Wells Reserve at Laudholm
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Helpful Info

The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is a beautiful place. We welcome more than 25,000 visitors each year.

This national treasure is about 1 mile off U.S. Route 1 in Wells, Maine. That's just 30 minutes from Portland or Portsmouth and 90 minutes from Boston or Manchester. Using GPS? Our public entrance is near 55 Skinner Mill Road.

In this section

Trail Conditions & Access

Updated October 18, 2024: All trails are currently open.

Severe winter storms in January affected access to some of our overlooks. We appreciate your patience as we work to repair damages and restore access.

  • Laird-Norton Boardwalk is open, but Laird-Norton Overlook is closed.

Know Before You Go

Admission

Fees are in effect from Memorial Day weekend through October.

Laudholm Members: Free (become a member)

Under 6: Free
Ages 6 to 16: $2
Over 16: $6

Admission allows visitors to use the parking area, Visitor Center, restrooms, trails, beach, and other public spaces. Program fees are additional.

Visiting with a group of 10 or more? Please call 207-646-1555 ext 110 or email groups@wellsnerr.org.

Site Rules

  • Stay on trails
  • Smoke-free facility
  • No dogs or other pets
  • No bicycles or motor vehicles
  • No fires or camping
  • No remote-controlled aircraft
  • No collecting
  • Carry in, carry out

Read the complete Rules for Public Use.

Electric Vehicle Charging

Two Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations are available in the public parking area. There is a 3-hour time limit.

Trail Hours

Open Every Day
7am to Sunset

2024 Visitor Center & Exhibit Hours

May 6 to May 19
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm

May 20 to October 27
Open Every Day, 10am to 4pm

October 28 to November 22
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm

November 23 to December 31
Closed

Cairn on Laudholm Beach.

Controlled Hunt through January 31

Controlled Deer Hunt in effect from November 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025. Hunting by the public is prohibited. Selected bowhunters may be present off-trail. No bowhunting on Sundays. For more information, click here or call 207-646-1555 x118.

Trails remain open for public use.

Mosquitoes etc.

At various times of the year, visitors may encounter black flies, mosquitoes, deer flies, greenheads, midges, ticks, poison ivy, and other wonders of nature.

Insect abundance can change by the day, even by the hour. Sometimes the "bugs" are absolutely miserable. Other times they're hardly noticed. Some people are very susceptible and others aren't bothered at all. This is just one of those things about nature that everyone has to approach individually.

We carry insect repellent in the Visitor Center and the welcome booth, in case you don't have your own. When our staff is in the field, they may wear long pants tucked into socks, long-sleeved shirts, and a hat that has a neck covering to control insects and ticks. Mid-day visits may be better than evenings. A breezy day usually helps.

Getting to the Wells Reserve

Don't trust your GPS.* When you get here, turn left.**


* Unless you have your destination set to 55 Skinner Mill Road, which is very close to the public entrance.
** Unless you are making a delivery or otherwise have permission to use our service entrance.

Northbound off the Maine Turnpike

  • Take exit 19 (Wells) off the Maine Turnpike
  • Follow signs to U.S. Route 1 in Wells
  • Follow Route 1 north 1.5 miles to Laudholm Farm Road (just before the Maine Diner at the flashing traffic signal)
  • Turn right and follow signs to the Reserve

Southbound off the Maine Turnpike

  • Take exit 25 (Kennebunk) off the Maine Turnpike
  • Follow signs to Kennebunk
  • Take a right on U.S. Route 1 and travel 3.3 miles to Laudholm Farm Road (just after the Maine Diner at the flashing traffic signal)
  • Turn left (use caution) and follow signs to the Reserve

From Kennebunkport and Kennebunk Lower Village

  • Follow Route 9 westbound from Kennebunk toward Wells
  • After crossing the Mousam River, continue 1.7 miles to Skinner Mill Road and turn left
  • Cross the small bridge (use caution) and watch for the Reserve entrance

From the Wells Regional Transportation Center

Trolley service is not being offered in 2024.

Free Admission

Join Laudholm Trust in support of Wells Reserve and enjoy free admission throughout the year.

Become a Member