





Children's Museums
Somesville Museum and Gardens
📍 2 Oak Hill Rd, Mt Desert, ME 04660🌐 mdihistory.org/somesville-museum-gardens
🕐 Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–4 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About Somesville Museum and Gardens
Somesville Museum and Gardens is a children's museum in Mt Desert, ME. The Somesville bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in Maine, famous for its use in calendars and other publications. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 202 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Natural History Museum
- Location
- Mount Desert Island, Maine
- Highlights
- 1780s Selectmen's Building, Heirloom Garden, island history exhibits
- Admission
- $5 suggested donation
- Hours
- Tues-Sat 10am-4pm (June 23 onward)
💡 Did You Know?
- The Somesville bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in Maine, famous for its use in calendars and other publications
- The museum building includes a historic Selectmen's Building dating from the 1780s as part of its primary exhibits
- The Heirloom Garden features 19th and early 20th century plants and herbs with a directory documenting their historical uses
- The museum grounds and bridge are accessible year-round and available for event and ceremony reservations
💬 What Visitors Say
- The iconic wooden bridge is accessible year-round and is one of the most photographed bridges in Maine—perfect for a quick scenic photo stop even if the museum itself is closed. Plan for 15-30 minutes if visiting just the bridge and grounds.
- Time your visit to the Heirloom Garden between late May and October when plants are in bloom for the full garden experience. The museum operates on a regular summer schedule starting June 23, so plan accordingly if visiting outside peak season.
- Admission is only a $5 suggested donation, making it very affordable. Free parking is available on Oak Hill Road, and the grounds and bridge are accessible year-round, so you can visit the scenic areas without paying if the museum is closed.
- The grounds and bridge are available for event and ceremony reservations—if planning a wedding proposal or special event, contact [email protected] to inquire about terms. The scenic, romantic setting on the bridge has been the site of marriage proposals.
- This is a compact museum best suited for a quick stop (30 minutes to 1 hour total) rather than a full-day visit. Families can combine it with the adjacent dam and scenic bridge area to create a more substantial outing.
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
Own this venue? Stand out from the competition.
Children's Museums listings that are Featured get seen first by thousands of families every month.
- Priority placement in search
- Photo gallery showcase
- Insider tips from visitors
- Highlighted in dedicated featured section





