This Iconic Attraction Named ‘Most Boring Tourist Trap’ in Maine

While Maine is proudly known as ‘Vacationland,’ it’s home to countless great places for tourists. However, not every destination is a hit.

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Don’t get us wrong—we love every corner of our Pine Tree State. But Maine does have its share of tourist traps, both inland and along the coast. We’re happy to welcome folks ‘from away’ and hope they’ll spend a little money while they’re here, but some attractions don’t always live up to the hype.

Before we go any further, let’s lay the groundwork: what exactly is a ‘tourist trap?’

According to Merriam-Webster, a tourist trap is a place that attracts and exploits tourists, often by using flashy or exaggerated claims. These spots tend to leave visitors spending more money than they expected—sometimes without getting much in return.

With that definition in mind, how do we even determine which ‘tourist trap’ is more disappointing than another? And who’s making these judgments?

Far & Wide identified the most boring tourist traps in each U.S. state and Washington, D.C., focusing on places that disappoint visitors. Their methodology included examining roadside attractions, outdated fixtures, and overhyped destinations that rely on repeated visits despite lacking real appeal. They acknowledge their picks might upset locals but argue that personal nostalgia doesn’t necessarily make a spot worth recommending.

That brings us to the specific question at hand: which attraction has been labeled as the ‘most boring tourist trap’ in Maine?

According to Far & Wide in their article, ‘The Most Boring Tourist Trap in Every U.S. State,’ the Desert of Maine in Freeport takes the crown. And honestly, Far & Wide didn’t hold back. Here’s what they had to say about their pick:

It’s not a real desert, just 40 acres of glacial silt exposed some 100 years ago by the poor farming practices of the Tuttle family. It rains here often. The camel is made of fiberglass. If you’re craving a desert excursion but decided to visit Maine, we really can’t help you.

Read More: Maine City Named One of the Best Places in America to Retire

So, there you have it: the Desert of Maine is apparently the ‘most boring tourist trap’ in all of ‘Vacationland.’

What do you think about Far & Wide’s selection? Were they too harsh? Or do you agree with their critique? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Join the conversation by messaging us on the app.