College of the Atlantic

Museum

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 Augusta, MainePortland, MaineBangor, MaineLewiston, MaineEastport, MaineBar Harbor, MaineOgunquitCollege of the Atlantic
In this guide

College of the Atlantic essentials

Address: 105 Eden St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Website: collegeoftheatlantic.org
Hours: Campus open during daylight hours; administrative offices Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm
Admission: No general public admission - academic campus open to the public; events and some exhibits may have fees
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About College of the Atlantic

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.
Things to Do
When to Go

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.

Summer (Jun-Aug)
Jun-Aug · 50-75°F (10-24°C)
Peak academic activity, public events, and pleasant weather in coastal Maine.
Fall (Sep-Oct)
Sep-Oct · 35-60°F (2-15°C)
Crisp air, autumn color, and quieter campus life as the season winds down.
Spring (May)
May · 35-55°F (2-13°C)
Campus wakes up; fewer tourists than summer but variable weather.

Weather & Climate near College of the Atlantic

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 17 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
-12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -12° - -1° -14° 125 mm - - 5.8 m/s - -
February - -11° - 0° -12° 100 mm - - 5.9 m/s - -
March - -5° - 5° -6° 114 mm - - 5.8 m/s - -
April - 1° - 11° 2° 123 mm - - 5.4 m/s - -
May - 6° - 17° 12° 108 mm - - 4.8 m/s - -
June - 11° - 22° 17° 97 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
July - 14° - 26° 20° 85 mm - - 4.0 m/s - -
August - 14° - 25° 19° 73 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
September - 9° - 20° 15° 103 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
October - 4° - 14° 6° 118 mm - - 5.1 m/s - -
November - -1° - 8° -1° 147 mm - - 5.7 m/s - -
December - -8° - 2° -9° 134 mm - - 5.9 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

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.