About 8 miles north of Ogunquit (bear right from Route 1 onto Route 9 just north of the beach town of Wells) is the Wells Reserve at Laudholm (tel. 207/646-1555), a historic saltwater farm owned by the nonprofit Laudholm Trust since 1986. The 1,600-acre property—locals just call it “Laudholm farm”—was originally the summer home of 19th-century railroad baron George Lord but is now used for estuarine research. The farm has 7 miles of trails through diverse ecosystems, which range from salt marsh to forest to dunes. A visitor center in the regal Victorian farmhouse will get you oriented.

Tours are available, or you can explore the grounds on your own. Admission costs $6 per adult daily from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, $1 per guest 6 to 16. You pay by donation the rest of the year. There’s never an admission charge to the grounds or visitor center, and the 7 miles of trails here are open daily from 7am to dusk. The visitor center is open 10am to 4pm daily (closed weekends in the off season).

The farm is reached by turning east from Route 1 on Laudholm Farm Road at the blinking light just north of Harding Books. Bear left at the fork, then turn right into the farm’s entrance.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.