Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum Museum
Museum preserving Maine's narrow-gauge railroad equipment
Museum preserving narrow-gauge locomotives and offering short passenger rides, model displays and seasonal events focused on Maine's coastal rail history.
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum at a Glance#
Address: Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum, Portland waterfront area, Maine, United States
Website: https://mainenarrowgauge.org/
Hours: Seasonal hours (typically weekends and select weekdays; check website)
Admission: Adult admission typically around $8-$10; check website for seasonal changes.
About Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum#
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum is a specialized transport museum on Maine’s waterfront that documents and preserves the state’s two-foot narrow-gauge railway heritage. Its collections concentrate on locomotives, passenger cars, and equipment from the original Maine two-foot lines.
Exhibits include restored rolling stock, interpretive displays about narrow-gauge operations, and hands-on items for rail enthusiasts. Short demonstration rides on a preserved stretch of track are often offered, allowing visitors to experience two-foot gauge equipment in operation.
The museum began as a preservation effort for Maine’s narrow-gauge railways and has grown into a regional center for research and restoration. It is located on the waterfront in the Portland/Bath area of southern Maine, giving easy access to visitors and to maritime connections in the region.
- Two-foot gauge focus: Specializes in Maine’s historic two-foot (610 mm) narrow-gauge railways and preserves rolling stock and artifacts from those lines.
What to See#
- Rolling stock collection: Houses a collection of restored two-foot gauge locomotives, coaches, and maintenance cars used on Maine’s historic narrow-gauge lines.
- Demonstration track: Operates a short demonstration section of two-foot gauge track on the waterfront where visitors can ride or view restored equipment on static display.
How to Get to Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum#
The museum is on Portland’s working waterfront; most visitors reach it by car or rideshare from downtown Portland (10-15 minutes). Street parking and nearby lots serve visitors; check the museum’s site for special-event closures and schedules.
Tips for Visiting Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum#
- Ride the historic narrow-gauge train when it runs - the short trip is the highlight for families and railroad fans.
- Check the schedule for demonstration days; volunteers often run the workshop and explain restoration techniques.
- Combine with a visit to the adjacent waterfront parks and the Maine Narrow Gauge's model and artifact rooms.
Best Time to Visit Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum#
The museum is most active in summer when train rides and demonstrations run frequently.
Weather & Climate near Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum#
Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -11°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1155 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -11° - 0° | -12° | 98 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -9° - 2° | -10° | 82 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -4° - 6° | -3° | 103 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 1° - 12° | 4° | 107 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 7° - 18° | 13° | 96 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 12° - 23° | 18° | 85 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 15° - 26° | 21° | 82 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 14° - 26° | 20° | 81 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 10° - 21° | 16° | 85 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 4° - 15° | 7° | 107 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -1° - 9° | 0° | 119 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -7° - 3° | -8° | 110 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
