The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, located in Portland, Maine, was established in 1993. This came after the Edaville Railroad, a museum railway in Massachusetts, was forced to close in 1991 due to financial difficulties. The museum's establishment was a way to preserve the history and legacy of the Edaville Railroad.
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum is situated on the Casco Bay, within the premises of the Portland Company. Interestingly, the Portland Company was responsible for constructing some of the narrow-gauge locomotives that were used in Maine. This location not only provides a scenic backdrop for the museum but also ties it directly to the history of railroading in the region.
The museum features a single-track museum line that is approximately 2.5 kilometers long. This track, with a gauge of 610 millimeters (2 feet), runs along the coast parallel to a pedestrian promenade. It follows the route of the now-defunct Portland–Island Pond railway line. This offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Maine's railroading history firsthand.
Science & Technology History & Anthropology Railway Industrial heritage
#2 History & Anthropology in Portland #2 Science & Technology in Portland #3 History & Anthropology in Maine #3 Science & Technology in Maine #1 Industrial & heritage museums in Maine #1 Railway museums in Maine #177 History & Anthropology in United States #67 Science & Technology in United States #27 Industrial & heritage museums in United States #8 Railway museums in United States
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | Closed |
Wednesday | Closed |
Thursday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Friday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Saturday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Sunday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
49 Thames St, Portland
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Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum has 1 rating.
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum in Portland offers visitors an engaging experience centered around the state's railroad history. The museum features a collection of restored narrow gauge locomotives and train cars, providing insight into Maine's transportation past. Many visitors appreciate the short train ride along the Eastern Promenade, which offers scenic views of Casco Bay. The museum's exhibits are informative, though some guests note they are relatively small in scale. Volunteers are often praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm. While the experience is generally positive, some visitors mention that the ride can be brief and the museum portion might leave those seeking extensive historical information wanting more. Despite these minor drawbacks, the museum is generally considered a good activity for families and train enthusiasts, offering a blend of education and nostalgia.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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