2026 Hulls Cove Visitor Center - Hours, Passes, Maps

Open-air visitor center with a shingled roof, red 'Visitor Center' lettering, shield emblem, and surrounding trees at Acadia National Park.

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.