Events at Wells Reserve at Laudholm

Ogunquit’s immediate seacoast is, of course, one of its defining treasures: from the wall-calendar-worthy harbor of Perkins Cove to the entrancing coastal walk of the Marginal Way and the coveted sands of Ogunquit Beach.

Just a short drive north of town, though, is another stretch of stellar seashore with its own unique appeal: the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, a precious mosaic of ecosystems occupying the historic lands of what was once York County, Maine’s largest saltwater farm.

Lovely (and Historic) Landscapes

The fields, woods, and saltmarshes of the Wells Reserve are open year-round to visitors, and we can’t recommend enough taking a daytrip here from your fine accommodations with us in Ogunquit. A variety of hiking routes, including the Yankee Woodlot, Muskie, Laird-Norton, and Barrier Beach trails, weave through the Reserve, showing off deep woods, tidal wetlands, and Atlantic surf—not to mention the vintage buildings of the Laudholm Farm.

Guided Tours & Special Events at the Wells Reserve

Besides independent explorations, you can join a guided hike to delve deeper into the landscape’s story. Upcoming interpretive walks include Laudholm’s Farming Past on August 31 (shedding light not just on Laudholm Farm itself but also the region’s American Indian heritage and the development of the estuarine reserve) and the Hawk Watch Picnic Lunch on September 15, which hopefully will include a glimpse of some of the raptors that wing along on their southbound migration down this coast. On October 5, meanwhile, a guide will lead an after-hours trek under the light of the full Hunter’s Moon.

Or join a guided kayak tour for some on-the-water sightseeing and education. It’s amazing to actually be out on the estuary itself, getting a firsthand feel for this immensely biologically productive ecosystem.

The Wells Reserve also hosts many lectures and workshops—not to mention a whole slew of kid-friendly activities dedicated to the über-important task of acquainting the younger generation with the marvels of the natural world and the threats it faces.

Visit the Wells Reserve During Your Stay at an Ogunquit.com Hotel

In short, there’s always something going on at the Wells Reserve—and always plenty of coastal beauty showing off the best of Southern Maine. Spare an afternoon (or a full day!) for a visit here during your next stay with us at the Gorges Grant Hotel, Juniper Hill Inn, the Milestone, or the Cottage at Acorn Lane.