UPDATE FOR 2022: The Island Explorer is returning to service.
There are plenty of ways to get around and enjoy each section of Acadia National Park, whether by land, air, or sea. But, if you’re looking to kick back and leave the driving to someone else, the Island Explorer Shuttle is the way to go. In this article we’ll focus on the Schoodic Route shuttle bus stops for Acadia National Park.
Island Explorer: Schoodic Route Shuttle Bus Stops for Acadia National Park
The Island Explorer is the popular visitor shuttle bus system that transports Acadia National Park visitors all over the Mount Desert Island and Schoodic Peninsula sections of Acadia. While the majority of shuttle routes are located on MDI, Island Explorer has Schoodic Route shuttle bus stops for Acadia National Park.
Stop 1: Island Explorer Schoodic Route – Schoodic Marine Center and Ferry Terminal
The Schoodic shuttle route begins in Winter Harbor at the Schoodic Marine Center and Ferry Terminal. This facility is located just a minute from downtown and offers ample parking, laundry, and public restrooms. There are also vending machines if you’d like to grab a snack for your day in the park.
Stop 2: Island Explorer Schoodic Route – Schoodic Woods Campground & Visitor Center
From the ferry terminal, the shuttle enters the Schoodic Section of Acadia National Park with the second stop at the Schoodic Woods Campground and Visitor Center. Here park visitors can pick up maps, learn about the geology, geography, history, and wildlife at Acadia National Park’s Schoodic District. Park Rangers will assist you in planning out hikes or sightseeing adventures.
Stop 3: Island Explorer Schoodic Route – Schoodic Point
The next stop is down the entire western side of the Schoodic Peninsula to the southernmost tip, Schoodic Point. This ride will give visitors the opportunity to take in the views of Frenchman Bay and the mountains of Acadia on Mount Desert Island across the bay. If you time it out just right, you can even frame the Winter Harbor Lighthouse on Mark Island with Cadillac Mountain in the background.
Schoodic Point is a stunning rugged granite area where the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash against the bottom of the Peninsula. This is a popular area for tourists to sunbathe, photograph the giant waves and surrounding scenery. There is also a parking lot and restroom facilities available at Schoodic Point.
Stop 4: Island Explorer Schoodic Route – Birch Harbor
The next stop on the Island Explorer Schoodic route takes you all the way up the eastern side of the peninsula and out of the park boundaries to the village of Birch Harbor. The shuttle stop is at the intersection of the Schoodic Loop Road and Route 186, where you’ll also find the best places to eat in Birch Harbor Maine, The Pickled Wrinkle and Me and Ben’s Dairy Creme.
Stop 5: Island Explorer Schoodic Route – Prospect Harbor
The fifth stop on the Island Explorer Schoodic Route is the farthest east, by the Gouldsboro Town Office in Prospect Harbor. From here you can explore the final stop on the Schoodic National Scenic ByWay as well as view the Prospect Harbor Lighthouse.
Stop 6: Island Explorer Schoodic Route – Downtown Winter Harbor
The sixth and final stop (before returning to the Marine Center) on the Schoodic shuttle route is in the heart of Downtown Winter Harbor. Winter Harbor is a bustling summertime cottage community full of history and culture, as well as delightful shops and delicious dining.
If you’re planning to visit Acadia National Park on the Schoodic Peninsula, consider taking the Island Explorer: Schoodic Route shuttle bus stops for Acadia National Park. Click here to learn more