We are closed for the season. Wander back May 1, 2027! We are closed for the season. Wander back May 1, 2027!
Desert of Maine
HomeWander in TerrorHalloween at the DesertTickets & PassesPlan Your VisitGroup VisitsThings to DoMini GolfOasis Snack BarEvents CalendarPrivate EventsOur HistoryMissionTuttle FarmhouseHistoric Tuttle BarnCampground
Buy tickets
TODAY'S HOURSClosed
The Train is
NOT RUNNING
today
Tickets & Passes

General Admission

ADULTS$21
YOUTH (4 TO 19)$17
STUDENT (W/ ID)$17
Buy >

Mini Golf

ADULTS$13
YOUTH (4 TO 19)$12
STUDENT (W/ ID)$12
Buy >

Combo Ticket

ADULTS$32
YOUTH (4 TO 19)$27
STUDENT (W/ ID)$27
Buy >

Season Passes

Access & PrivilegesDunes PassMini Golf PassCombo Pass
Individual$70$100$150
Dual$130$180$280
Family (up to 4)$250$300$500
Family+ (up to 6)$300$400$640

Discounts

  • 50% off same-day replay
  • 10% off seniors (65+)
  • 10% off active-duty military
  • 10% off Dunes passholders
  • 20% off groups of 20+
  • 50% off SNAP/EBT/WIC/Mainecare
More info >
Plan Your Visit

Hours

Welcome Center and Dunes Admission

Mon:
Closed
Tues:
Closed
Wed:
Closed
Thu:
Closed
Fri:
Closed
Sat:
Closed
Sun:
Closed

Mini Golf and Oasis Snack Bar

Mon:
Closed
Tues:
Closed
Wed:
Closed
Thu:
Closed
Fri:
Closed
Sat:
Closed
Sun:
Closed

Train:

Today:
Closed

Status

OUT OF SERVICE

Location & Directions

95 Desert Rd
Freeport, ME 04032

We are located 2 miles north of exit 20 off of 295, at the dead end of Desert Rd.

Open map
Plan Your Visit >Accessibility >
Events Calendar

Upcoming Events:

More events at the Desert:

Events CalendarBook an Event
Private Events

Rent our tent along the dunes

Base Package

Access to dunes, exhibits & party tent$300

Additional Options

Hot dog, chips & drinks
Ice cream$7 /person
$4 /person
Mini Golf discount10%
Check availability >
Group Visits

Field trips for schools and camps & other group visits

A docent-led visit to Desert of Maine will give your group a window into the history, geology, and ecology of this unique destination. Your group will learn about human influence on the land, starting with the Tuttle Farmhouse, followed by an age-appropriate introduction to the Ecology Walk. We will then help facilitate the rest of your visit, whether your groups wants to spend time at the Shady Grove Filling Station exhibit, the Fossil Dig, Spring House, Gemstone Village or coordinate with the business to play a round of mini golf.

Book now >
Campground
Stay where wanderers unwind at the Desert of Maine

Nestled among towering Northern Pines at the edge of the iconic dunes of the Desert of Maine, our quiet campground offers a peaceful retreat for curious travelers.

Book Your Stay >
Reserve Now Tickets

Field Trips

Group Visits, Summer Camps, School Trips

Events CalendarPlan Your VisitOur HistoryPrivate EventsMini Golf

Field Trips for Schools & Camps

A docent-led visit to Desert of Maine will give your group a window into the history, geology, and ecology of this unique destination. Your group will learn about human influence on the land, starting with the Tuttle Farmhouse, followed by an age-appropriate introduction to the Ecology Walk. We will then help facilitate the rest of your visit, whether your groups wants to spend time at the Shady Grove Filling Station exhibit, the Fossil Dig, Spring House, Gemstone Village or coordinate with the business to play a round of mini golf.

Your group will have a "home-base" to leave your stuff and eat lunch. Our approach is hands on, immersive and student-directed. We encourage kids to get their hands dirty (quite literally!) as they investigate questions like, what is soil and why is it so important? What are the different plant communities that have lived on this land over time and how have human choices and activities influenced the environment?

Home School Group Experiences

Adult & Mixed Age Group Visits

Plan your visit today

Tickets & Passes Plan Your Visit

Loved by visitors, passholders, and press

The Desert of Maine is a must visit spot.

★★★★★
Mike, Google review

Visiting this amazing place is a summer staple for us.

★★★★★
Emily, Season Passholder

It's a place unlike any other in Maine...

★★★★★
Joseph, Google review

I wish we'd spent more time here. We'll definitely be back to explore the dunes and the farmhouse.

★★★★★
Brooke, Freeport Local
FEATURED IN

Explore the Desert of Maine through the lens of journalists and ecologists alike

Clint Harp, award-winning carpenter, HGTV hit show Fixer Upper alum, and host of Restoration Road, heads to the Desert of Maine. He takes on a challenge: to transport, rebuild and assemble our 18th century New England Cape Cod house as a historical museum.

Watch the episode

"It's a place unlike any other in Maine," reports NBC's News Center Maine. "Acres of fine sand stretches out into the distance, complete with sand dunes, looking much like, well, a miniature desert. Welcome to the Desert of Maine, an ecological oddity that's been a tourist attraction for a century."

See the feature

Our re-opening made a splash in the local papers. The Press Herald got an exclusive: how we launched The Desert of Maine, reopening with new attractions and a focus on sciences. They also chronicle the unveiling of our nonprofit to promote arts and sciences.

Read the article