Industrial & heritage museums in Maine

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 Maritime Museum, previously known as the Bath Marine Museum, is a rich source of information about Maine's maritime heritage and culture. It also highlights the significant role that Maine has played in regional and global maritime activities. The museum offers a diverse collection of millions of documents, artifacts, and works of art, providing a comprehensive insight into the maritime history of the region.

The Seashore Trolley Museum, located in Kennebunkport, Maine, USA, is recognized as the oldest and largest museum of its kind in the world. It houses a vast collection of public transportation vehicles, making it a unique destination for those interested in the history and evolution of public transportation.

The Burnt Coat Harbor Light Station is a significant landmark located on Swan's Island, Maine. It is situated on Hockamock Head, marking the entrance to Burnt Coat Harbor and is found at the end of Harbor Road. This location offers a unique perspective of the island and the surrounding waters, making it a point of interest for visitors.

The Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway experienced a revival in the late 1980s when Harry Percival took over the company and planned to rebuild part of the route. This led to the establishment of the Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway Museum, Inc. in 1989. The Sheepscot–Alna Center section was reopened in 2002 and has since been operated as a museum railway, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Maine's railway history.

The Brick Store Museum, situated at 117 Main Street in the town of Kennebunk, Maine, holds a unique place in history as one of the few museums that opened during the Great Depression in the United States. This historical significance adds a layer of intrigue to the museum, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in both history and art.

The Depot House Museum, located at 114 Central Street in Pittsfield, Maine, is a historic former railroad station known as the Pittsfield Railroad Station. This location offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the history and architecture of the late 19th century.

The Conway House, located in Rockport and Camden, Maine, is a historic house and museum that dates back to the 1770s. It is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Knox County and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. This house provides a glimpse into the past and is a significant part of the region's history.

Oakfield Station, located on Station Street in Oakfield, Maine, is a historic former passenger rail station. It was constructed in 1911 by the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad. This station serves as a significant reminder of Oakfield's past prominence as a railroad center.

The Portland Fire Museum is a unique attraction located in Portland, Maine. It is situated at 157 Spring Street, which was the former home of Fire Engine 4. This museum offers a glimpse into the history of firefighting in Portland, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history and firefighting.

The Maine State Museum, the official museum of the Maine government, is conveniently located at 230 State Street, right next to the Maine State House in Augusta. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city and provides an opportunity to explore both the museum and the State House in one trip.

Bangor Hose House No. 5, also known as the State Street Fire Station, is an important historic site located at 247 State Street in Bangor, Maine. This two-story brick building, which stands on the south side of State Street, east of downtown Bangor, is a significant part of the city's history. It was built in 1897 and served as a fire station for about a century before being converted into a museum.

Monhegan Island Light is an active lighthouse that has been serving the area since 1824. It is located on Monhegan Island, in Lincoln County, Maine. This historic lighthouse has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since May 7, 1980, marking its significance in the region's history. The current tower dates back to 1850 and was the last project of architect Alexander Parris.

The Katahdin is a historic steamboat that is berthed on Moosehead Lake in Greenville, Maine. This steamboat was built in 1914 at the Bath Iron Works and has a rich history of serving the tourist trade on the lake before being converted to a towboat for hauling lumber. It was fully restored in the 1990s by the nonprofit Moosehead Maritime Museum and is now again giving tours on the lake.

The Desert of Maine has been a privately owned tourist attraction since 1925. The most recent change in ownership occurred in 2018, followed by a redevelopment campaign launched in 2020. This campaign aimed to enhance the site's appeal and provide a more enriching experience for visitors.

The Page Farm & Home Museum is situated on the campus of the University of Maine in Orono, Maine. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are already exploring the university or those who are in the area. The museum's location on a university campus also adds an educational aspect to the visit, as it is surrounded by a hub of knowledge and learning.

The McCurdy Smokehouse, located on the waterfront of Lubec, Maine, is a former industrial fish processing facility. It was operational from around 1906 to 1991, making it a significant part of the region's history. Today, it stands as a testament to the area's industrial past.

The Scarborough Historical Museum, formerly known as the Portland Railroad Company Substation, is located at 649 United States Route 1 in Scarborough, Maine. This building was once a power substation for the Portland Railroad Company, which provided trolley services.

In 1970, railway enthusiasts in Phillips took the initiative to preserve the legacy of the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad. They decided to rebuild a part of the route for museum operations. Since 1985, the name “Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad” has been revived and used again, adding a touch of authenticity to the museum.

The Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning and Labor (Maine MILL) is situated in the Bates Mill Historic District in Lewiston, Androscoggin County, Maine. This location is not only significant for its historical value but also for its accessibility to tourists visiting the area.

If you like trains then this museum is well worth the detour. Marvel at the historical locomotives and wagons and take a train ride.

The Ski Museum of Maine, situated in Kingfield, Maine, United States, is a unique institution dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the history and heritage of skiing. The museum places a particular emphasis on the state of Maine, showcasing artifacts and documents that reflect the region's rich skiing history. The museum is conveniently located on Route 27 in downtown Kingfield, near the historic Herbert Hotel and just 15 miles from Sugarloaf Mountain.

The Blacksmith Shop Museum, originally known as the Chandler-Parsons Blacksmith Shop, is a historic blacksmith shop located at 107 Dawes Road in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. This museum offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the history and craftsmanship of blacksmithing in the 19th century.