📍 Location & Geography
Bar Harbor is a picturesque town situated in the county of Hancock, in the state of Maine, United States. It is located on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s Frenchman Bay. The town covers a total area of 63.11 square miles, of which 42.24 square miles is land and 20.87 square miles is water. Bar Harbor is known for its stunning coastal beauty, with rocky beaches, cliffs, and a variety of flora and fauna.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Bar Harbor, Maine are approximately 44.3876° N latitude and 68.2039° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Bar Harbor is part of the Northeast region of the United States, more specifically, it is located in the Down East region of Maine. The town is part of Hancock County and its ZIP code is 04609. The town is surrounded by the Acadia National Park, which covers much of Mount Desert Island.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Bar Harbor was approximately 5,500. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 44 years. The population is predominantly White, with minorities including African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.
🏛️ History
Bar Harbor was first inhabited by the Wabanaki people. The town was later discovered by Europeans in 1604, led by French explorer Samuel de Champlain. Initially named Eden, the town was incorporated in 1796. It was later renamed Bar Harbor in 1918. The town flourished as a popular summer resort for wealthy Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many opulent estates and hotels were built during this period, some of which are still standing today.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Bar Harbor is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Acadia National Park, the first National Park east of the Mississippi River. The park offers a unique blend of mountains, forests, lakes, and ocean coastline. The town is also home to the College of the Atlantic’s George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History, which focuses on the natural history of the region.
🏫 Education
Education in Bar Harbor is managed by the Mount Desert Island Regional School System. The town has one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. Bar Harbor is also home to the College of the Atlantic, a small liberal arts college that focuses on human ecology.
🚧 Transportation
Bar Harbor is served by the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, which offers commercial flights. The Island Explorer bus service provides free transportation around the town and to other parts of Mount Desert Island during the summer months. Bar Harbor also has a deep-water harbor that accommodates large cruise ships.
📜 Trivia & Events
Bar Harbor hosts several events throughout the year, including the Acadia Night Sky Festival, which celebrates the area’s star-filled skies. The town is also known for its Fourth of July celebrations, which include a fireworks display over Frenchman Bay. Trivia lovers might be interested to know that the town was the setting for the 1947 film “The Cockeyed Miracle,” and the 1957 film “This Happy Feeling.”