Reserve Now Tickets

Plan your visit

Your guide to one of Maine’s most unique destinations

Buy tickets

Located just minutes from downtown Freeport, the Desert of Maine offers a startling contrast to the traditional Maine coast. Use this guide to prepare for your sightseeing excursion.

Location & Directions

Address:
95 Desert Road, Freeport, ME 04032

You’ll find the Desert of Maine 2 miles north of Exit 20 off of 295, at the dead end of Desert Road.

Discover the history, ecology, and geology of the Desert through our exhibits and trails

Explore the glacial sand dunes and lush forests of the Desert of Maine through our immersive trail system. As you wander, you’ll encounter educational exhibits that bring Maine geology and history to life, explaining how retreating glaciers and 19th-century farming created this unique natural attraction in New England. Each path offers a fresh perspective on this hidden gem, making it one of the most engaging self-guided tours in Maine for families and curious travelers alike.

Illustrated map of Desert of Maine trails and exhibits
Wander in Wonder arch at the Desert of Maine

Create your perfect visit itinerary

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.

Desert of Maine train riding through the dunes

Enjoy a scenic train ride

See the sights from our electric train, fashioned after an 1800s Maine Central Railroad engine. Enjoy a tour of the dunes and forest in a half-mile loop, stopping at many of our visitors’ favorite exhibits, including Gemstone Village, Fossil Dig, Shady Grove and the Tuttle Farmhouse.

The Oasis snack bar at the Desert of Maine

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!

Snack bar menu

115,000 years at the Desert of Maine, from glaciers to live camels

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

Rules & etiquette

  • The Desert and all of its features are here for you to enjoy, so 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

Accessibility

At the Desert of Maine, we believe the beauty of our natural landscape and the depth of our history should be accessible to everyone. Visit the Welcome Center, ride the train, explore the Tuttle Farmhouse, Shady Grove Filling Station, and enjoy most holes in our signature Mini Golf course, all designed for accessibility.

Learn more >

Reserve your tickets today

Tickets and passes

Frequently asked questions

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?
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.

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 to 3pm daily during July and August and 10am to 3pm on 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 its 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 a couple 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.

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 to 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 to 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 30 people, you do not need to coordinate with us in advance. If you plan to bring more than 30 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.