Wells Reserve at Laudholm

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

COVID-19 Notice

April 2022

This condensed information is based on the Wells Reserve's COVID-19 Operating Guidelines and is subject to change.

  • Trails and restrooms are open daily 7am to sunset. Masks are optional.
  • The Visitor Center is limited to 10 visitors at a time. Masks are optional.
  • Masks are required for some indoor programs and events. Check calendar listings for details. 
  • Advance registration is required for most programs.

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 – $1
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.

Trail Hours

Open Every Day
7am to Sunset

2022 Visitor Center & Exhibit Hours

January 1 to May 8
Closed

May 9 to May 27
Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm

May 28 to October 10
Open Every Day, 10am to 3pm

October 11 to November 18
Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm

November 19 to December 31
Closed

Electric Vehicle Charging

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

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

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