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 There are 7 miles of oceanfront in Wells. Much of it is sandy beach only, which delights the sunbathers. Along the coast are rocky ridges and tidal pools which are so interesting to young people, whether they are little and play in the warm puddles around the large rocks, or are older youngsters who enjoy hunting marine life.
Very fine white sand comprises Wells' beaches which are wide and flat, providing areas for walking, running, or sand castle building. Life guards are on duty for your protection.Wells' location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean tends to moderate air temperatures by making them a few degrees warmer in winter and cooler in the summer. Many hot summer afternoons are cooled by what the locals call a
"sea turn" - usually with the changing of the tides. Most evening temperatures are comfortable for
sleeping.
There are a number of public parking areas with easy access to the beach. During the summer months, there is a
nominal fee for parking. The beaches themselves are free and you will
find many "public ways" connecting the beach roads and the beaches. Permits for parking are available at less than the daily rates for visitors who are staying in Wells for an extended time. They can be purchased at any of the beach parking
lots.
Town
Policy (strictly enforced) on Dogs on the Beach: From June 16 to Sept. 15, no dogs allowed on beach from 8 am to 6 pm; after 6 pm to 8 am, dogs allowed on a leash and under the charge of a responsible person. From Sept. 16 to June 15, dogs allowed on a leash and under the charge of a responsible person. Please keep dogs away from piping plover nests. Pet owners must remove and properly dispose of any feces his/her pet deposits on any beach. An offense carries a penalty besides being a health hazard and socially unacceptable in this area.
 It's getting better all the time! For years, folks have gathered at Harbor Park to celebrate the start of the summer season with the annual Harbor Fest. Families and friends gather at the Hope Hobbs Gazebo to enjoy entertainment in season. And, parents with their children have long enjoyed picnics at the playground area that is situated in a natural sand vale at the Park and surrounded by beach grass and rugosa roses. The handicap-accessible Knights of Columbus observation deck overlooks Wells Harbor and provides visitors with a quiet spot to enjoy the beautiful
surroundings
In the summer of 1999, the Rotary Club completed the construction of a large pavilion at Harbor Park, and every fall, the Chamber hosts its annual two-day Chili Fest, sanctioned by the Inernational Chili Society, at the site. Hundreds of people join the festivities of the day which included entertainment, bocce tournaments, horseshoes, music, and of course, chili. The pavilion provides a covered picnic area for families using the park, a meeting place for the public (by reservation), and a concession area for use during summer concerts and other special events.
Harbor Park has also been a place for quiet reflection and in a remembrance ceremony held on the anniversary of September 11, a prayer bell was dedicated and permanently mounted to a pink granite slab that is adjacent to the Masonic bench at the Park. The thought is for visitors to pause, reflect and with the ring of the bell, send a prayer, thought or blessing to a loved one who has
passed.
Plans for more community events are underway as the Wells Harbor Community Park facilities continue to expand and improve. For more information, check the
"Calendar of Events" at the Chamber's web site at www.wellschamber.org. The site is updated continually as special event information becomes
available.
Directions:
The Wells Harbor Community Park is located on Harbor Road. Turn right onto Harbor Road at the Wells Fire Station, just north of the Rt. 1 and Rt. 109 traffic light. The Park is located at the end of the road on the right; parking is on the left.
A 70-acre parcel of land located on Route 9A provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor
fun:
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Four asphalt tennis
courts
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Two basketball courts,
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A baseball diamond,
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A horseshoe playing area
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Picnic area
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Multi-purpose field
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A youth size softball/baseball
field
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Large Playground area
for various age levels
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Hobbs Pond
The Recreation Area creates a pleasant opportunity to spend a day away from it
all. Phone the Wells Recreation Department (646-5826) for more information and other special events.
 The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve was dedicated in 1986 with a mission to investigate coastal environments and to enhance understanding of their ecology. The Reserve achieves its mission through original research, diverse education programs, and community partnerships. Reserve facilities are situated at historic Laudholm Farm and its activities are supported in part by Laudholm
Trust-- a nonprofit organization formed in 1982 to protect Laudholm Farm. In the years following its initial success, the Trust has continued to support research, education, and management activities at the Wells Reserve. Trust programs increase public awareness of coastal watersheds and build community support for their protection. Laudholm Trust has about 2300 members.
The Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm has a seven-mile trail system encompassing fields, forests, salt marshes, and a sandy beach. The gentle terrain is ideal for casual hikers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers. The varied landscape is prized by artists and photographers. The diverse flora and fauna delight nature lovers of every age. The historic buildings of Laudholm Farm house offices, exhibits, a coastal resources library, and an auditorium. The reserve's Maine Coastal Ecology Center holds a research laboratory, geographic information system center, a teaching laboratory, and science-based exhibits.
The reserve offers education programs to children and adults. Programs include guided tours, field trips, day camps, workshops, evening presentations, and other activities. The research department focuses on fisheries, salt marsh restoration, water quality, and conservation. All programs at the reserve are supported by volunteers dedicated to the wise stewardship of estuaries and coastal watersheds.
The Wells Reserve is located on Laudholm Farm Road off U.S. Route 1, 1.5 miles north of Wells Corner. Trails are open seven days a week, May 15 to Sept. 15 from 8 am to 8 pm, and Sept. 16 to May 14 from 8 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Center and Gift Shop are open Mon. through Sat. from 10 am to 4 pm and Sun. noon to 4 pm, but are closed on weekends between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15 and every day between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15. More information on the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm is available by calling 207-646-1555 or by visiting our website:
www.wellsreserve.org. Supporters of the Wells Reserve join Laudholm Trust: 207-646-4521,
www.laudholm.org.
Visit Wells' very own Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge! It is of over 500 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge, which consists of 10 divisions located between Cape Elizabeth and Kittery, protects coastal marshes for waterfowl and other migratory
birds.
The namesake of the refuge was a world-renowned marine biologist, author and environmentalist. Through investigation for her greatest work, Silent Spring (1962), Carson eloquently linked unrestrained use of chemical pesticides with fearsome, biological consequences. As fitting recognition of her scientific and literary contributions, this refuge, first known as the Coastal Marine National Wildlife Refuge, was renamed in her
honor.
Over 250 species of birds inhabit refuge marshes, fields and forests. White-tailed deer, river otter, beaver, fox, coyote, moose, and harbor seals may be seen occasionally. The refuge also supports several species of snakes, painted and spotted turtles, spring peepers, wood frogs, tree frogs and
salamanders.
Visitors may enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife observation,
photography, and interpretive programs. Please call or check our web site for details on these activities and special Centennial events. All visitors should experience the one-mile, accessible, self-guided Carson Trail at the refuge headquarters on Route 9. It is open every day from dawn until dusk; pets must be leashed. Information is available at our office from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., M-F, with limited hours on weekends in summer. Phone: (207) 646-9226 or TDD./Voice: 1-800-457-1220. Visit our web site:
http://rachelcarson.fws.gov.
f The Historical Society of Wells & Ogunquit welcomes you to our historic Meetinghouse, a National Register Landmark. Built in 1862, the Meetinghouse is the headquarters of the Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the community by "Preserving the Treasures of our Past as an Investment for the Future."
It is in the Meetinghouse where the Society holds programs, concerts, and events and it is available for weddings. The Meetinghouse also has a museum that tells the story of our history from the sea to the inland farms. The museum contains artifacts from local families and businesses. Volunteer docents are ready to give you a tour and tell the story of Wells and Ogunquit which began as one town in 1640 when the first settlers
arrived.
The Meetinghouse is also the home of the Esselyn Perkins Library, one of the finest genealogical collections in southern Maine. The library contains family histories, town histories of Maine and eastern New Hampshire as well as the complete census records for Maine on microfilm.
The archives contain family papers, ledgers, diaries, maps and a large collection of photographs. Volunteer genealogists are on hand to help you find your family
roots
Summer hours are Tues. through Thurs. from 10 am to 4 pm
or by appointment. Off-season hours begin Columbus Day and are Wed. and Thurs. from 10 am to 4
pm or by appointment. Entrance to the Meetinghouse is in the rear. For further information, call (207) 646-4775 or e-mail The Society at:
wohistory@gwi.net.
Wells is rich in its historic import to early America. Old barns, family cemeteries, farm houses, stone walls, pastures, and monuments are found throughout the community. These reminders of our founding fathers and the early settlers who sought to establish this brave new world have surprisingly remained intact through the years. These artifacts are a reminder of our early colonial spirit and Yankee determination. They are a lasting tribute to previous generations. In fact, many generations of the same family have remained and continue to reside in the area in the very same homesteads.
Many of the actual buildings have been relocated within the town to accommodate for new roads and technology. Wells is fortunate, however, that the buildings themselves have survived as so many early buildings were lost to great fires, floods, and
neglect.
Schoolhouse Division No.
9
The Schoolhouse, in District or Division No. 9, was built by the Town of Wells between 1899-1901 on one-half acre of land for a total cost of $848.72. The schoolhouse is a single classroom designed for a lone teacher to instruct 35 to 40 pupils from kindergarten through grade 8 and is a typical example of the manner in which our early settlers were educated. It is important because such schools made it possible for a growing nation to have a rural literate
electorate.
By 1953, all of the rural schools in Wells were closed. Only a handful of one-room schools exist in the United States today. In fact, most of these early buildings have disappeared. Fortunately, the Town voted to restore Div. No. 9. as part of its Bicentennial Celebration in 1976. By 1985, the Wells Historic Preservation Ordinance was passed and a commission was appointed for its administration. Under the guidance of John Leeke, Preservation Consultant, extensive repairs were completed to the ailing schoolhouse with the greatest respect for the architectural integrity of the building.
The Schoolhouse stands today as it did nearly 100 years ago as a tribute to early rural education. You will see students' desks complete with inkwells, slate blackboards, a wood stove, the teacher's desk, a recitation bench, a dipper and pail providing drinking water, and a "two-holer" toilet with no
plumbing.
In July and August, the Schoolhouse is open to the public Thursdays from 1:30 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.. In the fall and spring, groups of ten or more may arrange a visit by calling the Historical Society at 207-646-4775. Elementary history classes, their teachers, and other interested groups, are invited to tour the site and hear about the history, importance, and operation of a one room country school. Due to lack of heating facilities, there is no winter program.
The Schoolhouse is located on Route 9, approximately 5 miles off Route 109 in
Wells Museum at the Meetinghouse The Historical Society of Wells & Ogunquit maintains this Nationally Registered building at the site of the original meetinghouse, located on Route 1. Artifacts, memorabilia and genealogies of the early Wells and Ogunquit residents provide insight relative to our early historic seacoast community.
Early Capes of Wells
Fifteen early Wells homes scattered throughout town have been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. These private homes are noted for their early 18th century architectural style and are the only such thematic grouping in the state of Maine. These homes, most of which are privately owned, are unfortunately not open for public tours. One cannot help but recognize the historic significance and architectural detail of these and other important buildings on a casual drive through the area. Be sure to spend a lazy day exploring the rare homes, monuments, parks, and gardens that are scattered throughout the community to co-exist with their 21st century
neighbors.
Local Monuments
There are several monuments around Wells, including one marking the site of the first dwelling house built in Wells (1641). A second marks the site of the first meeting house in Wells, which was constructed in 1662 and burned by the Indians in 1692. A third marker at Storer Park commemorates the battle between the French, Indians and Wells' early residents where 29 Wells' battlers successfully resisted. This marker is in a small park adjacent to the present Garrison House & Suites on Route 1. A fourth marks the site of Col. John Wheelwright's Garrison at "Town's End." (North of Howe's Floor Store, on the West side of Rt. 1). It was from there that Esther Wheelwright was captured by Indians and taken to Canada.
Wells Auto Museum
There are over 80 antique automobiles on display including a 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1949 Cadillac Fleetwood, and 1907 Stanley Steamer. In addition, there is a fine selection of nickelodeons, antique arcade games, license plates, toys and more. A well-stocked gift shop and antique car rides make your visit
memorable.
Bridge of Flowers at Webhannet Falls
Park
The Bridge of Flowers is a joint endeavor of the Webhannet Garden Club and the Historical Society of Wells & Ogunquit to recognize the site where Edmund Littlefield established the first permanent mills on the banks of the Webhannet River in 1640-1641. It is located just south of the Country Hill Motel on Rt. 1.
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