Looking for coastal charm, gateway access to Acadia, and a walkable downtown? Head to Ellsworth! Located along the Union River in Downeast Maine, Ellsworth is a friendly small city known as the “Gateway to Acadia.” With a historic Main Street, local shops, and scenic outdoor access, Ellsworth is a relaxing base for coastal adventures and national park exploration.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ellsworth is in the late spring through early fall (May–October). Summer brings ideal weather for hiking, boating, and exploring Acadia National Park. Fall is especially popular for leaf-peeping and harvest festivals. Winters are quiet, with snowy charm and fewer crowds.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Ellsworth is located at the junction of U.S. Route 1 and ME-3, about 30 minutes from Bar Harbor and 45 minutes from Bangor.
  • By Air: The nearest airport is Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), about 15 minutes away. Bangor International Airport (BGR) is about 45 minutes inland.
  • By Bus: Concord Coach Lines and local shuttles offer service between Ellsworth, Bangor, and Bar Harbor.

Where to Stay

  • Comfort Inn Ellsworth - Bar Harbor – Convenient location, clean rooms, and complimentary breakfast near downtown.
  • Ramada by Wyndham Ellsworth – Family-friendly hotel with a pool, fitness center, and easy access to Acadia.
  • Twilite Motel – A locally owned retro-style motel with peaceful surroundings and budget-friendly rates.

Top Attractions

Stanwood Homestead Museum and Bird Sanctuary


Explore local history and spot native birds on a peaceful retirement nature trip.

Stanwood Homestead Museum and Bird Sanctuary

© Abi/stock.adobe.com

The Stanwood Homestead Museum and Bird Sanctuary is a 200-acre, clean, well preserved sanctuary and natural setting in Ellsworth, Maine with quaint forest trails leading visitors through beautiful scenery. Guests can view a variety of wild birds within their natural habitats, which means visitors need to be respectful of the tranquil surrounding and keep quiet if they want to see the wildlife. Guests can also see the Stanwood Homestead, the birthplace and home of Cordelia Stanwood, photographer and pioneer ornithologist. The gift shop and Nature Center lies near the entrance to the handicap accessible boardwalk and interconnected trail system.

289 High St, Ellsworth, ME 04605, Phone: 207-667-8460

The Telephone Museum


See vintage phones and learn communication history on an unusual educational outing.

The Telephone Museum

© The Telephone Museum

The Telephone Museum explores the industrial, technical, and social history of the country’s wired telephone network through a number of interactive and hands-on exhibits. A timeline of the technology of telephones is displayed throughout the museum, dating back to the earliest manual switchboard through modern electro-mechanical switching systems. All types of old telephones can be seen at The Telephone Museum, as well as switching systems and switchboards that powered the telephone network. Visitors can hear real telephones ringing, use a dial phone from the 1950’s, or experience what it was like being a switchboard operator in the year 1895.

166 Winkumpaugh Rd, Ellsworth, ME 04605, Phone: 207-667-9491

If you are traveling with kids:

Downeast Scenic Railroad


Ride historic trains and admire forest views on a fun family trip.

Downeast Scenic Railroad

© Downeast Scenic Railroad

The Downeast Scenic Railroad provides visitors and locals alike with a chance to take a round-trip, 10-mile, scenic train ride on the region’s historic Calais Branch Line aboard a well-preserved, old-fashioned train. Departing from Ellsworth, the passenger train travels through beautiful natural scenery and many species of wildlife may be spotted along the trip, such as bears, beavers, foxes, snapping turtles, deer, moose, eagles, blue herons, and more. The slightly bumpy ride on the Downeast Scenic Railroad lasts around ninety minutes and passengers can choose to ride in an open-air car or covered car, depending on the weather.

8 Railroad Siding Rd, Hancock, ME 04640, Phone: 866-449-7245

Woodlawn


Tour a historic estate and walk garden trails on a quiet fall visit.

Woodlawn

© Woodlawn

The Woodlawn house museum is a histori estate situated around a quarter-mile from downtown Ellsworth and ecompasses approximately 180 acres of land. Once the home of the prominent Black family, Woodlawn is now a local gem for its public park, gardens, and historic house museum. Guests take a tour through the historic home, hike along the pristine nature trails, play a game of croquet, stroll through the gardens, and more. The beautifully preserved Woodlawn home houses numerous exhibits and original furnishings. In addition to tours, Woodlawn also hosts a robust lecture and workshop program and special events throughout the year.

19 Black House Dr, Ellsworth, ME 04605, Phone: 207-667-8671

Where to Eat

Helen's


Savor homemade pies and enjoy classic Maine meals on an affordable lunch stop.

Helen's

© Helen's

A family-friendly restaurant in the city of Ellsworth that has been a part of the local community since 1950, Helen's features a cozy atmosphere and serves an array of comfort food. Along with the homestyle fare, the restaurant is also well known for its homemade, award-winning pies that are made fresh every day. The friendly staff of Helen’s welcome guests “almost home” and strive to always provide diners with a pleasant dining experience. The dinner menu includes dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, turkey and dressing, fried chicken, and chicken parmesan, with specialty options like the Haddock Burger.

55 Downeast Hwy, Ellsworth, ME 04605, Phone: 207-667-2433

Fogtown Brewing Company


Taste craft beers and relax outdoors on a casual couples weekend outing.

Fogtown Brewing Company

© Fogtown Brewing Company

Located in Ellsworth, close to the Arcadia National Park, Fogtown Brewing Company was established in 2017. The brewery is dedicated to producing a fine range of hand-crafted artisan beers which you can enjoy alongside delicious pizzas produced in the beer-garden’s wood-fired oven. Sustainability and community is really important to Fogtown Brewery and much of their electricity is solar generated and all their spent grain is used in composting and other green practices. So, you can sip your favorite brew with a completely clean conscience. The brewery produces a wide range of beer styles from lagers, ales and IPA’s to stouts and porters.

25 Pine Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605, 207 370 0845

D'Amanda’s


Grab fresh seafood and enjoy a quick, easy bite near downtown.

D'Amanda’s

© D'Amanda’s

Providing hours of fun for the whole family, D'Amanda’s is an entertainment complex centered on a bowling alley which boasts both automatic and vintage manual bowling lanes. All the bowling lanes need to be booked in advance, but walk-in visitors are very welcome to access the arcade room and bar section at any time. If bowling is not your thing (or you have forgotten to book your lane) you can enjoy a game of pool, darts or corn hole instead. Snacks and beverages are available on site or you may bring in your own food to enjoy while you play.

25 Eastward Lane, Suite 6, Ellsworth, ME 04605, 207 667 9228

Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show


Watch thrilling axe throws and log rolling on an exciting kids-friendly summer trip.

Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show

© leonidkos/stock.adobe.com

Everyone is invited to come and join the fun as Tina and her team strut their stuff. Tina has all the right credentials – she has been competing in lumberjack competitions since her childhood and has appeared in CNC’s Survivor series. The show is a seasonal attraction which usually runs from spring through fall. The show takes around 75 minutes and is packed with action. You will get to witness axe throwing, log rolling, cross-cut sawing and obstacle pole relay – and that is just the tip of the iceberg. The show has been a popular Ellsworth attraction for more than 27 years and attracts visitors and passers-by from all over the state.

Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show , 127 Bar Harbor Rd, Ellsworth, ME 04605, 207 266 5486

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Downtown Ellsworth – Explore galleries, cafés, antique shops, and bookstores in a walkable historic setting.
  • The Grand Theater – Catch live performances, movies, and concerts at this community arts hub in a vintage 1930s theater.
  • Woodlawn Museum, Gardens & Park – Tour a historic estate, stroll wooded trails, and enjoy seasonal events and croquet on the lawn.
  • Union River Walkway – Take a scenic walk along the river with picnic areas, views, and access to downtown attractions.

Where to Eat

  • Finn’s Irish Pub – A cozy spot for hearty pub fare, Maine seafood, and local brews with a friendly vibe.
  • Union River Lobster Pot – Enjoy classic lobster dinners, chowder, and waterfront views during the summer season.
  • Flexit Café & Bakery – Creative sandwiches, salads, and baked goods with vegetarian and gluten-free options.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Autumn Gold Festival (September) – A celebration of fall featuring craft fairs, car shows, local food, and the famous chowder cook-off.
  • Ellsworth Waterfront Concert Series (Summer) – Free live music and community fun on the banks of the Union River.
  • Downeast Scenic Railroad Events – Seasonal train rides through the countryside with special holiday and themed trips.

More events and things to do

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Ellsworth, Maine:

  • Acadia National Park (25–30 min) – Hike Cadillac Mountain, explore rocky coastline, or bike the carriage roads.
  • Bar Harbor (25 min) – Visit this lively seaside town for whale watching, dining, and charming shops.
  • Blue Hill (30 min) – Discover art galleries, quiet coves, and artisan cheese and wine in this scenic coastal village.
  • Lamoine State Park (20 min) – Enjoy uncrowded beaches, picnic areas, and views of Frenchman Bay across from Mount Desert Island.
  • Surry, ME (15 min) – Explore rural roads, art studios, and peaceful shoreline ideal for kayaking and photography.

FAQ:

  • Q: Where is Ellsworth located?
  • A: Ellsworth is a picturesque city in Maine, located on the Union River.
  • Q: How far is Ellsworth from Bar Harbor?
  • A: Ellsworth is situated around thirty minutes from Bar Harbor.
  • Q: How far is Ellsworth from Bangor?
  • A: Ellsworth is located approximately forty minutes away from Bangor.
  • Q: What makes Ellsworth an important destination?
  • A: Ellsworth acts as a gateway to Acadia.

Plan Your Trip