One of the perks of living in the State of Maine is that you don't have to travel far to go on a really cool adventure.

A waterfront shot from Wolfes Neck Woods State Park in Freeport Maine.
A waterfront shot from Wolfes Neck Woods State Park in Freeport Maine,Michael Clesh
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According to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Maine has 48 State Parks and Historic Sites which include parks along the coast, parks along rivers and lakes, parks that feature hills and mountains, and even island parks. These parks have thousands of miles of trails. Some of them even offer camping and picnic sites.

Zozulya
Zozulya
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Not only do these State Parks and Historic Sites promote a healthy lifestyle and appreciation for nature, but they generate about $100 Million dollars a year in revenue for Maine.

Sebago Lake State Park
Phil Sunkel
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Normally, most of these sites require you to pay some sort of fee to enjoy these spaces.

But according to the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands website, if you live in the State of Maine, this Sunday (June 16th) you can explore most of these amazing places without having to pay an admission fee.

DJ Fred
DJ Fred
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It's called "Maine Residents Day".

"All Maine residents will be admitted free of charge at Maine State Parks and Historic Sites from 9 a.m. to closing for day use."

TSM
TSM
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While most of the parks and sites are free, there are a handful of places that are exempt from Maine Residents Day, and where you will still need to pay to get in.

Crescent Beach Maine
John Pototschnik via YouTube
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"Exceptions: Acadia National Park, Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW), Baxter State Park, the Maine Wildlife Park (IF&W), Peacock Beach, Scarborough Beach, Swan Island (IF&W), Penobscot River Corridor (PRC) or the Penobscot Narrows Observatory in Prospect, though admission to Fort Knox State Historic Site will be free that day."

DJ Fred/TSM photo
DJ Fred/TSM photo
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If you want more information on the Maine Residents Day Program or need a list of ideas of where to go this weekend, you can check out the Bureau of Parks and Lands website or the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's website. 

Maine's 20 Largest State Parks by Acreage

Maine's 42 state parks and historical sites saw over 3 million visitors in 2021. These popular spots just continue to remain quite popular. They are also extraordinarily diverse to one another in their own right, including the size.

Here are the 20 largest state parks in Maine based on acreage.

Note: Baxter State Park has been omitted since it's not run by the Maine Bureau of Parks & Public Lands.

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

The Most Visited Maine State Parks in 2023

Here are the 20 most visited Maine state parks and historic sites in 2022, according to the Maine Bureau of Parks and Land.

Note: Baxter State Park has private reservations and numbers. You will not see it on this public list.

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

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