Rolling sand dunes right in the lush green land in this northeasternmost state of the United States

Maine sand desert tourist destination with “rolling” sand dunes in the middle of the green forest

The Maine desert has long been an enchanting tourist attraction of the town of Freeport (in Cumberland County, Maine, New England). What attracts many curious visitors here is the opportunity to explore the sandy desert right in the lush green land in this northeasternmost state of the United States.

More than 15.6 million tourists visited Maine in 2021, with spending reaching $7.8 billion – $1 billion more than in 2019. (Image: pressherald)

The state of Maine does not have a true desert because of its abundant rainfall. However, it has unique “rolling” sand dunes, creating a 160,000 square meter area of ​​fawn sand and alluvium, “hiding” discreetly in a coastal forest in the town of Freeport.

This place has been known to many as the Maine sand desert since about 100 years ago, with the main attractive feature being the sand dunes “rolling”. The “rolling” sand was formed during the last glacial period, over time the glaciers that covered the Maine region “grinded” the rock into sand or silt before receding. The unique and enchanting Maine desert is sometimes likened to the Sahara of New England.

Tourists experience the unique “rolling” glacial dunes in the enchanting desert tourist destination of Maine. (Photo: roadsideamerica)

The sandy bottom of the glacier is covered with fertile soil and green vegetation. In 1821 it was purchased by the family of William Tuttle to establish Tuttle Barn (Tuttle farm). But due to farming methods that deplete the soil of essential nutrients, and overgrazing of sheep, the topsoil of the Tuttle Barn is eroded, the glacier sand underneath is exposed and gradually spreads, flooded the entire farm.

Maine sand desert destination – Rolling dunes recreate Spring House

Spring House “golden age” structure. (File photo: Mela Heestand)

In September 2020, the team of geologist Josh Smith excavated the sand, excavating the Spring House – which is believed to have once had a cool underground spring. (Photo: roadsideamerica)

Tuttle Barn (Tuttle farm) has been abandoned since 1890, the farm house burned down in 1919. Then Tuttle Barn (Tuttle farm) was called “Sand farm” and strange thing. that it became a famous Freeport site.

In 1919, “Sand farm” was sold again, 6 years later it was turned into a tourist destination by the new owner, Mr. Henry Goldrup, because of its attractive natural landscapes and unique “rolling” sand dunes. and beautiful coastline.

(8: The new owner of the Maine desert is the couple Mela and Doug Heestand (a former Merrimack University professor and an information technology entrepreneur. (Photo: newengland))

However, efforts to preserve the structures of the Tuttle Barn (Tuttle farm) over the years have been fruitless. Spring House, built here in 1935, has been covered by 25 feet (7.6 m) of sand.

After a few more changes of hands, in 2018 the Maine desert was bought by the couple Mela and Doug Heestand. In 2020 they began promoting a project to renovate this iconic landmark, while still trying to preserve the heritage. They planned to reconstruct the desert of Maine as a history museum; reconstructing Tuttle Barn, excavating Spring House (Spring House)… At the same time, setting up about 18 A-shaped cabin rooms for visitors to visit.

The Maine desert is announced to be open for the summer 2022 tourist season from May 7 on weekends and from May 30 open daily. (Photo: Chris Bennett)

Visitors to the Maine desert – rolling dunes are now encouraged to join walking tours that follow the spectacular trails, or cross the “rolling” dunes of unusual glacial origin; experience campsites, playgrounds, gem villages; visit sand museum, farm museum…