Acadia Picnic Area

There is a nice little day picnic area on the left or eastern side of Thompson Island just before you cross onto Mount Desert Island. My family often purchased cooked Maine lobster and steamed clams in Trenton, then drove the short distance to this spot to eat, relax, and play games before continuing on to the main part of Acadia National Park. The picnic area is right on the coast and has a large grassy area for recreation. It is open from 6:00 AM until dark during seasonal months. These hours may be changed by National Park Service without notice so before planning special functions, please verify with Park Headquarters.

Thompson Island Picnic Area GPS: Latitude 44.426906; Longtitude -68.364621

On the other side of the island from the picnic area is the National Park's Thompson Island Information Center. Both areas have bathroom facilities.

The Acadia National Park Visitor Center is located in Hulls Cove. During normal season months, this is the best location to get information you need regarding the Park. It also has a gift shop for a variety of purchases. For Park information during the winter months, visit the Park Headquarters on Highway 233 near Eagle Lake, just 3 miles west of Bar Harbor. There is a new main visitor and transportation facility being constructed in Trenton north of MDI and Thompson Island.

Weddings in Acadia National Park: Visit the weddings section for information about having a wedding ceremony within Acadia National Park or elsewhere on MDI or nearby villages and towns.

Acadia National Park Headquarters: (207) 288-3338

Park Picnic Area Location Map

Resources

  • AcadiaMagic.com: (207) 991-2495
    P.O. Box 3911, Brewer, ME 04412
  • Trenton, Maine

Take a Break Here

Greg A. Hartford, photographer, author, publisherIf you have been traveling for a few hours to get to Acadia National Park with children in the car and have built up a sold craving for some maine lobster or steamers, I suggest stopping in Trenton on the mainland, ordering some, and then taking the food across the first bridge and take a left into the Thompson Island Picnic Area. This is actually part of Acadia National Park and is a gorgeous spot to relax with family and friends before diving into all that there is on Mount Desert Island. My family has don this for well over fifty years. Check it out at least once. Sunrises are spectacular from here as well.

Acadia and Bar Harbor Resource Guide