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Wander in Wonder

Experience the beauty and fascinating history of an iconic Maine destination over 10,000 years in the making

A tourist attraction that is fun and interesting for all ages
A pink and yellow camel statue, brighty painted wih pink, orange, and purple flowers and bright green leaves stands on a sandy expanse with large pine trees in the background and blue skies above.

What is this place?
 

The Desert of Maine is a weird and wonderful place. It is far more than just the 20 acres of rolling sand dunes in the middle of a lush forest. It has rich history going back to the 1800s, and it has been an iconic tourist destination in Maine for nearly 100 years. It is fun, educational, beautiful--well-suited for families with kids, history buffs, nature lovers, science nerds, and curious travelers.

A perfect place for kids...

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Kids absolutely love it here. We have a one-of-a-kind natural playground, an imaginative labyrinth called Gemstone Village where kids can dig for gems, a hands-on Fossil Dig exhibit, a new mini golf course, a Story Walk, a Secret Sandbox, and lots more!

A little girl with brown wavy hair wearing a pink and yellow dress smiles at the camera and holds onto the arms of a younger, shorter boy with blonde hair who smiles and looks to the right away from the camera. The two kids stand in front of a brightly painted camel statue on a sand dune, with pine trees in the background and blue skies above. .
Four older adults sit in a row on a wooden bench facing a sand dune, green leaves of some large oak trees in the background catch the sunlight.

...that is also great for adults!

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The Desert is also great for adults! There is a 1-mile self-guided tour that covers the history, geology, and ecology of Desert; fascinating exhibits like the Buried Spring House and 1800s Farmhouse museum; and the natural beauty of the dunes and surrounding forest.

Mini Golf


New for 2022 we have a fun and challenging mini golf course that is as unique as the Desert itself! It features beautiful landscaping, waterfalls, modern hole designs, and sculptures from the Desert’s history! Expected to open in June 2022!

Wooden fences and grey concrete rocks enclose mini golf greens, with a waterfall on the right and a fountain on the left. Trees line the horizon and the blue sky contains pink and purple clouds.
Two young boys sit smiling at the camera in blue folding camp chairs with a black unlit fire ring in front of them and an orange tent in the background with woods behind it.

Campground


Feel like you are far away, while being close to everything. A quiet, secluded campground surrounded by tall pines, sandy dunes, and a gentle stream. Features a beautifully renovated bath house, strong WiFi, and water & electricity available at most sites.

Read what people have to say...

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