Explore the Enigmatic Desert of Maine
Discover the unique sandy landscapes and family-friendly activities at the Desert of Maine in Freeport, a must-visit attraction in Maine.
Nestled in Freeport, Maine, the Desert of Maine is a remarkable tourist attraction that offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and unique recreational activities. This sandy expanse invites tourists to explore its intriguing landscapes, engage in outdoor fun, and learn about its fascinating geological history.
A brief summary to Desert of Maine
- 95 Desert Rd, Freeport, Maine, 04032, US
- +1207-250-2550
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-8 pm
- Saturday 10 am-8 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temperatures.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun, especially during summer months.
- Consider wearing comfortable shoes for walking on sandy terrain.
- Check the website for special events or guided tours that may enhance your experience.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the unique landscapes and fun moments with family and friends.
Getting There
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Car
From the center of the Western Maine Mountains region, head southeast on Route 26 towards South Paris. Continue on Route 26 until you reach the junction with Route 302. Take a left onto Route 302 and follow it until you reach the town of Windham. In Windham, take a right onto Route 202 and continue until you reach I-95. Merge onto I-95 South towards Portland. After about 20 miles, take Exit 20 for US-1N toward Freeport. Continue on US-1N for approximately 10 miles. Take a left onto Desert Road, and you will find the Desert of Maine at 95 Desert Rd, Freeport, ME 04032. This drive is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
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Public Transportation
To reach the Desert of Maine via public transportation, take a bus from your location in Western Maine Mountains to Portland. Companies like Concord Coach Lines provide services from various towns. Once in Portland, you will need to take a local bus (METRO) towards Freeport. Get off at the nearest stop to US-1N and Desert Road. From there, it is about a 1-mile walk to the Desert of Maine. Ensure to check bus schedules in advance and be aware that fares may vary, typically costing between $10-$30 depending on the distance.
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Taxi/Rideshare
If you prefer a more direct route without driving, consider using a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft from your location in the Western Maine Mountains to the Desert of Maine. Simply input the destination address (95 Desert Rd, Freeport, ME 04032) into the app. The cost will depend on your starting location but expect fares in the range of $40-$80 for a one-way trip, based on distance and time of day.
Discover more about Desert of Maine
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Pennellville Historic District
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James Pennell Mansion
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The McLellan
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Deep Groove Records
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Curtis Memorial Library
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Brunswick Visitor Center
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Byrnes Irish Pub
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Longfellow Playground
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Maiz Colombian Street Food
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Lincoln Street Historic District
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Spindleworks Arts Center Brunswick
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Bohemian Coffee House & Deli
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Waterfront Flea Market
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Brunswick Downtown Association
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Unmissable attractions to see
Hedgehog Mountain
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Eartha Globe
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Mast Landing Audubon Sanctuary
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Pettengill Farm
6.1 km
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Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
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Alice's Awesome Adventures
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Maquoit Bay Conservation Land
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Labyrinth in the Woods
14.6 km
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Androscoggin Swinging Bridge
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Swinging Bridge Park
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Bowdoin College Museum of Art
16.3 km
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Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum
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The Rumpus Room
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Pejepscot History Center
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Skolfield-Whittier House
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Essential places to dine
Thai Villa Restaurant
14.0 km
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Pancho Villa Mexican Restaurant
14.6 km
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Amato's
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Sweet Angel
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Brunswick Diner
15.4 km
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OTTO
16.0 km
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DBJ’s Golden Demise
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Fat Puppy Fusion
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SNOWFOX Sushi
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Bao Bao Dumpling House
16.2 km
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Scarlet Begonias
16.3 km
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Taverna Khione
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Oriental Restaurant
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Noble Kitchen + Bar
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Asian Garden
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
GoGo Refill
14.6 km
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J&R Cards
15.9 km
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Midcoast Comics
16.3 km
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Woods + Waters Gear Exchange
16.3 km
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Twice-Told Tales Book Store
16.4 km
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The Book Barn
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Petit Jeté Dance Boutique
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Hatch Home
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Cool As A Moose - Brunswick
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Hatch on Maine
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The Fabric Den Quilt Shop
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Lemont Block Collective
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Gulf of Maine Books
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Island Treasure Toys
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Magpie
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Vessel & Vine
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Social Goose Bar
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Maine Board of Bar Examiners
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Jack Magee's Pub and Grill
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Sea Dog Brewing Company Topsham
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Samuel's Bar & Grill
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Night Mares
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Anoche
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Munjoy Hill Tavern
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The End of Portland Maine
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Cocktail Mary
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Miss Portland Diner
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The Great Lost Bear
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The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club
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