Wells Reserve at Laudholm
There was an issue validating your request. Please try again later.

Campus paving begins April 15. Please refer to the Helpful Info page for updates regarding temporary changes to campus access. Trails remain open.

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 ½ 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

Upcoming Campus Paving - April 2024

Paving of campus walkways and roadways will begin Monday, April 15. See below for updates on campus access.

  • Trails are OPEN
  • For your safety, use alternate walkways and follow signs.
  • Portable toilets available. Public restroom is closed.
  • Conditions are variable. During this brief period, walkways are not ADA-friendly. We apologize for the inconvenience.
  • For more information, please contact Lynne Benoit at 207-646-1555 x118.

Trail Conditions (updated March 26, 2024)


All trails are currently open. Recent storms have affected many of our trails, so please use caution when you visit. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve the condition of the trails.

  • Laird-Norton Boardwalk is open, but Laird-Norton Overlook is closed.
  • Webhannet Marsh Overlook is closed.
  • The portion of the Barrier Beach Trail that was heavily washed out has now been repaired. 

Know Before You Go

Admission

Fees are in effect from Memorial Day weekend through Indigenous Peoples Day.

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.

COVID Guidelines

  • Trails and restrooms are open daily 7am to sunset. Masks are optional.
  • Masks may be required or requested for some indoor programs and events. Check calendar listings for details.
  • Advance registration is required for most programs.

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

January 1 to May 5
Closed unless open by chance

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

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

October TBD to November 15
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm

November 16 to December 31
Closed

Cairn on Laudholm Beach.

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.

If you travel on the Amtrak Downeaster or trolleys from York or Sanford during the summer, you can take the Shoreline Explorer BLUE 4B trolley to two stops on U.S. Route 1 (Litchfield's and Maine Diner) that are about a 15-minute walk from the Wells Reserve. BLUE 4B departs the transportation center on the hour beginning at 9am ($1 per ride; under 18 free).

Free Admission

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

Become a Member