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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: $19 Youth (ages 4-18) & Students w/ ID: $15 ​ 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

Re-opening for the 2024 season on May 4th! The Campgground opens May 1st 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...

ANNUAL PASS Become an Annual Passholder Today Desert of Maine annual passholders enjoy unlimited admission to the Desert of Maine tourist attraction all year long! ​ All passholders receive: ​ Free General Admission to the Desert of Maine tourist attraction A number of Free mini golf passes 10% off all gift shop and snack bar purchases 10% off Mini Golf during regular hours 10% off campground reservations $20 off our new Mini Golf Mulligan Card Off-season access for snowshoeing, ice skating, and dog walking Event rental privileges at our activity tent Exclusive passholder only access to campground promotions Annual Pass Benefits Annual Passes are valid for the entire calendar year, January 1st through December 31st. 2024 Annual Pass Benefit Individual Dual Family Family+ Annual Cost $60 $120 $200 $250 General Admissions Per Visit 1 2 4 6 Passholders (Named members, one of whom must be present) 1 2 3 3 Guest Passes (One-time use general admission guest passes) 0 1 2 2 Mini Golf Tickets (One-time use mini golf admission tickets) 1 2 4 6 $20 off on Mini Golf Mulligan Card ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ 10% discount on all gift shop, Oasis Snack Bar, and mini golf purchases, and campground reservations ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Off-season Access (Snowshoeing, dog walking, ice skating, cross country skiing, etc.) ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Event Rental Privileges (option to rent the Desert Tent for events, e.g. birthday parties) ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ BECOME A PASSHOLDER NOW Interested in Gifting an Annual Pass? The best way to gift an annual pass is to purchase a digital gift card in the amount of pass you wish to buy, and allow your friends or family to use the gift certificate to buy the annual pass!

Employment Work With Us We are hiring for the 2024 season! We have several full time or part time roles available for our upcoming May through October season. The Desert of Maine is going through a total reboot under new ownership. We are constantly adding staff to help us deliver a world-class experience for our visitors. We take special pride in creating a work environment that is friendly, supportive, challenging, and fun. Open Positions Open Positions for 2024 Visitor Experience Staff Reporting to the Director of Operations, our Visitor Experience staff work in many roles including welcoming visitors at our Welcome Center; operating our retail store, snack bar, and mini golf course; orienting visitors and answering questions; facilitating Sand Art and driving our 1800s-style electric train (for those interested)! Learn More Sr Grounds/Maintenance Staff Reporting to the owner, our Senior Grounds and Maintenance staff have the overall responsibility for keeping our outdoor spaces safe and looking great. We are looking for someone with landscaping experience, carpentry/repair skills, and experience operating tools and equipment such as tractors, power tools, mowers, etc. Senior grounds and maintenance staff will oversee our small grounds and maintenance team. No longer hiring for 2024 Grounds/Maintenance Staff Our grounds and maintenance staff spends their time outdoors making our grounds look beautiful. Tasks include landscaping, leafblowing, mowing, campground upkeep, stacking wood, mulching, weeding, exhibit maintenance, and much more. Join a small, close-knit team and spend your summer outdoors in a beautiful place learning valuable skills! No longer hiring for 2024 Housekeeping Staff Our housekeeping staff manages daily turnover and cleaning of cabins, glamping tents, and our shared campground bath house. Tasks include changing linens, cleaning bathrooms and floors, restocking supplies, and more. Work alongside a small team of housekeeping staff in one of the most beautiful outdoor settings in Maine! Train Conductor Our team of friendly train conductors operate our trackless electric train, driving the train around our designated loop, greeting passengers (especially kids!), and helping passengers on and off at designated stops. The Train Conductor role can be a part time role for interested applicants, or combined with our Visitor Experience Staff role as well. Learn More Working 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

Glamping Tents Everything you need is already here We have several glamping tents available that have everything you need already set up for your camping getaway! Our canvas tents are completely waterproof, and beautiful! The Luxe IMG_5386 IMG_5396 IMG_4880 IMG_5386 1/13 Click for a full-screen image gallery All Luxe tents include: 1 queen bed with a quilt or down comforter depending on the season, linens, and pillows 16'x20' interior 1 queen sleeper sofa (w/ comfortable foam mattress) Two 1" sleeping pads under the bed (intended for kids) Linens (sheet s, pillowcases, towels (4), hand towels (2), down comforter for the queen bed, plus blankets and pillows for extra guests) Small countertop Eve rything you need for c offee/t ea Inside seating area w/ two comfy chairs Electrical outlets / lights Pedestal fan + heater Access to our cedar bath house nearby Two 1" sleeping pads under the bed (intended for kids) Electrical outlets / lights Mini fridge Pedestal Fan Wood stove (when it's cold!) Heating pad built into the mattress (w/ separate controls for each side) Raised platform + Waterproof rainfly Front porch w/ outdoor furniture Outdoor seating area w/ two Adirondack chairs, small picnic table, fire ring (w/ integrated grill), and bistro lights BOOK ONLINE Rates Rates fluctuate based on the season, day of the week, and availability. Usually, the further you book in advance, the better the rate. However, there are definitely last minute deals if we are not fully booked! ​ Discounts / Fees 10% off campground reservations for members 15% off mini golf / general admission to the Desert of Maine for campground guests $20/night per dog -- Sorry, we know is a lot but dogs cause the vast majority of damage to furniture, blankets, etc. and they require a very thorough cleaning of each glamping tent. BOOK ONLINE Pro Tips If you are looking to book a particular glamping tent (or a type of glamping tent) but your chosen dates are unavailable, you can leave the dates blank and click "Search". The results will show all of the sites and then you can click on a specific site and see that it has its own calendar. Clicking on that calendar, you can see the dates are the available (the dates that are greyed out are unavailable).

Modern, Luxurious Cabins Make your escape Over the last couple of years, we have been building modern, luxury cabins so our guests can experience the magic of camping in a way that is luxurious and turnkey. We have four models of cabins for you to choose from! BOOK ONLINE The Cozy That view... That view... Aerial view That view... 1/11 Click for a full-screen image gallery The Escape 1/18 Click for a full-screen image gallery ​The Cozy is our most romantic cabin. It is intended for two people. A wall of glass that overlooks the woods. #23 and #24 overlook a steam too. ​​ Dramatic 12' ceilings 10'x11' interior 1 queen bed Linens (sheets, pillowcases, towels (2), hand towels (2), quilt or down comforter for the queen bed) Privacy curtain or blinds for the window(s) near the bed A very short walk to our cedar bath house Wall-mounted fan, plus AC/Heat unit Mini fridge Electrical outlets / lights Everything you need for coffee/tea Seating area w/ two Adirondack chairs, small picnic table, fire ring (w/ integrated grill), and bistro lights BOOK ONLINE ​The Escape is perfect for couples that want a half-bathroom, or families with kids that don't mind sleeping on a foam mattress on the floor. We have two Escapes side by side (#14 & #15) which are perfect for two families traveling together! A wall of glass that overlooks the woods 14'x18' interior Dramatic 18' ceilings 1 queen bed and 2 twin mattresses available (on the floor) Linens (sheets, pillowcases, towels (2), hand towels (2), quilt or down comforter for the queen bed, extra pillows and blankets for the twin mattresses) Half bathroom (sink & toilet) Pedestal fan + AC/Heat unit Private balcony w/ outdoor furniture Mini fridge Electrical outlets / lights Everything you need for c offee/t ea Seating area w/ two Adirondack chairs, small picnic table, fire ring (w/ integrated grill), and bistro lights BOOK ONLINE The Haven 19 exterior - sun flare small 19 exterior - sun flare small 1/22 Click for a full-screen image gallery The Haven (secluded) 1/20 Click for a full-screen image gallery ​New for 2023, Havens are our largest, most luxurious and modern cabins. They feature a kitchen area, a full bathroom with an incredible shower, big windows, a sleeper sofa, and a built-in seating area. Big windows overlooking the woods Dramatic 18' ceilings 21'x15' 1 queen bed 1 queen sleeper sofa (w/ comfortable foam mattress) Linens (sheet s, pillowcases, towels (4), hand towels (2), down comforter for the queen bed, plus blankets and pillows for extra guests) Full bathroom (sink, toilet, shower) Kitchen area (sink, small stovetop, mini fridge, countertop, dishes, cookware, utensils) Built-in bench and table Electrical outlets / lights Everything you need for c offee/t ea AC/heater + pedestal fan Seating area w/ two Adirondack chairs, small picnic table, fire ring (w/ integrated grill), and bistro lights BOOK ONLINE We have two Havens that are set further back from the main campground road with stunning views of the woods and stream. You can't park directly in front of these cabins but there is a designated parking spot nearby. Because of their location, we could not put a full bathroom in these cabins. These cabins are perfect for people who want our most secluded setting and don't mind walking 100ft to the bath house! Big windows overlooking the woods 17'x14' Dramatic 18' ceilings 1 queen bed 1 queen sleeper sofa (w/ comfortable foam mattress) Linens (sheets, pillowcases, towels (4), hand towels (2), down comforter for the queen bed, plus blankets and pillows for extra guests) Access to our cedar bath house very close by View of stream, most secluded Kitchen counter w/ mini fridge, stovetop, dishes, and cookware Built-in bench and table Private balcony w/ outdoor furniture Electrical outlets / lights Everything you need for c offee/t ea AC/heater + p edestal fan Seating area w/ two Adirondack chairs, small picnic table, fire ring (w/ integrated grill), and bistro lights ​ Note: #25 is down a short, s teep path from the parking spot and bath house. BOOK ONLINE The Haven (Accessible) One of our Haven cabins (#16) has an accessible entrance and layout, an accessible bathroom, and accessible outdoor seating area. Guests who rent this cabin can choose between a couple layout options and placements for amenities to ensure they have space and full access. Big windows overlooking the woods Dramatic 18' ceilings Ramps and railings on both the front and back of the cabin 1 queen bed Wall mounted folding table and stackable chairs 1 queen sleeper sofa (w/ comfortable foam mattress) Linens (sheets, pillowcases, towels (4), hand towels (2), down comforter for the queen bed, plus blankets and pillows for extra guests) Kitchen area (sink, small stovetop, mini fridge, countertop, dishes, cookware, utensils) Full bathroom with a sink, toilet, and shower, including shower seat, grab bars, and plenty of space Electrical outlets / lights AC/heater Everything you need for c offee/t ea Outdoor seating area w/ bistro lights, an accessible picnic table (coming soon!), accessible fire ring, and two Adirondack chairs ​ ​ BOOK ONLINE Rates Rates fluctuate based on the season, day of the week, and availability. Usually, the further you book in advance, the better the rate. However, there are definitely last minute deals if we are not fully booked! ​ Discounts / Fees 10% off campground reservations for Desert of Maine annual pass holders 15% off mini golf / general admission to the Desert of Maine for campground guests $20/night per dog -- we know is a lot but dogs cause the vast majority of damage to furniture, blankets, etc. and they require a very thorough cleaning of each cabin. BOOK ONLINE Pro Tips If you are looking to book a particular cabin (or a type of cabin) but your chosen dates are unavailable, you can leave the dates blank and click "Search". The results will show all of the cabins and then you can click on a specific cabin and see that it has its own calendar. Clicking on that calendar, you can see the dates are the available (the dates that are greyed out are unavailable). Sites 22 and 25 are our must secluded cabins. Site 26 is our most secluded glamping tent. Sites 25 and 26 require walking down a short, though somewhat steep, path Cabins 14 and 15 are relatively close together. These are perfect for two families traveling together!

Gallery Photos and Videos of the Desert of Maine

Tickets Reservations are not required but buying your tickets online definitely saves time when you arrive! Tickets purchased in advance are held under your name for the entire season, so even if your plans change you can use them another time. All you have to do when you arrive is just give us your name and we will look up your order--easy! Admission BUY ONLINE Mini Golf BUY ONLINE Admission + Mini Golf BUY ONLINE Save $2

Campground Map NOTES - The Lunas and Stargazers and a few of the Luxe's are under construction in 2024. We will make them available on stay.desertofmaine.com as soon as they are ready!

Train Conductor To apply to our train conductor role, 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