Mainers Get Free Admission To State Parks Until Labor Day

Mainers will be able to visit most Maine state parks for free starting Saturday.

Gov. Paul LePage signed a financial order this week that gives residents free day use admission to most Maine state parks and historic sites. The free admission takes effect on Saturday, August 11 and lasts through Monday, September 3.

LePage says it's a way to thank Mainers for their support of the state parks, which is evident given the record-breaking attendance levels since 2010. He said that park staff members have worked hard to offer events and educational opportunities, to enhance the visitor experience and the public has responded.

"Please take this opportunity to visit a Maine State Park or Historic Site," the governor said in a media release on his website, "and make some memories with family and friends."

'Day Use' is defined as attendance at the park between the hours of 9 a.m. to closing, which is sunset in most locations. Camping is not included in the offer and regular fees will still apply.  Some parks are not included in this offer, including Scarborough Beach State Park, Fort Knox, Acadia National Park, and Baxter State Park.

There will be free admittance to the following state parks: Androscoggin Riverlands, Aroostook, Birch Point, Bradbury Mountain, Camden Hills, Cobscook Bay, Colburn House, Colonial Pemaquid, Crescent Beach, Damariscotta Lake, Eagle Island, Ferry Beach, Fort Edgecomb, Fort Kent, Fort McClary,  Fort Point, Fort Popham, Fort Pownall, Fort O'Brien, Grafton Notch, Holbrook Island, Lamoine, Lake St George, Lily Bay, Moose Point, Mt Blue, Owls Head Light, Peaks-Kenny, Popham Beach, Quoddy Head, Range Pond, Rangeley Lake, Reid, Roque Bluffs, Two Lights, Sebago Lake, Shackford Head, Swan Lake, Vaughan Woods, Warren Island and Wolfe's Neck Woods.

Find all the details on the website.