Desert of Maine

Travel America, July-August, 2005 by Nancy Baren Miller

Visitors to Freeport, Maine, can take 45-minute safari tours at the Desert of Maine, the eastern most desert found in the United States. The 40 acres of sand dunes have all but swallowed up 19th century farmland. This natural attraction has drawn the attention of "Ripley's Believe it or Not" and the television program "Jeopardy."

Besides taking a guided tour, visitors can climb dunes, hike nature trails, picnic, and see antique farm tools and sand paintings in the 1783 Barn Museum. Tent sites and full hookups are available at the adjacent Desert Dunes of Maine Campground. Amenities include a swimming pool, convenience store and gift shop, horseshoe pits, volleyball court, and laundry facilities. For details, check out www.desertofmaine.com or call (207) 865-6962. Freeport is best known for its outlet shopping and the L.L. Bean flagship store.