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Re-opening for the 2024 season on May 4th! 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. PLAN YOUR VISIT A perfect place for kids... ​ 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! ...that is also great for adults! ​ The Desert is also great for adults ! A self-guided experience takes you to interpretive signs and exhibits that cover the history, geology, and ecology of Desert. Explore fascinating ex hibits like the Buried Spring House and 1800s Farmhouse museum and take in the natural beauty of the dunes and surrounding forest. EXPLORE Mini Golf We have a new fun and challenging mini golf course that is as unique as the Desert itself! Opened in summer of 2022, it features beautiful landscaping, waterfalls, modern hole designs, and sculptures from the Desert’s history! EXPLORE 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 selection of cabins and glamping tents, beautifully renovated bath house, strong WiFi, and convenient self-serve camp store for the basics. BOOK NOW Read what people have to say...

Gallery Photos and Videos of the Desert of Maine

Things to Do Features and Exhibits at the Desert of Maine Self-Guided Tours A mile-long path of interpretive signs take you through the fascinating history, geology, and ecology of the Desert. Meander at your own pace. Train Ride Ride our 1800s-style train around the dunes to make it easier to get from exhibit to exhi bit . ​ Note: Train runs approx 10am-3pm daily depending on staff, we a ther, and maintenance . ​ Learn more → Historic Barn The only remaining structure from the once fertile Tuttle farm, this 1700s barn tells a story going back to the early years of our nation. NOTE: currently being restored Model T Take a family photo in a Ford Model T like the ones that traveled Rt.1 in the 1920’s when the Desert of Maine became one of Maine’s earliest roadside attractions. Secret Sandbox An incredible sandbox for younger kids filled with construction vehicles and a digger you can sit on! ...And isn't it ironic... don't you think... Concert Venue We are currently completing a restoration of the Tuttle Barn as a breathtaking performing arts venue. Expected for 2025 Gemstone Village An imaginative labyrinth where kids can find numerous treasures including a wishing bridge, a hobbit house, and a wishing bridge. Kids can find and keep their three favorite gems! Buried Spring House A gazebo built atop a natural spring and buried under 25ft. of sand since WWII. The site was excavated in the spring of 2021 and is currently being reconstructed from historic photos. Hiking Trail We have a hiking trail that winds around the back side of the dunes through the beautiful forest that surrounds the Desert. Mini Golf Our brand new 18-hole mini golf course tells the story of the Desert of Maine. It is challenging and fun for all ages! Story Walk A nature walk combined with signs showing pages of an illustrated children's book about the Desert of Maine from the perspective of Pierre, a grain of sand! Fossil Dig A hands-on experience where kids can use tools and techniques of paleontology to uncover fossils that would have been found on the ancient sea floor just beneath the Desert sand. Natural Playground A one-of-a-kind natural playground featuring a lookout tower (with binoculars!), swings, a slide, log jumble, cargo net, see saw, and a moose play structure. Oasis Snack Bar Serving classic snacks and beverages including kettle corn, hot dogs, ice cream, lemonade, penny candy, and fresh- baked treats. Learn more → Gift Shop A charming, 1930s-era gift shop where you can purchase tickets, ask for information, and shop for the perfect keepsake. Unique and interesting! 1800s Farmhouse A fully restored early 1800s farmhouse, similar to the one that housed the Tuttle Family, set up as a living history museum. Learn more → Site Map Site Map Overview Video

Plan Your Visit Buy Tickets, Get Directions, Come Prepared Hours We are open seasonally, rain or shine, from the beginning of May through mid October. ​ We reopen the first weekend of May! ​ ​ De sert of M aine: Mon: CLOSED Tue: CLOSED Wed: CLOSED Thu: CLOSED Fri: CLOSED Sat: CLOSED Sun: CLOSED ​ Mini Golf : Mon: CLOSED Tue: CLOSED Wed: CLOSED Thu: CLOSED Fri: CLOSED Sat: CLOSED Sun: CLOSED ​ Directions We are located at 95 Desert Rd in Freeport which is 2 miles north of exit 20 off of 295, at the dead end of Desert Rd. Tickets General Admission Includes access to the dunes, train (if running), and all of the exhibits. Adults: $18 Youth (ages 4-18) & Students w/ ID: $14 ​ Mini Golf 18 holes of mini golf ​ Adults: $12 Youth (18 & under) & Students w/ ID: $11 ​ Discounts • $2 off mini golf with purchase of general admission • 10% off for seniors (65+) • 10% off for active duty military • 20% off for groups of 20 or more • 50% off for Snap/EBT/WIC/ Mainecare program participants Explore the Possibilities What could a day at the Desert of Maine look like? Whether you're interested in spending a day exploring Maine history and ecology, playing on the dunes, or you want to enjoy a round of mini golf, there are a lot of ways to fill your day with fun, discovery, and magic! Plan ahead by exploring what the Desert of Maine experience includes: THINGS TO DO Please note: If you are interested in riding our new electric train as part of your experience, please be aware that the train operates 10am-3pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during September and October, dependent on staffing, weather, and maintenance issues! Buy Tickets Online Reservations are not required but you can save yourself some time when you get here by buying your tickets online! If your plans change, no worries, your tickets will be waiting for you for the rest of the season. BUY ONLINE Grab a bite to eat! Our classic snack bar serves grilled hot dogs, kielbasa, kettle corn, homemade lemonade, ice cream, penny candy, locally roasted coffee, and more! ​​ LEARN MORE Watch the Video! It's really helpful to watch our short animated history video to help everyone in your group (kids included!) get the most out of your visit. What happened here and what things will you discover when you come? The video is fun and entertaining. WATCH NOW Rules, Safety, & Etiquette The Desert and all of its features are here for you to enjoy, but please do so respectfully. Do not remove or damage parts of exhibits or the natural landscape. ​The Desert of Maine is a tobacco- and drug-free property, including the campground — no smoking or vaping please. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome on the dunes! Obviously, please clean up after them. Other types of pets are not permitted. Only ADA-designated service dogs are allowed on the mini golf course. Young children must be supervised at all times. Please make sure you leave the premises by our posted closing time. Firearms are not permitted on the property. Visitors are expected to follow directions from Desert of Maine staff Unvaccinated guests are encouraged to wear masks inside the Welcome Center and when within 6' of guests from other groups Additional, adorable information from our well-intentioned lawyers Accessibility Our goal is to make the Desert of Maine as accessible as possible for all people. This is a natural landscape and 100-year-old tourist attraction of varied ground coverings, elevations, and new and old buildings, but we aim to create as many opportunities as we can for people to enjoy the Desert, mini golf, the campground, and the various events that take place here. To learn more, click the button below. LEARN MORE Plan Your Visit FAQ TICKETS If I bought tickets online, how long are my tickets valid? All season! If I bought tickets online and I can no longer visit, what should I do? Email us at hello@desertofmaine.com I am interested in buying tickets online, are any of the discounts available for online orders? Yes, only a couple of our discounts are available digitally, our active duty military discount and senior (65+) discount can be used when buying online tickets. All other discounts are available in person. ​ If I buy admission to the Desert and decide after that I want to play mini golf, can I still get the $2 off combo price? Yes, we can still honor the "combo" ticket pricing if you decide to start with just the dunes, or just mini golf, then add the other afterwards on the same day. Please let staff know when you do so. VISITING THE DUNES How long do people spend exploring the Desert? It really depends on your pace, interests, the weather, and many other variables. We have a 1-mile loop that can lead you to many of the major sights while giving you an overview of the history, geology and ecology of this place. Some people spend an hour here while others spend a few. ​ What should I bring with me to the Desert? We recommend comfortable footwear, sun protection, bug spray, and something to drink, especially if it’s hot out. Are pets allowed to go out into the Desert? Yes, we allow well-behaved dogs on a leash. Please make sure to clean up after your dogs. Other types of pets are not permitted. Only ADA-designated service dogs are permitted on the mini golf course ​ When does the train run? Our electric train runs approximately 10am-3pm daily during July and August and 10am-3pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during May, September, and October. The train schedule is dependent on staff availability, weather (rain and heat), and maintenance. ​ Does the train cost extra? No! It is included with general admission tickets. Is the train a narrated, guided tour? The train primarily offers an extra mode for visitors to get around portions of the property. It allows a break from walking, and can be a fun way to enhance your experience. In the future we may add more educational opportunities for the train ride. ​ For those with mobility concerns, or who can't walk the dunes, will the train take them around the whole property? The train runs on a loop through a portion of the dunes and woods, but due to it's design, it cannot drive the whole property easily, and therefore is not a perfect solution for those who cannot navigate the dunes or the property. To get to the train, visitors must navigate through the Welcome Center, up our boardwalk, and to the bottom of the dunes to get to the first train stop. ​ Do strollers work in the sand? All-terrain strollers work best on the dunes. We have two that are available to visitors on a first come, first served basis. Do wheelchairs work in the sand? Most manual wheelchairs and motorized wheelchairs will have difficulty moving through the sand. We have a beach wheelchair available for visitors to use on a first come, first served basis, however it does require someone to push it. Are there changing tables in the restrooms? Yes. Our Welcome Center has two accessible, all-gender restrooms and both are equipped with changing tables. ​ Are there picnic tables there where I can sit and eat if I buy food from the snack bar? Yes! We have a seating area by the playground and snack bar where you can sit and enjoy your ice cream, hot dogs, and drinks. Am I allowed to bring my own food? Absolutely! Can I bring food and drink out into the Desert? Definitely! Please make sure to bring any trash and empty bottles back with you. ​ ​ ​ ​ MINI GOLF How long does it take to play the whole course? It is an 18 hole course, so depending on your group size, how busy the course is, and your pace, it could take 30-60 minutes. ​ Does the course ever fill up? Yes, weekend afternoons, and some weekday afternoons, particularly in July and August, can be especially busy for us, and may result in short wait times for new players to get started. ​ Are pets allowed on the mini golf course? We only allow ADA-designated service dogs on the mini golf course. Is the course accessible? Mostly. Holes 4-7 require navigating a couple stairs down and a moderate incline up. The rest of the course is accessible and includes curb cuts to allow access to and from each hole. Adjustable putters with ball retrievers are available upon request. I want to bring a group of people to play mini golf, do I need to make special arrangements? If you plan to bring a group of less than 40 people, you do not need to coordinate with us in advance. If you plan to bring more than 40 people, please reach out ahead of time. Certain days and times may be more challenging for us to accommodate larger groups. All groups, regardless of size, will need to split up into smaller groups of no more than 5 people per group to play the course. Accessibility at the Desert

Booking for 2023 We are currently accepting reservations for members! Members should have received an email explaining how to access our new booking system. Please note: we no longer accept RVs with the exception of campervans and truck campers. We know this means many of our previous guests will no longer be able to bring their RVs here and we are terribly sorry for that. We agonized over this decision but in the end it was clear this was the best decision for us. We are a very small campground and building cabins and glamping tents just made the most sense for us. Ugh. Sorry. Reservation Schedule We are keeping busy this off-season: building 8 new cabins, setting up new glamping tents, adding a new site, and installing our new bocce court! We also replaced our booking software. We plan to open bookings for the 2023 season in the following order: ​ March 8th (or possibly earlier) - March 15th Members get first dibs! Become a member here ! -- No restrictions on # of nights March 16th - March 18th Members + Previous Guests + Newsletter Subscribers - 3-night minimum. Join Newsletter here ! March 19th - 22nd Members + Previous Guests+ Newsletter Subscribers - 2-night minimum. Join Newsletter here ! March 23rd - March 26th Members + Previous Guests+ Newsletter Subscribers - No minimum stay March 27th - April 15th Open to everyone (including AirBnB, VRBO, etc.) - 2-night minimum ​ ​April 16th Open to everyone (including AirBnB, VRBO, etc.) - no minimum stay As always, it is best to book directly rather than on AirBnB because to avoid their service fees. ​ See you in 2023! BOOK ONLINE

Housekeeping Staff To apply to our housekeeping team, please email us a short cover letter telling us why you would be perfect for this role. Feel free to let your personality shine through! Attach a resume that highlights any experience you think is relevant. If you put in the effort, we will seriously consider you. ​ Apply Now

Membership Become a member today Your membership helps sustain our affiliated non-profit organization, the Desert of Maine Center for Arts & Ecology , which operates on-site. ​ Examples of Programs: Hands-on history and ecology classes for schools, camps, and other groups Art workshops for adults, families, and kids Ecology speakers, films, and programs Musical events in our barn or on the dunes Other artistic events such as plays, spoken word poetry, and films BECOME A MEMBER NOW Benefits Members enjoy unlimited admission all year long—plus, your membership directly supports the Desert of Maine Center for Arts and Ecology 's artistic and educational programs. ​ All members receive: ​ Free admission to the Desert of Maine tourist attraction Members-only hours including free, unlimited mini golf 10% off all gift shop and snack bar items 10% off Mini Golf during regular hours Early access to Events and campground reservations Off-season access for snowshoeing, ice skating, and dog walking Event rental privileges at our activity tent EXPLORE THE BENEFITS Give the gift of membership A Desert of Maine membership is a thoughtful experiential gift for the nature lover, curiosity hunter, geology nerd, or magic-seeking family in your life. ​ A gift membership at any level includes an automatic donation to the Desert of Maine Center for Arts and Ecology—everyone wins! ​ Check the "gift membership" box and we'll send you a digital gift certificate and instructions for our newest member to confirm their membership details. Membership cards will be mailed in Spring 2022. GIVE MEMBERSHIP

Group Visits Group visits can be scheduled any time during our open season: May through Indigenous Peoples' Day Looking to book a group tour? The Center for Arts & Ecology, the non-profit that operates onsite at the Desert has developed engaging and educational docent-led tours and programs for schools, home school groups, camps, as well as any adult or mixed aged groups. Book now Visiting the Desert Groups of all ages are welcome at the Desert of Maine! Please note: Unless booked through Center for Arts and Ecology, all group visits are self-guided. With opportunities to learn about history, geology, and ecology in Maine, space for play and exploration, or a chance to try out our mini golf course, you can design your group visit around the interests and needs of your group. ​ You do not need to coordinate with us if you plan to bring less than 20 people to visit the Desert. ​ Discounted admission (20% off) is available for groups of 20 people or more.* The group discount is only available for in-person ticket purchases. ​ For more information or to schedule your group's visit, contact us at info@desertofmaine.org ​ *Additional discounted pricing is available for qualifying school districts. Playing Mini Golf We welcome groups to come enjoy the mini golf course together! Groups must break up into smaller groups of 5 players per game to help us keep the course moving. If you plan to bring a small group of 20 people or less just to play mini golf, you don't need to contact us ahead of time to coordinate. For larger groups, please reach out to schedule a day and time for your visit. We can often accommodate larger groups of 20-40 people on weekdays and evenings. Discounted tickets (20% off) are available for groups of 20 people or more.* The group discount is only available for in-person ticket purchases. For more information or to schedule your group's visit, contact us at groups@desertofmaine.com

Visitor Experience Staff To apply to our visitor experience team, please email us a short cover letter telling us why you would be perfect for this role. Feel free to let your personality shine through! Attach a resume that highlights any experience you think is relevant. If you put in the effort, we will seriously consider you. ​ Apply Now

Accessibility ​Getting Here Our parking lot is dirt/gravel and has four handicap parking spaces--two of which are van-accessible--positioned close to the Welcome Center. An ADA-compliant stone pathway leads from the accessible parking spots to the Welcome Center. The entrance and exit of the Welcome Center have stone ramps leading in and out of the building. Sliding doors are left open, weather permitting. ​ Navigating the Desert of Maine A wooden boardwalk, approximately 200 ft in length, leads from the Welcome Center to the edge of the dunes to provide a view of the landscape. Single-occupancy accessible restrooms are located on the side of the Welcome Center, reachable from the boardwalk. Changing tables are available in both restrooms. A ramp leads from inside the Welcome Center to the Oasis snack bar, and orders can be placed from our outdoor window on the patio. The recently excavated Springhouse located on the edge of the dunes can be viewed from a vista point on the dunes or from a closer vantage point which requires navigating down and back up a staircase. The 1800s farmhouse requires two steps up to enter and exit the front door. An accessible metal ramp will be installed for the back door coming in June 2023. Our nature trails are well groomed and span sand, woods, and include some boardwalks over small streams. There are benches in a couple places along the trails. We have one beach wheelchair available for visitors to use on a first come, first-served basis, and can be found outside the Welcome Center. We have two jogging strollers that are available for visitors on a first come, first-served basis, and can be found outside the Welcome Center. ​ Electric Train New in 2023, we have an electric train that operates on a loop out in the dunes and through the woods. The first stop is at the “bottom” of the dunes, which requires navigating up the boardwalk and down the slope of the dunes. To get on the train, a step on board and off board is required. The rear car of the train is equipped with a manual ramp that can make it possible to load and unload strollers or wheelchairs. ​ Mini Golf ​ Tickets for mini golf are sold in a small cabin next to the course. The cabin has an entry door and an exit door on the opposite side, and can be accessed by mobility devices From the Welcome Center, the mini golf ticket cabin and course are reachable via stone ramp and packed gravel path. All but four of the holes (4, 5, 6, and 7) on the course are accessible by wheelchair. Holes 4, 5, 6, and 7 require navigating up and down a couple stairs and slopes. Guests who are unable to play holes 4, 5, 6, and 7 qualify for a prorated discount, or they can choose to replay holes 1, 2, 3, and 4 to make a complete round. Benches are placed near almost every hole. With the exception of holes 4, 5, 6, and 7, all holes are surrounded by cement curbs that are about 5 inches tall and include curb cuts for easier access in and out. Adjustable putters equipped with a ball retriever are available in the mini golf ticket cabin. ​ Campground ​ The campground is reachable via a dirt road that is accessible to cars and vans. Many campsites include a parking spot within the site, but some do not. Please review our campground map and site details for more information. Sites 25 and 26 are located down a small hill and reachable by a packed dirt path. Guests staying in these sites will need to access our bath house at the top of the hill. The campground bath house has private shower rooms that require a step up and down to enter and exit. Each shower has grab bars and portable stool which allows guests to shower while seated. Each shower also includes a detachable sprayer. The original structure of the bath house is several decades old and the dimensions of individual restroom stalls in the bath house do not meet ADA compliance. One of our new "Haven" cabins (#16) includes an accessible layout, bathroom, and entrance, along with an accessible picnic table and outdoor fire ring. If you’re interested in any of our campsites, glamping tents, or cabins, be sure to check out the images on our campground page. If you would like to know more about our campground accommodations, please reach out at hello@desertofmaine.com ​ Tuttle Barn ​ The 200+-year-old Tuttle Barn is currently undergoing restorations to become a performing arts venue. Phase 1 of the project is underway and Phase 2 is planning for 2024 or 2025. Once completed, the barn will have a fully accessible ground floor with accessible restrooms. Designs are still in process, but accessibility for the public and our performers is a top priority. ​ ​ Our goal is to make the Desert of Maine as accessible as possible for all people. Efforts to improve access are ongoing, and we appreciate feedback and suggestions from our community for how we can ensure an inclusive experience at the Desert of Maine. Accessibility at the Desert

ABOUT US Become a member today Members enjoy unlimited admission all year long—plus, your membership directly supports the Desert of Maine Center for Arts and Ecology 's artistic and educational programs. Join now for 2023 and get the remainder of the 2022 season for free! ​ All members receive: ​ Free admission to the Desert of Maine tourist attraction Members-only hours including scheduled hours per week where members can enjoy free, unlimited mini golf (Tuesdays at 6pm, and Fridays at 8am) 10% off all gift shop and snack bar items 10% off Mini Golf during regular hours Early access to Events and campground reservations Off-season access for snowshoeing, ice skating, and dog walking Event rental privileges at our activity tent EXPLORE THE BENEFITS Support our Non-Profit! Your membership helps sustain our affiliated non-profit organization, the Desert of Maine Center for Arts & Ecology , which operates on-site. ​ Examples of Programs: Hands-on history and ecology classes for schools, camps, and other groups Art workshops for adults, families, and kids Ecology speakers, films, and programs Musical events in our barn or on the dunes Other artistic events such as plays, spoken word poetry, and films BECOME A MEMBER NOW

Animated History Video Hi, I'm the Hermit of Maine! Before you visit the Desert of Maine, I invite you to take a journey with me to discover the history of the Desert. The video below is fun and entertaining, and it will help you get more out of your experience when you visit. ​ Take a few minutes to be transported back in time with me! This video was an international collaboration: written by our own Mela Heestand, directed by the incomparable David Heatley of New York, drawn by Olga Shtonda of the Ukraine, animated by Hadi Tabasi of Turkey, with music by Eoin Russell of New York!