Open Farm Day, on July 28 this year is a special day to explore the variety of agriculture across Maine. Below, you will find pre-made itineraries, including site addresses and host farm maps. They are grouped by county for all regions of Maine. You’ll see a list of participating farms and the map when you click the county itinerary. You can save, share, adjust, and print the itinerary to customize your trip! If you’re new to this tradition, we encourage you to learn more about Open Farm Day.
Coming July 2024: Use the county itineraries for a pre-made list and interactive map of farms in specific areas of Maine!
TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT
- Most farms are open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but not all. You can double-check the schedule by looking at the local listings, for example, the Real Maine Event calendar or the farm’s social media. You can also call the business – some have a recorded message to share updates or changes.
- Bring your questions about agriculture and your taste for outdoor adventure for this rain or shine activity!
- Looking for more details about activities? Visit the Real Maine event calendar.
WHERE TO START, PLACES TO GO ON MAINE OPEN FARM DAY
SOUTHERN MAINE
In southern Maine, you are a short drive from more populated New England cities. For instance, a day trip or a long weekend is the right amount of time to stretch your legs and learn about Maine’s many quality farm products, such as those grown for award-winning restaurants and breweries. In addition, as families explore this area, they will get an excellent introduction to farm direct sales, such as Pick Your Own and U-Pick produce farms, CSA offerings, and local fiber products!
FURTHER UP THE COAST AND INLAND
MAINE LAKES AND MOUNTAINS
Along Maine’s western border, you’ll enjoy the rolling hills dotted with familiar and new connections to Maine’s agricultural heritage. For instance, you’ll find farms making their own ice cream, cheeses, breads, wine, fibers, and everything else. A visit to this area offers many Open Farm Day sites within a short distance. Bring your shopping bags and coolers, so you have plenty of space to transport any of the farm product choices home!
- Androscoggin county map and trip itinerary
- Franklin county map and trip itinerary
- Oxford county map and trip itinerary
KENNEBEC AND MOOSE RIVER VALLEY
This region is perfect for a day trip or a special activity to book-end a longer visit to area attractions—be it a camping or river trip or a week on the lakes. You’ll find a great variety of farms to explore in this area, and you’ll see firsthand how Maine farmers ensure Maine’s working landscapes provide both beautiful views and quality Maine farm products.
MIDCOAST
This part of Maine offers world-renowned coastlines, quaint villages, and vibrant working landscapes! There’s much to see and do at host farms in this area. You can easily access farms from other points of interest, like state parks and beaches, making this an excellent option for long weekends and discovering Maine. This part of the state is also home to some of the Real Maine Ice Cream Trail stops. Consider combining any of the experiences for a day trip, seeing many farms, and exploring Maine!
- Sagadahoc county map and trip itinerary
- Knox county map and trip itinerary
- Lincoln county map and trip itinerary
- Waldo county map and trip itinerary
DOWNEAST
What does “DownEast” mean? DownEast is a nautical term that refers to the direction ships sailed to get to Maine from New York and Boston (in other words, ‘downwind’ and ‘to the east’). This term evokes an appreciation for the rich heritage and rugged landscapes. Visit these farms, and it’s clear to see why the charm of this region of Maine wore off on authors, adventure-seekers, and those seeking ‘the good life.’
CENTRAL AND NORTHERN MAINE
This heart of Maine is home to Mt. Katahdin and Moosehead Lake and hundreds of thousands of acres of undeveloped frontier land. Surrounding this wilderness are swaths of fertile farmland, which can be found traveling east and north and toward the “Crown of Maine” or “The County.” Geographically, Aroostook County is the largest county east of the Mississippi! A lot is happening here agriculturally that might not be recognizable to the untrained eye—but luckily for visitors near and far, there are welcoming farmers eager to greet you with a smile and warm welcome.
- Penobscot county map and trip itinerary
- Piscataquis county map and trip itinerary
- Aroostook county map and trip itinerary
MORE WAYS TO EXPLORE MAINE FARMS AND PRODUCTS YEAR-ROUND
Open Farm Day is an annual tradition. But, there are plenty of ways to support and explore a variety of Maine agriculture year-round. We share some tips below.
- Suggestions for a memorable visit. What to know when you visit a farm.
- Explore what’s in season with Real Maine.
- Looking for things to do? Farmstands? Markets? Farm products and flavors? Try Real Maine’s itinerary creator to plan your trip!
- Read our suggestions for customizing your itinerary. The trip planner allows you to make a list of members on the RealMaine.com website. You can search, sort, and choose a variety of details. When you’re done, you’ll have a customized list that you can use to save contact info and maps and share with friends.
- Browse the list of all Real Maine members. You can select and filter by farm products, ways to buy, locations, and more.
