Serving as the seat of Hancock County, Ellsworth is a small city on Maine’s Atlantic coast. The area was originally inhabited by the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot people before being fought over by French and English explorers. The settlement of Ellsworth was founded in 1763 and named in honour of one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
Things to do in Ellsworth
Occupying the heritage-listed Black Mansion is the Woodlawn Museum, which offers insight into life in Ellsworth during the 19th century. Self-guided audio tours are available for exploring the interior, where you’ll find personal belongings from three generations of the Black family. In the grounds are formal landscaped gardens and a croquet lawn, as well as access to several hiking trails.
Coincide your visit with a performance at The Grand, a 1938-built Art Deco theatre that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Alternatively, head to the Telephone Museum on the northern outskirts of Ellsworth to see antique telephones and switchboards, as well as some of the electronic devices that preceded smartphones.
On Mount Desert Island (south of Ellsworth) is Acadia National Park, which encompasses rocky headlands, picturesque beaches and wildlife-filled woodlands. You can self-drive along the 43-kilometre-long Park Loop Road or rent a kayak to explore the rugged coastlines and freshwater lakes at your leisure. Hikers can take advantage of Acadia National Park’s 200+ kilometres of hiking trails, while climbers can challenge themselves on the Precipice or Otter Cliff.
Getting around Ellsworth
Ellsworth is around 30 minutes’ drive from Bar Harbor and 40 minutes from Bangor International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Regular buses connect to Ellsworth while having your own vehicle gives you greater freedom to explore the region.