Hulls Cove Visitor Center
Your essential gateway to Acadia National Park, offering maps, passes, ranger advice, and shuttle access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Hulls Cove Visitor Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Your essential gateway to Acadia National Park, offering maps, passes, ranger advice, and shuttle access.
"A crucial starting point for Acadia adventures, with helpful rangers and convenient shuttle access."
🎯 Grab a Park Pass Here
Purchase your Acadia National Park pass at Hulls Cove to avoid lines at other park entrances.
🚌 Ride the Island Explorer
Use the free shuttle to explore Acadia and skip parking hassles. It's a game-changer!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Acadia National Park Sign
Visitor Center Entrance
Snap that classic park photo at the iconic Acadia National Park sign. A must-do for any visitor's album!
Island Explorer Shuttle Hub
Visitor Center Parking Lot
Your stress-free ticket to Acadia's best spots. Hop on the free shuttle to avoid parking woes and explore with ease.
Ranger Information Desk
Inside Visitor Center
Get insider tips, trail recommendations, and learn about ranger-led programs from knowledgeable park staff.
Acadia Park Store
Inside Visitor Center
Find souvenirs, maps, and essentials to remember your Acadia adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Start Your Acadia Adventure Here
Beat the Crowds with the Shuttle
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Grab a Park Pass Here
Purchase your Acadia National Park pass at Hulls Cove to avoid lines at other park entrances.
🚌 Ride the Island Explorer
Use the free shuttle to explore Acadia and skip parking hassles. It's a game-changer!
🗺️ Get Your Park Maps
Essential for navigating Acadia. Rangers are happy to help you plan your hikes.
🐾 BARK Ranger Program
Pick up a guide for your dog to become an Acadia BARK Ranger!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Grab a Park Pass Here
Purchase your Acadia National Park pass at Hulls Cove to avoid lines at other park entrances.
🚌 Ride the Island Explorer
Use the free shuttle to explore Acadia and skip parking hassles. It's a game-changer!
🗺️ Get Your Park Maps
Essential for navigating Acadia. Rangers are happy to help you plan your hikes.
🐾 BARK Ranger Program
Pick up a guide for your dog to become an Acadia BARK Ranger!
🚶♀️ Climb the 52 Steps
It's a tradition! The visitor center is reached by climbing 52 steps.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Hulls Cove Visitor Center a crucial starting point for Acadia adventures, praising its helpful rangers and convenient shuttle access. While the center itself is functional rather than a major attraction, its role in providing park passes, maps, and information, especially for the Island Explorer shuttle, is highly valued. Some note the limited exhibits but appreciate the essential services offered.
"7-24-2025 so many cars. All-day parking was an issue. After driving around the parking lot at Jordan Pond, I just dropped off my family and I kept driving around till they finished. At one point there was a traffic Jam, no cars could move...a park employee should have been directing traffic. Our time for Mt. Cadillac was noon. We got to the top and once again had to drop off my family. I found a spot 18 minutes later. Sand beach same thing.
Once parked the park was awesome!!!"
L Caseber
"We visited on a Monday afternoon in late June 2025.
There were parking spots when we arrived. I don't think it's super crowded here because there really isn't much of a visitor center. You could go inside and they had a tiny exhibit area with mostly large maps of the park. They have 2 lines, one for park passes and one for information. The information line was always long and this is where we had to go for our junior ranger booklets.
There are also the National Park Service Passport Cancellation Stamp here. Don't forget all the other ones in Acadia NP like at the Sieur de Monts Nature Center, Cadillac Mountain Retail Store, Thunder Hole Retail Store, Jordan Pond Retail Store, Little Cranberry Island. They were all different stamps.
There was a small merch store here as well which took up about 1/3 of the visitor center. Also there are bathrooms here.
Other than these things there is no real other reason to be in this visitor center. It's more of a way station. However I know the brand new Visitor Center just opened up on the road just outside the park with a huge exhibit space and 300 parking spots.
The only other thing about this visitor center is that at the entrance there is the typical National Park sign "Acadia National Park". If you wanted to walk over and take a official photo with it. Unfortunately it's not a very pretty background. It's just trees and parking lot."
David L.
"We mainly stopped at the Hulls Cove visitor center to park our car and use the free island explorer shuttle. This was so useful to avoid searching for parking at different points of Acadia as it can get very crowded during peak season. Honestly during peak times in a day (mid morning), finding a parking spot at the visitor centre was also very difficult.
You can use restrooms, refill bottles, buy any souvenirs, buy the weekly passes for entrance and get any information you want at the centre. The people working there are so kind and are happy to help especially with shuttle timings and routes."
Neha Vl
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hulls Cove Visitor Center is located on Route 3, just outside the main entrance to Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. It's easily accessible by car and is a primary stop for the free Island Explorer shuttle service.
Yes, there is parking available at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. However, during peak season and busy times, it can fill up quickly. Many visitors use it as a starting point to catch the Island Explorer shuttle to avoid parking issues elsewhere in the park.
The most convenient public transportation option is the fare-free Island Explorer shuttle, which has a stop at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. This shuttle connects various points within Acadia National Park and surrounding towns.
The Island Explorer shuttle is highly recommended for traveling between Hulls Cove and popular Acadia destinations like Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, and Cadillac Mountain, especially during busy periods.
Yes, the Hulls Cove Visitor Center accommodates RVs, and it's a good place to park if you plan to use the Island Explorer shuttle for your park explorations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a park pass is required for entry into Acadia National Park. You can purchase your park pass at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, which is a convenient place to get it before heading further into the park.
Hulls Cove Visitor Center hours typically align with the park's operating season, generally from spring through fall. It's best to check the official Acadia National Park website for the most current hours, as they can vary seasonally.
Absolutely! Hulls Cove Visitor Center is a primary location for purchasing Acadia National Park entrance passes, including weekly and annual options.
There is no separate entrance fee for the Hulls Cove Visitor Center itself. However, you will need a valid Acadia National Park pass to enter the park and access most of its attractions.
You can obtain Junior Ranger booklets at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. The information line is often the place to go for these, though it can have long waits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Hulls Cove, you can get park maps, buy entrance passes, ask rangers questions, shop for souvenirs at the Acadia Park Store, and use restrooms. It's also a major hub for the Island Explorer shuttle.
Yes, restrooms are available at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, which is convenient for visitors before or after exploring the park.
Yes, rangers at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center are a great resource for information on hiking trails, including difficulty, length, and current conditions. They can help you choose the best trails for your abilities.
Yes, there is an Acadia Park Store located within the Hulls Cove Visitor Center where you can purchase souvenirs, books, and other park-related merchandise.
The BARK Ranger program encourages responsible pet ownership in national parks. You can pick up a guide and checklist at Hulls Cove Visitor Center to help your dog become an official Acadia BARK Ranger.
📸 📸 Photography
The most popular photo op is the iconic 'Acadia National Park' sign at the entrance. While the background is mostly trees and parking, it's a classic shot. The visitor center itself offers a good starting point for capturing your Acadia journey.
The visitor center itself is more of a functional hub. For stunning scenic views, you'll want to head to locations like Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, or Thunder Hole, which are accessible via the Island Explorer shuttle from Hulls Cove.
While Hulls Cove is primarily for information and access, the drive along Route 3 towards the park offers glimpses of the coastal scenery. For more dramatic shots, explore areas like Ravens Nest or Schoodic Point on the Schoodic Peninsula.
Early morning or late afternoon light can offer softer, more flattering light for photos at the Acadia National Park sign. However, be mindful of crowds, especially during peak hours.
You can certainly take photos of the visitor center and its surroundings. If you wish to photograph park rangers, it's always polite to ask for their permission first.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Utilizing the free Island Explorer shuttle from Hulls Cove is highly recommended for families. It eliminates the stress of finding parking at popular spots like Sand Beach or Jordan Pond, allowing more time for fun and less time waiting.
Consider the BARK Ranger program if you're traveling with a dog – it's a fun way to teach kids about responsible pet ownership in nature. 🚗 Day-Trippers
Prioritize using the Island Explorer shuttle from Hulls Cove to efficiently visit key attractions like Cadillac Mountain for sunrise or sunset, or explore the scenic carriage roads. This strategy helps you see more in less time and avoid parking frustrations.
🐶 Pet Owners
Remember that pets must be leashed at all times in Acadia National Park, and while they are welcome on many carriage roads and some trails, always check park regulations for specific areas. The visitor center staff can provide guidance on pet-friendly routes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Acadia with the Island Explorer
Routes typically connect the visitor center to key Acadia attractions like Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole. The buses run frequently during the summer months, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to experience the park's beauty. Check the shuttle schedule upon arrival, as routes and times can vary.
Using the Island Explorer not only saves you time and frustration but also allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about your vehicle. It's a community-backed strategy for a smoother Acadia experience.
Planning Your Acadia Itinerary from Hulls Cove
Many visitors use Hulls Cove as a base to plan multi-day trips. For instance, after getting your park pass and maps, you might take the Island Explorer to hike the Great Head Trail for stunning coastal views, or head to Sand Beach for some relaxation.
For those seeking a more secluded experience, consider a drive to the Schoodic Peninsula, which is about an hour away from Hulls Cove and offers a different, less crowded perspective of the park. +1Remember to factor in travel time between locations, especially if relying on the shuttle. Planning your days around shuttle routes and popular attraction hours will help you make the most of your visit.
The BARK Ranger Program for Canine Companions
This program encourages responsible pet ownership by teaching visitors about the 'BARK' principles: Bag waste, Always leash your pet, Respect wildlife, and Know where you can go. Completing the checklist allows your dog to be sworn in as an official BARK Ranger and even earn a special leash tag.
It's a fun and educational initiative that promotes conservation and ensures a positive experience for both pets and wildlife within the park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit