Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad

Imagine traveling back in time aboard a miniature train. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad is a unique open-air museum located in South Portland, USA. This destination is dedicated to a fascinating era when narrow 2-foot tracks connected the state's remote corners to the mainland.

Today, this historic complex houses a rare collection of steam and diesel locomotives, along with restored passenger cars from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Unlike standard railroads, the trains here look almost like toys, but they were actually powerful tools used for taming the forests and mountains of Maine.

The museum is a non-profit organization that welcomes tens of thousands of tourists annually, all eager to touch a living piece of America's industrial past. It’s not just a technical exhibition, but a real working railroad that lets you experience the romance of old-world travel.

To plan your visit and check for current events, you can use the official communication channels. The museum is open to visitors and provides all the necessary information about departure schedules and special events.

The highlight of your visit will be a ride on a historic train. The 1.5-mile route runs along the scenic Casco Bay waterfront, offering magnificent views of the ocean and coastal parks. The journey concludes at the symbolic Back Cove Swing Bridge.

In addition to the train ride, visitors are invited to explore the museum grounds, which feature authentic railway stations relocated from Freeport and Thorndike. These buildings provide a glimpse into how station life was organized over a century ago.

Inside the museum pavilions, you can take a close look at rare exhibits, including the famous 1913 Henschel steam locomotive built in Germany. Numerous historical photographs, documents, and artifacts will help you dive deeper into the history of Maine’s five unique narrow-gauge railroads and appreciate the craftsmanship of last century's engineers.

The museum is located at 65 Thames Street on the scenic Casco Bay waterfront. It is part of the Portland Company Marine Complex, which is easy to find by heading toward the coastal area and the popular Eastern Promenade.

If you plan to arrive by car, there are parking areas near the museum. For those using public transport, Portland's city bus routes run quite close to the waterfront, putting the museum entrance just a few minutes' walk away.

From the city center, it is also convenient to take a taxi or walk while enjoying the sea breeze. The museum is within walking distance of many popular hotels and tourist trails in Portland.

The history of this railroad dates back to the second half of the 19th century when the state of Maine needed tracks built in difficult-to-reach mountainous areas. Engineers found an elegant solution: using a track gauge of just 2 feet (610 mm). This was significantly cheaper than standard construction and allowed trains to navigate sharp curves in the terrain more easily.

Between the 1870s and 1940s, approximately 200 miles of these narrow-gauge lines operated in the state, serving five main railroads. These "miniature" trains became a vital lifeline for rural Maine, carrying timber, freight, and passengers where standard trains simply could not go.

As roads developed in the mid-20th century, the narrow-gauge lines began to close. However, thanks to the enthusiasm of entrepreneur Ellis D. Atwood, a significant portion of the historic rolling stock was saved from being scrapped. In the early 1990s, the collection returned to Maine, and a modern museum was established to preserve this unique engineering heritage for future generations.

To fully enjoy the museum's atmosphere and the train ride itself, we recommend setting aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit. This is enough time to explore the indoor exhibits at your own pace and take a journey on a vintage train.

The train ride itself takes about 40 minutes, leaving you the rest of your time to study the historic locomotives, read the information boards, and stroll along the Casco Bay waterfront, which is an attraction in its own right.

The museum operates on a seasonal schedule and is open to visitors from Thursday to Sunday. You can plan your visit during the following hours:

• Thursday and Sunday: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
• Friday and Saturday: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM

Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. It is recommended to arrive early to ensure you catch the last train departure.

After your vintage train ride, it's worth exploring other interesting spots in the area. The waterfront and the historic city center offer plenty of opportunities for walks and discovery of the region's maritime history.