Even though Mainers should probably get in for free all the time, there are only a handful of dates annually where they can enter Acadia National Park at no charge.

Acadia National Parks, arguably one of the most beautiful of the nearly 400 in the United States, consumes about half of Maine's Mount Desert Island in Bar Harbor.

Not only does it have spectacular hiking trails and unmatched views, but it also has the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coast, Cadillac Mountain.

Sunrise in Acadia National Park observed from the top of Cadillac mountain.
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According to Wiki,

Acadia has a rich human history, dating back more than 10,000 years ago with the Wabanaki people. The 17th century brought fur traders and other European explorers, while the 19th century saw an influx of summer visitors, then wealthy families. Many conservation-minded citizens, among them George B. Dorr (the "Father of Acadia National Park"), worked to establish this first U.S. national park east of the Mississippi River and the only one in the Northeastern United States

An autumn view from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park in Maine
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Now, in much more modern times, the park offers an array of different recreational activities. People who visit the park can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, kayaking, swimming, snowmobiling and so much more.

And the best part? There are some upcoming dates where entry to the park will be completely free.

According to the National Park Service, residents (and non-residents alike) may visit Maine's Acadia National Park (and the 400 other Nat Parks) completely free on the following dates in 2024.

  • Jan. 15: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • April 20: First day of National Park Week
  • June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
  • Aug. 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
  • Sept. 28: National Public Lands Day
  • Nov. 11: Veterans Day
Cadillac Mountain_Bar Harbor_Photo by Asaf R on Unsplash
Cadillac Mountain_Bar Harbor_Photo by Asaf R on Unsplash
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