Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve


Wildlife lovers adore wandering these 2250 acres of protected coastal ecosystems, with 7 miles of hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails past woodlands, fields, wetlands, beaches and dunes. Its diverse habitats make it a particularly appealing place for bird-watching.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

2. Madelyn Marx Preserve

1.92 MILES

This 24-acre nature preserve protects a gorgeous sweep of local salt marsh ecosystem, cut through with flat forest trails that are perfect for a leisurely…

3. Kennebunk Beach

2.54 MILES

Beach Ave and Sea Rd (west of Kennebunk River and then south of the Lower Village) lead to three good public beaches: Middle Beach, Mother's Beach and our…

4. Brick Store Museum

3.35 MILES

In the heart of the Kennebunk Historic District, this museum is a campus of buildings dating from 1810 to 1860. Themed exhibitions explore local history…

5. Gooch's Beach

3.6 MILES

Besides boasting an excellent name, Gooch Beach tends to have relatively lighter crowds in summer (relatively) and boasts wide, sandy areas that are…

6. Maine Art Hill

3.91 MILES

This complex of galleries and studios, noticeable thanks to its outside rotating wind sculptures, attracts crowds of art lovers and those who just want a…

7. Colony Beach

3.95 MILES

Kennebunkport proper has only one stretch of sand, the small Colony Beach on Ocean Ave, which is dominated by the Colony Hotel.

8. First Families Kennebunkport Museum

4.17 MILES

This place goes by various names (including 'White Columns,' the name of the stately 1850s home at this address), but most people know it as the 'Bush…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "usa/new-england/ogunquit-and-wells/attractions/wells-national-estuarine-research-reserve/a/poi-sig/498130/362014",
      "position": "superzone"
    }