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Scenic view of Acadian Village Photo: NPS Photo

Maine Acadian Culture

National Park Service site · Maine

Maine Acadians share beliefs and experiences tying them to a common religion, languages, and history.

Plan your visit Directions
  • LocationMadawaska, ME
  • Entrance No fee listed
  • HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
  • Alerts No active alerts

The St. John River, land, and family are essential to their culture.

The National Park Service supports the Maine Acadian Heritage Council, an association of historical societies, cultural clubs, towns, and museums that work together to support Maine Acadian culture in the St. John Valley.

Topics
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Colonization and Settlement
  • Explorers and Expeditions
  • Farming and Agriculture
  • Forests and Woodlands
Our Lady of Assumption Church, Acadian Village
Our Lady of Assumption Church, Acadian Village — NPS Photo

Things to Do

4 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.

Mont-Carmel, newly painted in original color scheme.
Mont-Carmel, newly painted in original color scheme. — NPS Photo

Facilities & Services

Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Visitor Centers

  • Acadian Archives/Archives Acadiennes

    Visitor Center

    The Acadian Archives are the premier center for the study of Acadian history and culture in the US Northeast. The rich collections of the archives chronicle the story of…

    23 University Drive, Fort Kent, ME (207) 834-7535 Directions

    Details
    The Acadian Archives are the premier center for the study of Acadian history and culture in the US Northeast. The rich collections of the archives chronicle the story of French heritage peoples in the St. John Valley and beyond. These collections include unique genealogical resources, photographs, maps, and parish records in addition to rotating exhibits. More than a research center, the archives also hold cultural activities throughout the year.

  • Allagash Historical Society/Museum

    Visitor Center

    The Allagash Historical Society/Museum highlights the Irish/Scottish heritage of the settlers of Allagash. You will find displays of lumbering, farming, and the St. John…

    Directions

    Details
    The Allagash Historical Society/Museum highlights the Irish/Scottish heritage of the settlers of Allagash. You will find displays of lumbering, farming, and the St. John River log drives, as well as a display honoring the veterans of the town, histories of the schools and churches. Photograph collections demonstrate ways of life when the first settlers came up the mighty St. John River.

  • Association Culturelle et Historique du Mont-Carmel

    Visitor Center

    Musée Culturel du Mont-Carmel was founded in 1973 in order to preserve and restore the Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, a Roman Catholic church was built in 1908-1909. It was…

    (207) 895-3339 Directions

    Details
    Musée Culturel du Mont-Carmel was founded in 1973 in order to preserve and restore the Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, a Roman Catholic church was built in 1908-1909. It was entered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 by the Maine Historic Preservation Commission. This museum consists of the former church as well as the former Lawrence Parent General Store now known as the Galerie Lille-sur-St-Jean.

  • Fort Kent Historical Society

    Visitor Center

    Founded in 1925, the Fort Kent Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Fort Kent, Maine. Stop by to visit the five buildings bursting with Fort Kent…

    3 Market St, Fort Kent, ME (207) 231-2443 Directions

    Details
    Founded in 1925, the Fort Kent Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Fort Kent, Maine. Stop by to visit the five buildings bursting with Fort Kent memorabilia. The railroad station opened in 1902 and includes a baggage room, an office for the station agent, and separate waiting rooms for women and men. Also on site are the Daigle-Dube House reflecting an earlier family life, a one-room schoolhouse, a barn, and the Paul D. Thibodeau Visitors' Center with annual displays.

  • Héritage Vivant/Acadian Village

    Visitor Center

    Visit the largest Acadian village, Héritage Vivant, in the US outside of Louisiana. Seventeen buildings illustrate the progress of Acadian ancestors, from an actual…

    859 Main St., Van Buren, ME (207) 868-5042 Directions

    Details
    Visit the largest Acadian village, Héritage Vivant, in the US outside of Louisiana. Seventeen buildings illustrate the progress of Acadian ancestors, from an actual 1790s dirt-floor log home to early 1900s houses. Homes, furnishings, shops and implements are displayed, along with a log chapel and one-room school. Tours are available.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Open 24 hours, daily · Park Hours

Hours details
  • Park HoursOpen 24 hours, daily

    Maine Acadian Culture is a collection of sites dealing with Acadian history and culture. The National Park Service does not operate any sites as part of Maine Acadian Culture. Many of the attractions in the St. John Valley are privately operated by non-profit organizations that are part of the Maine Acadian Heritage Council.

Entrance fees

No entrance fees listed.

Address

PO Box 88
Madawaska, ME 04756

Get directions Map & directions info

Contact the park

Photos

  • St Francis Historical Society and Gardens
    St Francis Historical Society and Gardens — NPS Photo
  • This site preserves one of a few surviving train water tanks in the United States and a 1940s era ca

Getting There

PO Box 88
Madawaska, ME 04756

The Saint John Valley is located in northern Aroostook County, Maine, 200 miles north of Bangor at the northern terminus of ME 1. It is best reached by private vehicle.

Full directions

From Interstate 95, use exits at Sherman or Smyrna Mills for Route 11 to Fort Kent, or the exit at Houlton for U.S. Route 1 North.

Get directions NPS directions Official NPS site

Mailing address: PO Box 88, Madawaska, ME 04756

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