Before first-class window seats and private jets, the most luxurious way to travel across the country was by train. Aboard lavishly styled cars, passengers in the early 1900s enjoyed immaculate dining and service while taking in spectacular vistas: snow-covered peaks, dense forests, sparkling coastal views, and stunning desert landscapes. Maine is no exception to America’s great railroad history! With so much beauty tucked into every corner of our state, there’s no greater way to explore the local scenery than by rail.
There is one particularly special form of rail transportation that is often forgotten as a part of Maine’s spectacular history: the quaint and photogenic trolley. These colorful, vintage cabins once crisscrossed through cities and smaller towns alike, bells ringing as they carried both families and businessmen to their next destination. While trolleys are no longer the transportation mode of choice, nestled along Maine’s southern coast, we have the perfect place for you to ride a historic trolley (or several) for yourself! Check out the Seashore Trolley Museum for a sweet day trip:
Perfectly embodying the idyllic family-friendly getaway and boasting a coastal charm all of its own, the quiet seaside town of Kennebunkport is a stunning place to visit no matter the season.
For another fantastic place to visit with (or without) the kids, check out our article here!
Tucked in the trees just a few miles from the coast is the Seashore Trolley Museum, which has the unique distinction of being the world's oldest and largest electric railway museum.
You read that right: Largest. In. The. World. Right here in Maine! The Seashore opened in 1939, and has been growing its collection ever since.
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Neatly arranged around the lovely, 330-plus acre campus are over 300 electric-powered trolleys, buses, streetcars, subways, trams, and relics of transit history from all over the world.
The Library of the New England Electric Railway Historical Society is also housed here, alongside countless other historic displays, memorabilia, and recreated scenes that capture the heart of Maine's rail era.
You'll have the opportunity to ride on a variety of authentic, restored cars from the 1900s, each with its own unique story. Which one will you choose?
Trolley rides follow the Interpretive Railway - a portion of the original Atlantic Shore Line Railway, which was formerly the second-longest trolley line in Maine.
Trolley rides are unlimited, and will wind you gently through the trees as friendly, knowledgeable docents and drivers share insights into Maine's unique place in rail and transit history.
Rain in the forecast? No worries! This is the perfect rainy day family activity too! You'll also find multiple park areas and walking trails to explore when you're not traveling via trolley.
Vintage ads, stickers, and signage have all been preserved in the cars, while monumental moments in transit history, such as Rosa Parks' infamous bus ride, are chronicled around the campus.
Whatever your reason for visiting the Seashore Trolley Museum, you're sure to find something to love and come back for time and time again.
The Seashore Trolley Museum in Maine is typically open from May-October, as well as for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Stay up to date on hours and special events, or grab your tickets by visiting the Seashore Trolley Museum website and Facebook page.
Have you ever been to the Seashore Trolley Museum? Do you have a favorite streetcar or exhibit? We’d love to hear about it!
