Maine state parks and historic sites had a solid year in 2024, attracting nearly three million day use visitors, according to Jim Britt from the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. This made 2024 one of the best years in terms of visitation, outperforming 2023 with an increase of over 7%.

Weather Impact on Visitation to Maine's State Parks 

The stronger visitation numbers can likely be attributed to Maine's exceptionally sunny and hot summer. With one of the driest summers on record, many days were spent enjoying outdoor activities like hiking or visiting the beach. This weather certainly boosted park attendance, particularly at coastal and beach parks. And, considering how wet 2023 was, it's truly no surprise to see this positive uptick.

Top Maine State Parks of 2024

The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands has shared its 2024 Public Use Report, which details the visitation numbers for state parks and historical sites across the state. This report highlights the 20 most visited locations, focusing on day-use visitors (campers are excluded from these statistics).

It's important to note the following about this list:

  • The rankings only account for day-use visits, not overnight camping.
  • The Bureau employs a variety of methods to ensure the most accurate visitation data.
  • Baxter State Park is excluded from these numbers, as it manages its own reservations and visitation data.

READ MOREBaxter State Park in Maine Honored as One of America's Best

With these details in mind, let’s explore the 20 most popular state parks and historic sites in Maine. How many of them have you visited? What is your favorite state park?

The Most Visited Maine State Parks in 2024

Here are the 20 most visited Maine state parks and historic sites in 2024, 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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