Mainers With Loon Plates Get Into State Parks Free this Sunday

Simply having loon license plates on your vehicle scores you free admission to many state parks around Maine this Sunday.

Mainers with valid loon conservation license plates on their vehicle can get into many state parks free, Sunday, July 17. According to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, "This is a thank you to all who purchase this special plate that supports the conservation efforts of both Maine's State Parks and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife." There is no rain date available. Free entry from 9 a.m., to closing; day use only.

All state parks are participating, but the following are not:

• Acadia National Park
• Allagash Wilderness Waterway
• Baxter State Park
• Peacock Beach
• The Maine Wildlife Park
• Scarborough Beach State Park
• Swan Island
• Penobscot River Corridor
• Penobscot Narrows Observatory

Although visitation fees remain in place for a trip to the top of the Penobscot Narrows Observatory, entry to Fort Knox will be free on loon plate day.

Maine Loon plates cost $20. Of that, $8.40 goes to the Bureau of Parks and Lands, $5.60 goes to Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the remaining $6 goes to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. These special plates can be purchased online, your local town hall or vehicle registration office.

Occasionally, entry to Acadia National Park is free for all. The next opportunity to explore the park for free is coming up in August.

2022 Fee-Free Days:

• August 4: Great American Outdoors Day
• September 24: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

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Fee-free days do not cover amenities or use fees for activities like camping, boat launch use, transportation, or special tours.