak with a park ranger on site

Services

Rangers Available
1
Ranger Programs
Program times vary; check desk on arrival
Free Park Maps
1
Trail Maps
1
Permit Issuance
  • Entrance passes; backcountry and climbing permits not confirmed here
Permit Types
Entrance passes; backcountry and climbing permits not confirmed here
Backcountry Permits
0

Facilities

Restrooms
Flush (indoor) with family restroom and accessible stalls
Restroom Type
Flush (indoor) with family restroom and accessible stalls
Water Fountain
1
Bookstore
1
Wi-Fi Available
0
Accessibility
ADA-compliant entrance with elevator; accessible parking behind; main entrance requires 52 stairs
ADA Compliant
1

Exhibits & nearby

Has Exhibits
1
Exhibit Topics
Interactive exhibits, Artist-in-Residence artwork, wall maps
Interpretive Films
Park film not shown due to renovations
Junior Ranger
1
Nearby Campgrounds
Bar Harbor area camping options nearby
Nearby Lodging
Bar Harbor hotels and inns nearby

Planning advice

Best For
First-time visitors needing orientation, entrance passes, and Island Explorer planning.
Highlights
Free Unigrid maps, large RV-friendly parking, ranger talks.
Why Visit
Starting point for orientation, passes, and shuttle planning
Parking Reality
Large main lot; RVs accommodated; lot can fill quickly during busy periods; accessible lot behind the building
Facility Intel
Flush toilets; water fountains available; WiFi/cell status unknown; elevator at accessible entrance; 52 stairs to main building
Best Time To Visit
Weekdays mornings are quieter; weekends can be crowded—arrive early.
Tips Advice
  • Use the separate accessible entrance to bypass stairs
  • Pay entrance passes at the main lot with the automated machine
  • Expect crowds in peak season; allow extra time for parking
  • The park film is not shown due to renovations; grab trail maps at the desk

More details

Park Area
Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Maine
Parking Availability
Large main lot; RV/trailer parking available; accessible lot behind the building
Parking Capacity
Large main lot; RV/trailer parking available; accessible lot behind the building
Parking Peak Time
Weekends and peak season
Parking Notes
Main lot fills quickly; accessible lot behind the building; 52-step main entrance path
Operating Hours
8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Seasonal Variations
Open May through Oct 31
Accessibility Features
ADA-compliant entrance with elevator; accessible parking behind; main entrance requires 52 stairs
Exhibits Displays
Interactive exhibits, Artist-in-Residence artwork, wall maps
Has Bookstore
1
Bookstore Operator
Eastern National
Ranger Talks
1
Ranger Talk Schedule
Program times vary; check desk on arrival
Film Presentations
0
Film Schedule
Park film not shown due to renovations
Park Newspapers
0
Safety Info Available
0
Park Maps Available
1
Permit Protocol
Entrance passes sold here; backcountry and climbing permits not clearly confirmed here; consult rangers for planning
Climbing Permits
0
Nearest Trailheads
Adjacent to Park Loop Road; access to multiple Hulls Cove trailheads
Nearby Dining
Restaurants in Bar Harbor along Route 3
Nearby Facilities
Bar Harbor dining and lodging within minutes; Hulls Cove restrooms and water; adjacent Park Loop Road access
Notable Features
52-step main entrance; elevator-accessible back entrance; large RV-friendly parking; free Unigrid maps; Island Explorer shuttle planning
Best Visit Time
Mornings on weekdays; avoid peak weekend crowds
Insider Tips
  • Use the separate accessible entrance to bypass stairs
  • Pay entrance passes at the main lot with the automated machine
  • Expect crowds during peak season; arrive early
  • The park film is not shown; grab trail maps at the desk
Family Friendly Notes
Junior Ranger program available; family restroom; elevator access for strollers
Current Conditions Info
Seasonal hours apply; park film closed for renovations; check NPS status for any closures
Recent Updates
Park film theater removed due to renovations; seasonal hours may shift with renovations
Stop If Skip If
STOP IF: You need orientation, or Island Explorer shuttle info, or Junior Ranger badge. SKIP IF: You just want to drive Park Loop Road—this stop is not required.
Review Summary
Visitors praise Hulls Cove as a convenient starting point for orientation, passes, and maps, but crowds can be heavy in peak season.

Location

Sign for Acadia National Park featuring a dark plaque in a white frame, set among trees with visible tree roots.Interior of a visitor center gallery at Acadia National Park with olive walls, framed artworks, and a large wall map on the right.Two visitors ascend a stone stairway with a metal railing through a wooded area beside a low stone wall in Acadia National Park.Rocky overlook at Acadia National Park with evergreen shrubs, green hills, and a blue Atlantic dotted by small islands.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get backcountry or climbing permits here?

Backcountry or climbing permits are not confirmed at Hulls Cove; talk with a park ranger to plan and confirm where to obtain permits.

Are there restrooms at Hulls Cove?

Yes—indoor flush toilets, a family restroom, and accessible stalls are available.

Is there WiFi or cell service at Hulls Cove?

WiFi and cell service status is not confirmed; plan to use offline maps and ranger guidance.

Is the park film currently shown?

The park film theater has been removed from service due to renovations.

Where can I get trail maps?

Free Unigrid maps are available on site; detailed trail maps can be purchased at the desk.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.