increase font size With significant off-season upgrades, Freeport’s Desert of Maine set to open in May The improvements are part of the 'desert's' long-term revitalization plan, which includes ecology tours, mini golf, luxury cabins and a performing arts center. Courtesy of Mela Heestand Freeport’s Desert of Maine underwent a significant facelift over the winter as part of a multi-year, multi-million-dollar revitalization push that started in 2020. The tourist attraction is owned by Mela and Doug Heestand, who purchased the property in 2018. Last week, the owners announced that the desert will be opening for the 2021 season starting with weekends in May and then daily come June.