Gilsland Farm Audubon Center is a favorite place of mine to go when I am looking for a quick outdoor getaway and I don’t want to go too far.  It is located in Falmouth, Maine, just on the outskirts of Portland.  The farm borders the Presumpscot River, almost at the mouth of the river on the ocean.  It’s a beautiful preservation of land that is peaceful and quiet, yet has a lot to offer to the young and the old alike.  As a year-round facility, there is always something fun to do here, pretty much rain or shine.

As part of the Maine Audubon society, it is true that Gilsland is a great place to bird-watch, especially since it is located at the mouth of a major river and the Atlantic Ocean, there is plenty of wildlife to go around.  Water fowl to cardinals and wild turkeys can be found around the property- it’s a great place to go fly a kite on their large fields and enjoy a picnic with the family.  You can also practice fishing with the little ones on a tiny pond located on the property.  In addition to the pond and numerous hiking trails, the environmental center provides a wealth of information as well as bathroom facilities and a reprieve from foul weather, if you happen to get caught in a downpour.  Also located in the Center is a cute little gift shop, perfect for a unique souvenir- I wouldn’t necessarily say that it’s cheap, but at least their products are quality- lots of little items, books, trinkets, etc.

Throughout the year there are plenty of events at Gilsland Farm- from the Birds of Prey event- live and stuffed birds are displayed and discussed, my then-5 year old loved it, as did my 60 year old dad- see what I mean about the young and the old(er)?!  Camps are usually in progress for school vacations and they have a number of different activities and age-ranges, making this a great educational opportunity for young children in the Greater Portland community to experience.  I found the prices reasonable and the location is great for anyone who might work in the area.

The Environmental center can also be rented out, my father and step-mother had their wedding here, which was a great time.  They allowed caterers to come and serve food and drinks and there was plenty of space for the band and lots of dancing.  I have also seen some beautiful outdoor weddings here as well, but make sure you book way in advance, as would be advised for other functions involving the center.  There is plenty of parking, with a couple different lots, depending on if you just want to walk the trails or hang out in the fields, or if you want to go to the Environmental Center.
Regarding the trails, if you want to get outside and hike a bit, but either don’t have the time or fitness level to hike the mountains of Maine, Gilsland Farm provides an excellent resource for those wanting to get some fresh air.  It’s also a great venue to bring little ones, since the trails are numerous, but can go as long (or short) as you want.  Make sure you bring a good insect repellant, however, as the mosquitoes and black flies can get nasty, but more importantly, check for ticks, they tend to run rampant in the woods around here.  

 In the winter, these trails are still open to snowshoers and cross country skiers.  If you don’t have any snow shoes, they can be rented for $3 a pair, which isn’t too bad for an afternoon of outdoor fun with the family!  Dogs and other animals (aside from service animals) are not allowed on the property.

Overall, the Gilsland Farm is a fun place to visit whether you are a local or a tourist passing through.  There are many different activities that make this location great to visit any time of the year.  For outdoor and nature enthusiasts, the Maine Audubon is a must.

Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime