BAR HARBOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The National Park Service will opened Park Loop Road to motor vehicles Friday to begin the summer season of Acadia’s centennial year.
Hulls Cove Visitor Center, Thompson Island Picnic Area and Echo Lake Beach are now open. Hulls Cove Visitor Center will be open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Thompson Island picnic area will close daily at dark.
Carriage roads in Acadia have opened to pedestrians and bicyclists but remain closed to horse use until further notice to prevent damage to the gravel road surface.
"We're looking forward to a busy and exciting centennial year at Acadia and hope visitors have a safe and memorable experience enjoying their national park," said Superintendent Kevin Schneider.
Visitors from around the world are expected to come this summer to explore the different areas of the park, and local businesses are also hoping to have a great year.
Acadia National Park is also 100 years old this year.
The park was first established as a national monument in 1916 according to John Kelly, Management Assistant. The park is celebrating with different events throughout the summer, including National Junior Ranger day in April.
"That day is a series of activities for kids and families to participate, learn about the park and earn a Junior Ranger Badge," said Acadia National Park Management Assistant John Kelly.
The park is now open for its summer season.
Officials said it attracts people from around the country. Last year, the park had just under 3 million visitors.
And in the first 3 months of this year, there's been a 50 percent increase in visitation over the same time last year.
Several visitors stopped by the Hulls Cove Visitor Center at the park on Friday. "It's a beautiful day out…We thought why not come up and hang out at Acadia...Enjoy the nice weather…So far its been beautiful…It's good exercise and it's a good time of year I think to come," they said.
Many of the parks visitors also shop and stay at local businesses
Timothy Rich owns The Independent Café in Bar Harbor.
"Oh absolutely, yeah every year's been a little bit better than the year before...I mean it really is business in Bar Harbor, Without tourism here, we wouldn't have anything" said Rich.
Other local businesses benefit too, like a bed and breakfast near the park.
They were successful last year, and they're looking forward to another good year, too.
"If every subsequent year is as good as last year, we would be very pleased. Having said that this year is looking to be great. The reservations are coming in this year at a faster clip then they did last year..." said Jim Brown who owns The Coach Stop Inn in Bar Harbor with his wife. He is also the Chef and Inn Keeper.
For more information visit Acadia National Park's website.