College of the Atlantic
Museum Small coastal liberal-arts college focused on human ecology
Small liberal-arts college in Bar Harbor, Maine, focused on human ecology; visitors come for campus tours and easy access to Acadia National Park.
College of the Atlantic is a private liberal arts college in Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, Maine, founded in 1969 and known for its focus on human ecology.
The campus emphasizes an interdisciplinary human ecology curriculum delivered to a small undergraduate body of roughly a few hundred students. Facilities and programs are organized around that single degree program, and academic life centers on fieldwork, research, and community-based projects.
The college was established in 1969 to offer an integrated approach to environmental and social studies and has maintained that single-major human ecology model since its founding. Over time the institution has remained small and academically focused rather than expanding into multiple unrelated majors.
The campus sits on the shore of Frenchman Bay in Bar Harbor, adjacent to shoreline and coastal habitats and near Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor is the local town on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County, Maine.
- Academic focus: The college is an interdisciplinary institution organized around a single major in human ecology and enrolls a small undergraduate student body, roughly a few hundred students.
- Setting: Campus sits on the shore of Frenchman Bay and is adjacent to Acadia National Park, making coastal and mountain scenery readily accessible.
How to Get to College of the Atlantic #
The campus is a short walk from downtown Bar Harbor and its ferry terminals. By car: follow ME-3 (Main Street) into Bar Harbor; campus parking is available. Seasonal shuttles and local buses connect Bar Harbor to nearby towns.
Tips for Visiting College of the Atlantic #
- Check the college calendar for public lectures, student exhibitions, and seasonal farm markets - these are the best ways to see the campus life.
- Visit the college's organic farm and teaching gardens; the campus emphasizes sustainable food systems and often offers tours.
- If touring the campus, arrange ahead for guided visits or check with the admissions office for open-house schedules.
Best Time to Visit College of the Atlantic #
Summer is the busiest and most rewarding time to visit the coastal campus and its public programs.
Weather & Climate near College of the Atlantic #
College of the Atlantic's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -12°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1327 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -12°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (147 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm).
