Maine Wildlife Park

About

Maine Wildlife Park in Gray offers visitors the chance to see more than 30 species of native Maine animals up close. Operated by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the park serves as both a wildlife education center and a home for animals that can't survive in the wild due to injury, being orphaned, or habituated to humans.

The park's residents include some of Maine's most iconic species: moose, black bears, white-tailed deer, mountain lions, lynx, and bald eagles. Smaller animals like porcupines, foxes, turtles, and owls round out the collection. Each exhibit features interpretive signage explaining the animal's natural history and how it came to live at the park.

A paved walking loop of roughly one mile winds through the grounds, passing each animal exhibit along the way. The path moves through shaded woodland, making it comfortable even on warm summer days. Several picnic areas are scattered throughout, and a nature store near the entrance sells snacks, drinks, and wildlife-themed gifts.

The park runs educational programs and keeper talks during peak season, giving visitors deeper insight into Maine's wildlife. Kids especially enjoy the fish hatchery area and the chance to feed the deer in the interactive exhibit. It's a relaxed, unhurried experience that works well for families, older visitors, and anyone who wants to connect with wildlife without a backcountry trek.

Maine Wildlife Park is open from mid-April through Veterans Day in November. Hours are typically 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with last admission at 3:30 PM. Admission fees are modest, and children under three enter free. The park is located at 56 Game Farm Road in Gray, about 25 minutes north of Portland off Route 26. Plan for one to two hours to see everything at a comfortable pace, though many visitors linger longer on nice days.

Accessibility

The main walking loop at Maine Wildlife Park is paved and generally flat, making it passable for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. The path runs approximately one mile through the entire park, connecting all major animal exhibits. Some sections may have mild grades as the trail passes through wooded terrain.

The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands has stated its commitment to making state facilities accessible to people with disabilities, and restrooms at state park entry areas are noted as ADA accessible in the bureau's outdoors guide. Parking is available near the entrance.

Benches and rest areas are placed along the walking route, providing stopping points for those who need to pace their visit. The park's compact layout means no exhibit is far from the entrance, which helps visitors who may have limited stamina.

For visitors with sensory sensitivities, the park is an outdoor setting with natural ambient sounds. Weekday visits tend to be quieter than weekends, particularly during summer months. The nature store and restroom facilities are indoor spaces that offer a break from weather or overstimulation.

Specific details about wheelchair-accessible viewing areas at individual exhibits, availability of assistive devices, or sensory accommodation programs were not confirmed through available sources. Contact the park directly at (207) 657-4977 for current accessibility details, including information about accessible picnic areas, path conditions, and any accommodations that can be arranged in advance.

More accessible places in Maine

• Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Boothbay)
• Acadia NP & coastal hikes & food scene (Acadia National Park / Bar Harbor)
• Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor)
• Maine Maritime Museum (Bath)
• Portland Museum of Art (Portland)
• Southern Maine Beach Towns (Ogunquit)