Wells Reserve at Laudholm

Trail Closure in Effect. Click for Details.

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

Trail Closures (updated October 18)

The old country lane we call the Barrier Beach Trail is partially closed until November 1. The area affected runs from the top of the hill (flagpole area) to the intersection of the Laird Norton and Pilger trails. This entire section is closed to walkers and vehicles to help new grass to become established. 

Walkers will be rerouted behind the Coastal Ecology Center to the upper section of the Cart Path, which leads to other trails. Laudholm Beach will remain accessible through the longer route (and the Muskie/Pilger Trails). 

The water district will be back again next spring to restore the section from the Laird Norton / Pilger Trail intersection toward the beach.

COVID-19 Notice

The Wells Reserve operates in accordance with guidance from the Governor of Maine and the Maine Center for Disease Control. Reserve leadership will monitor, evaluate, and adapt as needed to ensure all programs operate safely and effectively.

We will update this notice as often as necessary to keep you informed.

July 29

Public Access

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 required in indoor public areas, including the Visitor Center, auditorium, and teaching laboratory. 
  • The Visitor Center is limited to 10 visitors at a time.

Programs (go to calendar)

  • Advance registration is required for most programs.
  • Some public programs may be held online.
  • Some programs remain unavailable.

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 our parking area, Visitor Center, restrooms, trails, beach, and other public spaces.

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

Site Rules

Read complete Rules for Public Use, updated January 2019

  • 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

Trail Hours

Open Every Day
7am to Sunset

Visitor Center & Exhibits

Memorial Day Weekend through Indigenous Peoples Day
10am to 3pm daily

April, May, October, November
2021: 10am to 3pm weekdays through November 19

December to March
Closed

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