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5 (35)

Location Icon Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor Audio Tour: Gilded Age History & Lobster Lore

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Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

Overview

Quotes Logo Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide lets visitors step back into Bar Harbor's Gilded Age. This charming coastal town, once a playground for America's wealthiest families, boasts stunning historic architecture. This audio tour dives deep into Bar Harbor’s past, allows guests to stroll along the scenic oceanfront, and discover the story of how the lobster became a Maine staple.

Visitors can expect an engaging and informative experience led by a professional narrator through Action's Tour Guide App. The tour includes stops at iconic landmarks such as Agamont Park and Bar Harbor Pier, Bar Island Trail, and the historic West Street Historic District. Guests will also see La Rochelle Mansion, The Maples Inn, St. Saviour's Church (Exterior), St. Saviour's Episcopal Church, Bar Harbor Historical Society Museum ( Jesup Memorial Library), Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor Village Green, Balance Rock, Grant Park, and the Bar Harbor Inn. The offline maps ensure that you can explore without worrying about cell service.

This self-guided tour provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, starting whenever you like and pausing for breaks to enjoy snacks or take photos. It's a great way to dive deeper into the stories of Bar Harbor and see everything that this place has to offer. The tour excludes attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations. Quotes Logo

Highlights

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Easy-to-Use App: Download the Action Tour Guide App on your phone for a seamless experience.

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Engaging Storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!

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Go At Your Own Pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, and enjoy breaks freely!

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Offline Maps: No signal, no problem! The tour works perfectly without cellular or wifi.

Sentiment Analysis

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Customers generally love the flexibility and engaging stories of the self-guided audio tour, though some experienced minor technical difficulties. Quotes Logo

  • Positive Highlight Icon Customers enjoyed the freedom to explore at their own pace.

    Positive Highlight Icon The audio guide is well-narrated and tells interesting stories.

    Positive Highlight Icon Offline maps worked very well, so they didn't need internet.

    Positive Highlight Icon Listeners loved that the tours allowed them to learn about the locations without reading about them

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some users had issues with initial app download and password entry.

    Negative Highlight Icon A few reviewers stated that that location accuracy can be improved.

The Journey

1

Agamont Park and Bar Harbor Pier

Begin your Bar Harbor adventure at the bustling pier near Agamont Park, the heart of this historic town. Admire the beautifully preserved architecture, soak in the phenomenal ocean views, and delve into the area's fascinating history. Plentiful parking makes this an ideal starting point for a 1-2 hour exploration of Bar Harbor's essential sights. Perfect for extended visits, this self-guided tour offers a year of access, allowing you to rediscover Bar Harbor's charm again and again.

2

Bar Island Trail

Experience the magic of the Bar Island Trail, a unique sandbar path that emerges only during low tide. This natural wonder allows you to walk to Bar Island, offering breathtaking views and a sense of adventure. Time your visit perfectly to enjoy a memorable stroll across this ephemeral pathway, connecting you to Bar Harbor's captivating coastal landscape.

3

West Street Historic District

Step back in time as you wander through the West Street Historic District, showcasing rows of breathtaking historic homes dating from 1870 to 1910. Discover the architectural details that distinguish the oldest of these Gilded Age residences, each a testament to Bar Harbor's opulent past. Immerse yourself in the elegance and grandeur of a bygone era as you explore this meticulously preserved neighborhood.

4

La Rochelle Mansion

Marvel at the grandeur of La Rochelle, a stunning 41-room mansion built in 1902. Now owned by the Maine Seacoast Mission Society, this architectural masterpiece was acquired for a mere dollar and offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of Bar Harbor's elite. Explore its rich history and admire its imposing presence, a symbol of the town's Gilded Age splendor.

5

The Maples Inn

Experience the charm of The Maples Inn, an iconic bed and breakfast built in 1878. This historic structure miraculously survived the devastating 1947 fire that swept through Bar Harbor. Today, it welcomes guests with its cozy ambiance and rich history, offering a comfortable and memorable stay in the heart of town.

6

St. Saviour's Church (Exterior)

Capture the beauty of St. Saviour's Church, a must-photograph landmark in Bar Harbor. Admire its impressive stonework, imposing tower, and gorgeous stained-glass windows, all begging to be shared on Instagram. The exterior architecture is a prime example of the churches beauty, with details highlighting the care put into it.

7

St. Saviour's Episcopal Church

Discover the architectural quirks of St. Saviour's Episcopal Church, a unique structure built in multiple sections from 1877 to the 1930s. The result is an oddly endearing and totally unique building that captures the eccentric spirit of Bar Harbor's history. Explore its distinctive features and appreciate its charming blend of styles.

8

Bar Harbor Historical Society Museum ( Jesup Memorial Library)

Step into the past at the Jesup Memorial Library, a historic institution dating back to 1877. Originally housing just 250 volumes donated by wealthy residents, the library has grown into a significant repository of knowledge. Explore its collection and appreciate its role in preserving Bar Harbor's intellectual and cultural heritage.

9

Abbe Museum

Delve into the heritage of the native Wabanaki, the People of the Dawn, at the Abbe Museum. Founded by Robert Abbe, the museum honors the long history of the Wabanaki, who inhabited Bar Harbor long before European settlement. Discover exhibits encompassing 12,000 years of Native history in the region and gain insight into their enduring legacy.

10

Bar Harbor Village Green

Relax and unwind in Bar Harbor's village green, a park designed by Beatrix Farrand, renowned for her work on the Rose Garden at the White House. Admire the 1896 street clock, the historic bandstand, and the fountain inspired by 17th-century Italian designs. This serene oasis offers a perfect escape in the heart of Bar Harbor.

11

Balance Rock

Marvel at Balance Rock, an unusual landmark located next to the Shore Path. This glacial erratic, transported approximately 40 miles by a glacier, stands as a testament to the powerful forces that shaped the landscape. Capture a photo of this precariously balanced boulder and ponder its incredible journey.

12

Grant Park

Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Grant Park, a pleasant oceanside green space that was once the site of a Gilded Age mansion. Find the ideal picnic spot and soak in the stunning coastal views. This serene park offers a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into Bar Harbor's past.

13

Bar Harbor Inn

Conclude your tour near the Bar Harbor Inn, a seaside resort with a rich and complex history. Once a reading room for Bar Harbor's elite, this landmark has been transformed into one of the town's most lavish hotels. Reflect on your journey as you admire the inn's grandeur and the stunning views from its waterfront location.

Know Before You Go

This audio tour uses the Action Tour Guide App, which you'll need to download after booking using good internet. The tour includes engaging stories, offline maps, and a comprehensive route with key stops. It excludes attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations. This purchase provides access for one year, allowing for repeat visits.

Hot Tip

Customers have suggested testing the app and downloading the tour content before arriving in Bar Harbor to ensure a smooth experience, especially if internet access is limited.

From $15 Price

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