Asticou Gardens Maine: A Hidden Gem

Asticou Gardens: A Hidden Gem in Maine

Nestled in the heart of Mount Desert Island, Asticou Gardens is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and manicured elegance. This 60-acre estate, located in Northeast Harbor, Maine, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a serene and picturesque escape.

History and Creation

Asticou Gardens was the vision of Joseph Henry Sleeper, a wealthy Bostonian who purchased the land in 1910. Inspired by the Japanese gardens he had seen in Boston, Sleeper hired the renowned Japanese landscape architect, Taro Okuma, to design the gardens. Okuma's work, combined with the natural beauty of Maine's coastline, resulted in a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics.

Exploring the Gardens

Visitors to Asticou Gardens can expect to be greeted by a variety of landscapes, from the tranquil Japanese-inspired gardens to the rugged Maine coastline. The gardens are divided into several distinct areas, each offering a unique experience:

a pond surrounded by lush green trees and rocks in the middle of a park area
a pond surrounded by lush green trees and rocks in the middle of a park area

  • Japanese Garden: This area features a traditional Japanese torii gate, a koi pond, and a variety of Japanese maples and azaleas.
  • Wild Garden: This area showcases the natural beauty of Maine, with a variety of native plants and wildflowers.
  • Azalea Garden: Home to over 200 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas, this area is particularly stunning in the spring.
  • Coastal Walk: This path leads visitors to the rugged coastline, offering stunning views of the ocean and nearby islands.

Events and Activities

In addition to its natural beauty, Asticou Gardens also hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year. These include concerts, art exhibitions, and workshops. The gardens are also a popular venue for weddings and other special events.

Visiting Asticou Gardens

Asticou Gardens is open to the public from May through October, with admission fees varying by season. The gardens are easily accessible, located just off Route 3 in Northeast Harbor. There is ample parking available, and the gardens are wheelchair accessible.

Nearby Attractions

While Asticou Gardens is a destination in itself, there are plenty of other attractions nearby. Visitors can explore the nearby town of Bar Harbor, visit the historic village of Somesville, or take a scenic drive along the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park.

Mainely Acadia: Asticou Azalea Garden - Go See Do Explore
Mainely Acadia: Asticou Azalea Garden - Go See Do Explore

Address Phone Number Website
153elassenicou Road, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662 (207) 276-3727 asticougardens.org

DownEast Acadia Region
DownEast Acadia Region
a pond surrounded by lush green trees and flowers
a pond surrounded by lush green trees and flowers
a pond surrounded by lush green trees and flowers
a pond surrounded by lush green trees and flowers
Spring, Asticou Gardens, Southwest Harbor, Maine, USA Stock Photo - Alamy
Spring, Asticou Gardens, Southwest Harbor, Maine, USA Stock Photo - Alamy
Asticou Azalea Garden | Land&GardenPreserve
Asticou Azalea Garden | Land&GardenPreserve
Asticou Azalea Garden - The Martha Stewart Blog
Asticou Azalea Garden - The Martha Stewart Blog
Asticou Azalea Garden in Northeast Harbor
Asticou Azalea Garden in Northeast Harbor
Asticou Gardens, Northeast Harbor, Maine
Asticou Gardens, Northeast Harbor, Maine
Asticou Azalea Garden, Maine
Asticou Azalea Garden, Maine
a pond surrounded by lush green trees and bushes
a pond surrounded by lush green trees and bushes
purple flowers are blooming in the garden next to a pond and rock walkways
purple flowers are blooming in the garden next to a pond and rock walkways
Asticou Garden which is a beautiful and tranquil garden located in Northeast Harbor on Mount Desert Island, within Acadia National Park in Maine. Desert Of Maine, Mount Desert Island Maine, Maine Fall Foliage, Ogunquit Maine Fall, Moosehead Lake Maine Fall, Mount Desert Island, Desert Island, Acadia National Park, Fall Season
Asticou Garden which is a beautiful and tranquil garden located in Northeast Harbor on Mount Desert Island, within Acadia National Park in Maine. Desert Of Maine, Mount Desert Island Maine, Maine Fall Foliage, Ogunquit Maine Fall, Moosehead Lake Maine Fall, Mount Desert Island, Desert Island, Acadia National Park, Fall Season
USA, Maine, Northeast Harbor. View of Asticou 2 Square Sticker
USA, Maine, Northeast Harbor. View of Asticou 2 Square Sticker
a pond surrounded by lush green trees and rocks
a pond surrounded by lush green trees and rocks
a pond surrounded by trees with fall colors
a pond surrounded by trees with fall colors
Asticou Azalea Garden | Land&GardenPreserve
Asticou Azalea Garden | Land&GardenPreserve
the pond is surrounded by flowers and trees
the pond is surrounded by flowers and trees
purple flowers line the edge of a path near a pond and bridge in a park
purple flowers line the edge of a path near a pond and bridge in a park
a pond surrounded by lush green trees and bushes
a pond surrounded by lush green trees and bushes
Asticou Azalea Gardens, Northeast Harbor Maine
Asticou Azalea Gardens, Northeast Harbor Maine
a lake surrounded by lush green trees and bushes
a lake surrounded by lush green trees and bushes
Asticou Azalea Garden Gallery 1
Asticou Azalea Garden Gallery 1
a lake surrounded by lots of trees in the fall
a lake surrounded by lots of trees in the fall
Watercolors of Asticou Azalea Garden in Northeast Harbor, Maine
Watercolors of Asticou Azalea Garden in Northeast Harbor, Maine