Wells between Beach, Nature and History

Wells brings together a range of travel interests: historic places, the beach and harbor, and distinctive habitats each offer their own appeal. When choosing where to stay, it may therefore be important whether you are mainly interested in history, nature, time at the beach, or launching a watercraft. Wells has clearly identified places and conditions related to these interests, and they also call for different kinds of planning.

Historic Places in Wells

The campus of Laudholm Farm is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the historic farm is located in the Town of Wells. Its listing and local connection give the farm a specific place in Wells’ history. For travelers interested in a place’s historic heritage, it is a distinct point of interest alongside the town’s other historic sites.

The first settlers’ house in Wells is located in Founders Park. The park also has a short walking path and a picnic area. Here, a specific connection to early settlement sits alongside two other park features: a short path and a place to picnic. This is a different combination from a visit focused exclusively on a historic building.

The visiting requirements for School House Division No. 9 are especially important: tours are available only by appointment in advance. If you plan to take a tour, arrange your appointment ahead of time; walk-in tours are not available.

Nature, Habitats and the Coast

The Wells Reserve is a center for education, conservation and research. These functions give it a distinct focus alongside the historic places and the beach and harbor offerings. If you are interested in nature in connection with conservation and research, the Reserve is one of the different facets that make up Wells.

The Wells Barrens consist of sandy plain grassland and early-successional forest. Ecologically, the area is an important habitat for wildlife; black racers also live here. This gives Wells’ nature offering a concrete form: both specific landscape types and a named animal are part of the Barrens’ ecological character. This distinguishes it from a beach visit or harbor activities.

Lifeguards monitor Wells Beach, and shops and restaurants are within walking distance. Conditions for beach access and lifeguard coverage may vary seasonally. Keep this in mind when planning your beach visit and check the conditions for your travel dates.

Wells Harbor: Compare Watercraft and Fees

At the private marina in Wells Harbor, visitors can launch boats on trailers for a fee. There is no fee to launch kayaks, canoes or sailboards. The fee policy therefore depends on which of the listed watercraft you want to launch. Trailer launches and fees may vary seasonally; you should also check the no-fee policy for kayaks, canoes and sailboards before your trip, as launch regulations may change.

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