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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.