Naval Group Support Activity, Winter Harbor

The Naval Group Support Activity is a former military installation in Maine with granite shorelines and operational buildings constructed over several decades. The site borders the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park and occupies a coastal location with rocky shores.

The facility started in 1935 as a radio station and expanded over the decades into a major naval installation supporting military communications. Military operations concluded in 2001, after which the site transitioned to research and education functions.

The site transformed into a space dedicated to scientific inquiry and environmental study after its military role ended. Research teams now work across the campus, making it a hub for people interested in understanding the natural systems of the coastal Maine region.

The property sits adjacent to Acadia National Park and is reachable by car with parking available and paths for exploration. Visitors should prepare for rough weather conditions, as the Maine coastal location often brings strong winds and changeable weather.

The site came into being through negotiations between the Navy and John D. Rockefeller Jr., who supported development of Acadia infrastructure. This partnership between military planners and a conservation advocate shaped the location in an unusual way.