12 Must-See Train Rides & Railroad Museums in Maine You’ll Love

All Aboard: 12 Must-See Train Rides & Railroad Museums in Maine

Discover the golden age of rail travel and explore the rich transportation history of the Pine Tree State with this guide to train rides & railroad museums in Maine. From scenic coastal excursions to immersive historic displays, these attractions bring the story of Maine's railway heritage to life.

Explore Maine’s rich railroading heritage with our map highlighting 12 must-visit railroad museums and scenic train rides—from vintage steam to modern comfort. Whether you're a history buff or family adventurer, these unique experiences offer a ride through Maine’s past and present.

Why Visit Maine’s Railroad Attractions 🚂

• Historic Immersion: Trace the evolution of rail travel from 1800s narrow gauges to today’s Amtrak Downeaster—connect with the era that shaped Maine’s economy.

• Scenic Journeys: Delight in coastal views, mountain forests, and fall foliage from the comfort of a train.

• Family Fun & Theming: Enjoy festive rides—think Pumpkin Express, Polar Express, ice cream trains, and more.

• Interactive Learning: Hands-on experiences in vintage cars, cabooses, and fully restored stations bring Maine's railroading story to life.

Featured Railroad Attractions in Maine

Planning Your Visit

• Check schedules (websites or local chambers) for themed rides and seasonal operations.

• Ideal for Romantic weekends, Family outings, or Photography trips with rich storytelling on board.

Make Maine’s railroad adventures part of your travel story! From coastal twilight trolleys to steam-filled heritage rides—you'll create memories full of whistle blows, scenic views, and Maine’s unique charm.

Don’t just travel—ride Maine’s railroad legacy. 🚆

1. Amtrak Downeaster – Modern Comfort Meets Coastal Views

Locations: Brunswick to BostonFor a fast, scenic, and comfortable trip, the Amtrak Downeaster offers five daily round trips from Brunswick, Maine, to Boston, Massachusetts. With stops in Portland, Freeport, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, and Wells, it’s the perfect summer travel option. Kick back, relax, and enjoy 146 miles of stunning New England coastline.

More info: www.amtrakdowneaster.com

2. Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad – Nostalgia on the Tracks

Location: BelfastDating back to 1871, this railroad offers scenic train rides through Maine countryside in restored vintage cars. Seasonal and themed rides like the Pumpkin Express and Lobster Roll Express offer something for everyone. Website:belfastandmooseheadlakerail.org

3. Boothbay Railway Village Museum – Step into the 1800s

Location: BoothbayExplore historic buildings, vintage autos, and a real Henschel steam locomotive. This museum offers daily train rides and special seasonal events like the Ghost Train and North Pole Express.

Website: railwayvillage.org

4. Cole Land Transportation Museum – A Bangor Must-Visit

Location: BangorThis extensive museum includes fire engines, snowplows, motorcycles, and a walk-through Maine Central Railroad caboose. Fun and educational for all ages.

Website: colemuseum.org

5. Downeast Scenic Railroad – Ride Through Maine’s Forests

Location: HancockThis 12-mile round-trip train ride travels along a historic route through scenic forests, blueberry fields, and across rivers. Events include Touch a Train Day and Autumn Gold Trains.

Website: downeastscenicrail.org

6. Fort Fairfield Railroad Museum – Aroostook County Gem

Location: Fort FairfieldHoused in an 1875 railyard station, the museum showcases locomotives, railway artifacts, and historical exhibits. Also available for private events.

7. Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum – Portland’s Rail Treasure

Location: PortlandHome to historic 2-foot narrow gauge trains, this museum offers a 3-mile ride along scenic Casco Bay. Don’t miss themed rides like the Ice Cream Train and Polar Express.

Website: mainenarrowgauge.org

8. Oakfield Railroad Museum – Small But Mighty

Location: OakfieldOperated by the Oakfield Historical Society, this museum is housed in a historic station and displays maps, signs, lanterns, and more. Free to visit.

9. Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad – Narrow Gauge Nostalgia

Location: PhillipsRide the original 2-foot narrow gauge railway through Maine’s wilderness. The line, closed for over 70 years, lives on thanks to local volunteers. Website: srrl-rr.org

10. Seashore Trolley Museum – Electric History in Motion

Location: KennebunkportThe world’s first electric railway museum features vintage trolleys, streetcars, and rideable electric rail vehicles on original track lines.

Website: trolleymuseum.org

11. WW&F Railway Museum – Scenic Excursions with a Story

Location: AlnaBoard the Sheepscot Valley Steam Train or themed excursions like Stargazing Trains and the Ice Cream Express. Learn about Maine’s 2-foot narrow gauge history on this living heritage railway.

Website: wwfry.org

12. History Behind Maine's Railways

In the 1800s, railroads helped shape Maine’s economy by connecting rural towns with urban centers and transporting goods like timber and granite. Notable early railways included the Bangor & Aroostook, Belfast & Moosehead Lake, and Bangor & Piscataquis. Narrow gauge lines made travel accessible across rough terrain. Today, these historic lines live on through museums and scenic rail rides that preserve the spirit of Maine’s railway past.

Plan Your Trip

Whether you're a train enthusiast, a history buff, or a family looking for a unique Maine experience, these railroad museums and train rides in Maine deliver unforgettable fun. All aboard for learning, adventure, and nostalgia!

Find more great Maine attractions at: VisitMaine.net Contact us: info@visitmaine.net

What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions

Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.

Want more insider tips?

👉 Stay Connected with Moosehead News & More!

• Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.

🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure

Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:

• Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake

• 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7

• Free WiFi & TV

• Backup Generator

• Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs

• Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails

• Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports

Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.

Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.

Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!

• Phone: 800-544-0300

• Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com

• Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478

• Website: Moose River Lookout

Scenic coastal excursions to immersive historic displays, these attractions bring the story of Maine's railway heritage to life.