Bar Harbor Whale Museum, Maine

Truly the best time to visit Bar Harbor is during the summer months when the Atlantic Ocean storms have subsided and the tranquil and stunning scenery is clear and inviting.  In fact, one must see attraction in Bar Harbor is the Bar Harbor Whale Museum.  It is as popular with local school children as it is with visiting tourists, a must see on any Maine vacation agenda.

The Bar Harbor Whale Museum is located in Bar Harbor, Maine.  It offers insight into the whaling world and local ocean environment of the area and the nearby Gulf.  Guests can enjoy varied exhibits and displays, gaining an understanding of the marine type world around them and marine type animals such as whales.

Located on West Street, the Bar Harbor Whale Museum opened its doors in 1991, thanks to the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company and the College of the Atlantic.  The museum allows young and old, locals and tourists to discover the world of whales and their fellow companions in the Gulf of Maine.  Varied displays, including real whale and other marine mammal skeletons, are on hand.  Some exhibits are interactive with computerized games and puzzles.  Guests learn about local whales such as the Minke, humpback and finback.

Bar Harbor Whale Museum’s local gift store has numerous related items that are perfect for education, happy memories and entertainment.  Souvenirs, toys and books are amongst the choices.

The museum is open daily during the summer months from June until October, from about 9am to about 9pm.  However, the museum does not have set wintertime hours and for guests wishing to visit the museum from November to May should call ahead to see if the museum is open.

Admission to the Bar Harbor Whale Museum is completely free.  However, the museum accepts donations and any marine type conservation support. 

Tours are available for individuals and groups in the Bar Harbor Whale Museum.  However, visitors are advised to make advance bookings to avoid disappointments as staff numbers are limited.  Most hotel and motel concierges can make these bookings for visiting tourists.

The museum also offers whale watching expeditions.  However, the tickets are not available from the museum.  These can be purchased through the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. 

The museum is easily reached via car, bus or on foot.  It is situated in the town’s historical West Street area, close to the harbor and waterfront, and is within walking distance of most local hotels, motels and other local lodgings.