George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History

George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History is a teaching museum in Bar Harbor located on the campus of College of the Atlantic, within easy walking distance of area hotels and downtown. The museum’s exhibits are created by COA students, resulting in displays that feel both carefully researched and creatively designed. Detailed dioramas explore Maine’s ecosystems on land and at sea, from coastal forests to offshore waters, with an emphasis on ecological relationships and environmental change.

A highlight for many visitors is the tide pool touch tank, where live marine animals such as starfish offer hands-on learning guided by knowledgeable museum rangers. With its thoughtful exhibits and strong sense of place, the Dorr Museum offers an engaging introduction to Maine’s natural world through a student-driven lens.