Wells Reserve at Laudholm

Read Our COVID-19 Notices

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

All trails are open (March 18, 2021).

COVID-19 Notice

The Wells Reserve operates in accordance with orders from the Governor of Maine and instructions from 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 needed to keep you informed.

March 18

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.
  • Visitors are required to wear a mask in the parking lot, around the Laudholm campus, in restrooms, and inside buildings.
  • Visitors should wear a mask on trails when approaching or passing other people and any time that a 6-foot physical distance from others cannot be maintained. 
  • Requests by visiting scientists for field or laboratory access will be evaluated case by case.

Programs (go to calendar)

  • Advance registration is required for all programs.
  • Indoor public programs are held online.
  • Trail-based programs will have limited capacity.
  • We maintain safe physical distance during in-person programs.
  • Bring your own face covering and hand sanitizer.
  • If you are traveling from another state, visit Moving Maine Forward for current guidance.
  • Preschool Story Hours, Discovery Backpacks, and certain other programs are unavailable.

Top Best Practices

  • Keep your visit brief to allow others to enjoy the site.
  • Come by yourself or with family members. No groups.
  • Wear a mask and keep your distance from others.

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
2021: weekdays 10am to 1pm; weekend hours to be announced

April, May, October, November
Opening May 28, 2021; Fall 2021 hours to be announced

December to March
Closed

Getting to the Wells Reserve

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