More events coming soon…Check out our events page here!Coming soon!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.


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.

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.

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 menu115,000 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 passesFrequently asked questions
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?
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?
How long do people spend exploring the Desert?
What should I bring with me to the Desert?
Are pets allowed to go out into the Desert?
When does the train run?
Is the train a narrated, guided tour?
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?
Do wheelchairs work in the sand?
Are there changing tables in the restrooms?
Are there picnic tables there where I can sit and eat if I buy food from the snack bar?
Can I bring food and drink out into the Desert?
How long does it take to play the whole course?
Does the course ever fill up?
Are pets allowed on the mini golf course?
Is the course accessible?
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.
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