6 Incredible Maine Day Trips You Can Take By Train
Ever wondered, “What are the best day trips near me in Maine?” Well, wonder no more! We scoured the state for the best day trips in Maine, and we didn’t come up short. There are lots of options for adventure in Maine, including riding the rails. A train ride is one the best ways to relax AND get somewhere new. From conventional passenger trains to scenic, historic ones, here are some of the best train trips in Maine.
1. Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum, Portland
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad is dedicated to sharing the history of Maine’s 2-foot gauge railroad. In addition to a small museum, visitors here can take a wonderful, leisurely train ride along the waterfront. It lasts about 35 minutes and travels 3 miles round-trip along the Eastern Prom. Depending on the season, there are open-air cars or closed cars.
This beautiful train system is dedicated to preserving the railroad history of the Downeast area. Open May through October, visitors can take part in a variety of station-focused events, including the popular "touch a train." But, the real fun is in the train rides that leave from the station and head for surrounding areas. Enjoy fall foliage tours in the autumn and fun leisure rides throughout the summer.
This museum is one of our favorites! The WW&F Railway Museum is a non-profit focused on displaying and preserving the two-foot gauge Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway. The museum now has over 2 miles of tracks that are in service over the original roadbed. It operates most of the old equipment from the original railroad. Unlike some of the other train rides, these run during the winter months as well.
The Brooks Preservation Society is a non-profit preservation organization dedicated to preserving railroad history in Waldo County. 33 miles of the former Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad is leased from the Maine Department of Transportation, allowing for some lovely rides! Train excursions are typically offered May through October and include events focused on foliage, summer fun, and Christmas.
The Seashore Trolley Museum is the largest electric railway museum in the world! It was founded in 1939, and now has a collection that includes vehicles from almost every state that has or had a streetcar system. This is more than just a place to visit - there are interactive events and exhibits for visitors to enjoy. While train rides here are not an every day occurrence, show up during a holiday or during the summer, and you'll likely have the chance to see the equipment in action.
And last but not least (because it might be the only option that will actually take you somewhere) is the Downeaster. This Amtrak connection will take you from Boston all the way to Brunswick, with stops in Wells, Saco, OOB, Portland, and Freeport along the way.
So, does this answer your question, “What are the best day trips near me in Maine?” Ever enjoyed any of these train rides in Maine? If so, which ones and what’d you think? Did we miss your favorite train excursion in Maine? Tell us!
These trains trips in Maine aren’t the only option for adventure in Vacationland. Click here for 11 more incredible day trips to take in Maine.
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Address: Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, 49 Thames St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Address: 8 Railroad Siding, Hancock, ME 04640, USA
Address: Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway Museum, 97 Cross Rd, Alna, ME 04535, USA
Address: Upper Bridge Station, 1 City Point Rd, Belfast, ME 04915, USA
Address: Seashore Trolley Museum, 195 Log Cabin Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Day Trips Near Me In Maine
July 22, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo
Are there any other train excursions in Maine?
The rides mentioned above aren’t the only train excursions in Maine. There are several places you can ride the rails, including Maine’s oldest railroad museum, the Railway Village Museum in Boothbay. The 35-acre museum brings railroad history to life through historical and replica buildings as well as engaging displays and intriguing exhibits. The best part of the museum, though, is the train rides! Visitors of all ages can hop aboard vintage trains, which traverse a ¾-mile track. Sure to be a memorable experience, the museum is the only place in New England that you can ride the rails on an authentic steam locomotive surrounded by a recreated historic village.
What are the best day trips in Maine?
There are lots of great day trips in Maine. Camden, for instance, is a great place to spend a day in Maine, especially when it comes to outdoor recreation. Located on Penobscot Bay, it boasts breathtaking natural scenery and oceanfront vistas. A great place to soak in the area’s scenic beauty, Camden Hills State Park boasts 5,700 acres of oceanfront parks, hiking to the summit of Mount Battie, camping, and more.
What are some other day trips near me in Maine?
If you’re searching for other “unique day trips near me in Maine,” consider planning a visit to the world-famous Bailey Island Bridge (a.k.a. Cribstone Bridge) in Harpswell. A true rarity, it’s the only granite cribwork bridge in the entire world! The bridge’s unique design allows for the ocean tide to pass through. Built in the 1920s, it’s an engineering and historical landmark. Load up the car and take a drive across the renowned bridge, which connects Orr’s Island and Bailey Island.
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Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
