Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden
5
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
About
Reservations are required to visit this garden. The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden in Seal Harbor, Maine was created between 1926 and 1930 by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller and noted garden designer Beatrix Farrand. Set within acres of moss-carpeted woods, the garden is designed to be at floral peak in August. Its unique atmosphere is derived from a combination of Eastern statuary with a border garden in which perennials build the foundation of the flower beds and annuals provide an explosion of color.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
22 reviews
Excellent
20
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Sapphire Ed
St. Thomas774 contributions
Aug 2019
Four of us made our reservations the day before and there was no pblm getting in. Admission was on time and organized. They have the cars line up after checking you have reservations and at the hour scheduled you’re let into the parking area.
The flowers are like getting aromatherapy while you walk thru.
There are plenty of shady spots if it’s sunny and hot.
One area has a small pool with plants in it and benches all around. We were lucky to have a bunch of frogs lounging, swimming and jumping in and out of the water.
Very restful!
I recommend this stop for your journey to the Bar Harbor area.
The flowers are like getting aromatherapy while you walk thru.
There are plenty of shady spots if it’s sunny and hot.
One area has a small pool with plants in it and benches all around. We were lucky to have a bunch of frogs lounging, swimming and jumping in and out of the water.
Very restful!
I recommend this stop for your journey to the Bar Harbor area.
Written September 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
10sJohn
Cleveland Heights485 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
This is a private garden that is only open to the public on Thursdays in July, Aug and Sept. You have to reserve a spot on June 1. There is no charge. The garden itself is just wonderful. There is an excellent guide sheet and the flowers are mostly marked so you can tell what you are seeing.
Written September 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
allianne12
Pittsburgh61 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
The secret garden on Mount Desert Island is open to the public one day a week at specified times for about ten weeks a year. The key is that reservations are required to enter. The catch is that reservations cannot be made year round - instead, the gardens begin taking reservations in late May/early June. To be successful, refer to the website and contact the gardens on the first day you possibly can.
The garden itself is breathtaking with the bright light and flowers. I recommend taking the time to wander along all of the side paths of the gardens. For example, if you stroll to the end of the path right at the entry of the garden, there is a quiet spot where you catch a glimpse of Little Long Pond in the distance.
The garden itself is breathtaking with the bright light and flowers. I recommend taking the time to wander along all of the side paths of the gardens. For example, if you stroll to the end of the path right at the entry of the garden, there is a quiet spot where you catch a glimpse of Little Long Pond in the distance.
Written September 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John
1 contribution
Aug 2019
Reservations are required, but they keep the viewers to a manageable group so that it's easy to see everything without having to wait. The garden and grounds are kept beautifully.
Written September 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Copperman1
Baltimore, MD253 contributions
Aug 2019
These are extensive Asian inspired gardens. Some parts of the gardens are quite formal, beds and beautifully maintained paths. Other areas are a mix of naturalized costal Maine flora with strategically placed Asian, sculptural carvings and water features. Wonderful for strolling and quiet contemplation. The allotted time for your visit (3 hours) is strictly controlled so arriving on time is strongly encouraged.
Written August 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oldmayor
Portland, ME233 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
After hearing about this garden over the years, we finally visited this week, almost at its peak. Designed by Beatrix Farrand, who worked closely with Mrs. Rockefeller, it is absolutely stunning. The huge, two-tier flower garden is planted for a succession of blooms, has a wide array of plants, and very well well-tended. Other garden "rooms" with sculpture and mosses are also lovely. Serious gardeners will come away with many ides!
The garden is open only one day a week, at specific times in the morning and afternoon and attendance is limited, so the space is not overwhelmed. It is essential to make reservations on-line well in advance.
For the centennial of Acacia National Park, the Rockefeller family is generously making two trails adjacent to the garden available. One short tail goes up to the site of the Eyrie mansion, long-ago demolished, with spectacular views. The other is "Madam's Trail", a woodland trail with amazing rock formations. Well worth the extra time to explore.
The garden is open only one day a week, at specific times in the morning and afternoon and attendance is limited, so the space is not overwhelmed. It is essential to make reservations on-line well in advance.
For the centennial of Acacia National Park, the Rockefeller family is generously making two trails adjacent to the garden available. One short tail goes up to the site of the Eyrie mansion, long-ago demolished, with spectacular views. The other is "Madam's Trail", a woodland trail with amazing rock formations. Well worth the extra time to explore.
Written July 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary J
Kennebunk, ME85 contributions
Sep 2015 • Family
This was our second trip and it never fails to inspire me! What a fabulous gift to be able to visit the Rockefeller Gardens -- right on the estate. If you enjoy gorgeously planned and planted gardens, beautiful statuary and amazingly clear pools (how do they DO that?!!!), this place, with it's strong Asian influences, will not disappoint you! It's open, by reservation only, on various Thursdays in the summer -- we caught the last day on September 10. There is no charge and you can spend two hours getting lost in its beauty -- this is a must-see for your bucket list!
Written September 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
abs
Philadelphia, PA253 contributions
Aug 2022
A truly exceptional experience, with a magnificent garden, outstanding garden sculptures, and a fascinating history. The moss is exceptional - beautiful lush carpets of moss throughout the property. The views from the Eyrie Terrace are amazing. Make sure that you make reservations to enjoy this garden treasure!
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise K
Manheim, PA104 contributions
Jul 2021
While the horticulture in the gardens is amazing, the historical aspects of the gardens are even more interesting. The Asian inspired gardens along with the Eyrie Terrance (all that remains from the Rockefellers' original summer "cottage") are just amazing.
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
heilakka
Delray Beach, FL42 contributions
Jul 2019
Wonderful experience. Went with some friends and had a great time looking at all the plantings and the hardscape.
Written August 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are you open around September 26,27,28?
Les H
Boynton Beach, FL5 contributions
Garden is open till early september
Chase1021
Bergen County, New Jersey39 contributions
I heard that the gardens are difficult to find. Any suggestions?
MaggieDogME
Bangor, ME102 contributions
The sign just before the turn is clear. Go through downtown Bar Harbor and past Jackson Labs. Not too far after that on your right.
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Claim your listingAbby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden
- Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden is open:
- Tue - Tue 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Tue - Tue 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Thu - Thu 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Thu - Thu 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Sat - Sat 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Hotels near Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden:
- (3.48 mi) The Harbour Cottage Inn Bed & Breakfast
- (3.99 mi) Acadia Cottages
- (0.54 mi) Lighthouse Inn and Restaurant
- (7.01 mi) Sand Bar Cottage
- (6.72 mi) Bar Harbor Manor
- Restaurants near Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden:
- (0.54 mi) Lighthouse Inn & Restaurant
- (2.00 mi) Colonel's Restaurant and Bakery
- (3.87 mi) Common Good Kitchen Cafe
- (3.42 mi) Beal's Lobster Pier
- (6.90 mi) Thrive Juice Bar & Kitchen