There’s A Magical Trolley Ride In Maine That Most People Don’t Know About

Trolley rides are a lovey way to explore a small area. And, no state is better for exploration than Maine! We think this museum, which is the oldest and largest collection of mass transit vehicles in the entire world, is a great way to spend the day learning about the transit methods of yesterday. Trolleys were key in moving around cities and towns and this special Kennebunkport museum allows visitors to relive those days.

You might be surprised to learn that the Seashore Trolley Museum has been around since 1939!

The museum came to be around the time when trolley companies began adding buses to their lines.

As buses became a more reasonable method of transit, the trolley became increasingly outdated. That's when a group of rail-lovers began purchasing older trolleys with the intent of keeping them around as a reminder of the way things used to be.

When WWII began, many of the men who started the museum left to serve. Of course, due to changes in the economy and rationing, the trolley experienced a bit of a revival. But, when they returned home, the trolley took its place as a less popular mode of city transportation and the museum acquired more trolleys. The number of exhibits grew and the museum was back on!

Today, the Seashore Trolley Museum offers one of the best ways to spend a beautiful day in Kennebunkport.

There are over 250 exhibits to be seen and explored, including indoor information as well as the actual transit examples outside.

Examples from from all over the world - from the United States to Australia to Japan and Germany - to name just a few origins.

While exploring the museum leisurely is nice, the real fun is taking an actual trolley ride!

The museum has reconstructed a portion of the Atlantic Shore Line Railway, offering rides during holidays and special events.

Rides take place in the fall for leaf peeping, in the winter for holiday merriment and often throughout the summer for special days celebrating just about everything!

A visit also comes with the ability to see and feel what a real trolley ride might have been like...

...all the way down to the advertisements inside!

The 2017 season for the museum officially begins on May 6th, which is also community appreciation day.

If you're from Arundel, Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, Biddeford, or Saco, you'll get 50% off your admission for the day. AND, you'll get 30% off membership dues for your first year.

After opening day, 2017 rides will take place on Mother's Day, Father's Day, Moxie Day and all sorts of other fun celebrations.

Click here for more information, as well as planned dates for trolley rides that you can (and should!) plan on taking.

Looking for ways to explore Maine by train? Check out these 6 incredible train day trips you can take in Vacationland!