Maine’s railway history is a rich and vital part of the state’s development, and nine exceptional museums across the state offer visitors the chance to explore this legacy.

From narrow-gauge lines that threaded through rural landscapes to grand locomotives that powered economic growth, these museums preserve the stories, equipment, and experiences that shaped Maine’s rail heritage.

1. Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum (Portland): Located along Portland’s waterfront, this museum is dedicated to the unique history of Maine’s 2-foot narrow gauge railroads, which were once essential for transporting lumber and goods across rural areas. Visitors can ride in restored railcars pulled by vintage locomotives and explore an impressive collection of historic rolling stock and artifacts.

2. Boothbay Railway Village (Boothbay): This living history museum recreates a 19th-century village complete with a working narrow gauge railway. Guests can ride a steam locomotive, tour historic buildings, and watch blacksmiths and craftsmen at work. The museum’s collection includes antique vehicles and model railroads, capturing both railway and community life in Maine’s past.

3. Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum (Alna): This museum operates a restored section of the original WW&F Railway, one of Maine’s historic narrow gauge lines. Volunteers have painstakingly rebuilt tracks and rolling stock, and visitors can enjoy scenic rides through woods and fields.

The museum offers a deep dive into the role of small railroads in connecting rural towns. 4. Seashore Trolley Museum (Kennebunkport): While primarily focused on electric streetcars, this museum also showcases Maine’s early commuter rail systems and their integration with urban development. Visitors can ride historic trolleys through wooded tracks and learn about the evolution of public transit in New England. 5. Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad (Phillips):

This nonprofit museum is restoring sections of a once-extensive narrow gauge railroad that served western Maine’s logging industry. Guests can see historical rail cars, take short rides, and explore a recreated depot area that captures the spirit of early 20th-century railroading. 6. Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad (Unity): This heritage railroad offers seasonal train excursions on part of the historic B&ML line, which once connected mid-coast Maine to the interior. The museum preserves stories of industrial transport and passenger service, offering a nostalgic experience complete with restored coaches and scenic views. 7. Downeast Scenic Railroad (Ellsworth): Run by the Downeast Rail Heritage Trust, this railway revives a portion of the Calais Branch line. Riders can enjoy excursions through forests and farmland while learning about the significance of rail transport in Maine’s Downeast region. 8. Houlton Museum and the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad Exhibit: Located in Aroostook County, this exhibit focuses on the role of the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad in supporting the region’s potato industry and economic growth. It includes memorabilia, photographs, and equipment used in the northern reaches of the state. 9. Cole Land Transportation Museum (Bangor): While not solely a railway museum, this expansive collection includes locomotives and railway equipment alongside trucks, snowplows, and other land vehicles. It offers a broader context for how railroads fit into Maine’s overall transportation history. Together, these nine museums form a vibrant network preserving Maine’s railway legacy. Through hands-on experiences, educational exhibits, and scenic train rides, they bring the story of rail transport to life for visitors of all ages.