A Visit to Mitchell Field
Mitchell Field has it all - 2.75 miles of trails, a sandy beach, birdwatching, swimming, and a bandstand for outdoor summer concerts with the ocean as the backdrop. The 120-acre property formerly a fuel depot for the US Army still has remnants of support buildings, paved roads, and a large pier for vessels. In 2001, the property was transferred from the federal government to the Town of Harpswell. It serves as a gathering place for Harpswell residents and visitors with its community garden and weekly concert series in the summer.
On the day we visited (April 15), it was unseasonably warm (75 deg. F) giving us a sneak peek of summer as we walked along the salty, sandy beach. The two nine year old girls along with me were brave enough to take a plunge into the fidget 44 deg. F water. Albeit, only for a few seconds, but still, that's pretty incredible for this time of year! Being a bit too early for the morning tourist crowds, we were able to get parking at the lower area of Mitchell Field adjacent to the two portable toilets that are available year-round. There is also handicap parking available in this lot. The second and larger parking area is just up from where we parked, about 200 feet away. We walked less than two minutes to the sandy beach where we found mallards and eiders paired up for their annual spring mating ritual. We walked along the rocky coast looking for treasures, and on a clear day Mount Washington is visible about 80 miles to the west.
While the girls played in the sand, I walked out to the end of the pier where the open ocean makes way to the many Casco Bay islands speckled along Harpswell's coast. After the girls plunged into the icy water, they were ready to head home for a warm bath, so we didn't take advantage of the trails, but I have on other days, and even participated in the annual race at Mitchell Field that benefits the community nursery school. The trails here are on a hill, so the elevation change can be challenging considering it's on the water's edge.
On the way out, Pammy's Ice Cream (located at the entry of Mitchell Field) is almost always a must, but today, ice cream wasn't high on the priority list for my two chilly companions, and we were a week too early for their seasonal reopening.
There are a lot of possible activities at Mitchell Field that could be of interested to a variety of visitors. Mitchell Field is located within 10-12 minutes from our Harpswell properties. If you're looking for a low key day to relax on the beach, a jog on the trails, or a morning stroll next to the ocean, Mitchell Field is worth a visit.
Mitchell Field is located at 1410 Harpswell Neck Road, Harpswell. From the intersection of Rt 123 and Bath Rd at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, follow Rt 123 south for 11 miles. Look for a sign on the right.
