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Maine Halloween Train Rides

Published: September 13, 2025

By: Adam Burns

All aboard for a spooktacular ride: when fall color peaks and evenings turn crisp, Maine’s historic railways and trolley museums celebrate the season with family-friendly Halloween and pumpkin-themed excursions.

Whether you’re chasing coastal views in Portland, steam-era nostalgia in the Midcoast, or a folksy trip to a pumpkin patch, these rides offer a memorable blend of autumn scenery and lighthearted thrills. Because event names, schedules, and activities can change year to year, always confirm details on each organization’s official site before you go.

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum, Portland
Set along the Eastern Promenade, the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a short, scenic ride right on Portland’s waterfront—made extra festive in October when cars are decked out for the season. In many years, families can look forward to a pumpkin- or Halloween-themed train that pairs the museum’s hands-on exhibits with a breezy out-and-back trip along Casco Bay. Costumes are welcome, you’ll often find treat bags and photo ops, and the compact route is ideal for younger kids who love the novelty of a train without a long time commitment. The museum tends to sell out special events ahead of time, so buy tickets early, dress in layers for the ocean breeze, and plan a little extra time to explore the restored narrow-gauge equipment before or after your ride.

Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum, Alna
A jewel for railfans and families alike, the WW&F brings Maine’s narrow-gauge steam heritage to life on a beautiful stretch of track through the woods of Alna. In the heart of fall, they typically run special pumpkin-themed trains that partner with a local farm, so your ticket includes a steam train ride and a stop where kids can pick out a pumpkin and enjoy classic autumn treats. Expect the gentle chuff of a steam locomotive, crisp air, and a wholesome harvest vibe—sometimes with hayrides, cider, and donuts depending on the year’s plan. Trains here often sell out weeks in advance, and some departures are timed with daylight and dusk; if you’re hoping for golden-hour photos or the cozy glow of late-day light, scan the schedule carefully and book accordingly.

Boothbay Railway Village Museum, Boothbay
Set within a recreated historic village, Boothbay’s narrow-gauge loop becomes a Halloween playground each October. The museum frequently hosts an evening event that blends a train ride with trick-or-treat stops among the village’s period buildings, plus kid-friendly spooky decor. It’s more charming than chilling—think jack-o’-lanterns, webs, and whimsical scenes rather than true frights—though after-dark departures add just enough atmosphere to make it feel special. Because the site is walkable and the train runs continuously during event windows, families can alternate between rides, candy stations, and exploring vintage exhibits. Flashlights for little goblins can be handy, and footwear with traction is wise if leaves are down.

Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport
While not a traditional train, the Seashore Trolley Museum runs authentic electric trolleys on its private right-of-way, and it embraces autumn with pumpkin and Halloween events that are perennial hits. Daytime rides often include a stop where children can select a pumpkin, while select evenings may feature a lightly haunted twist suitable for grade-schoolers. The open windows of historic streetcars make for great leaf-peeping, and the museum collection—one of the largest of its kind—adds a distinctive backdrop for seasonal photos. Because trolley cars can be breezy, dress warmly, bring thin gloves for little hands, and have a blanket ready for lap snuggling if temperatures dip.

Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad (Unity area)
In central Maine, the Belfast and Moosehead Lake lineage continues under local preservationists who frequently program themed excursions throughout the year, including pumpkin or Halloween rides in October. The experience tends to be classic small-town fun: friendly volunteers, rural scenery, and a relaxed pace that works for multigenerational groups. Costumes are often encouraged, and you can expect touches like candy handouts, decorated coaches, or seasonal narration. Boarding typically occurs at stations in the Unity/Thorndike corridor; check carefully for your departure point, as it may vary by event.

Downeast Scenic Railroad, Ellsworth
Known for its fall foliage trips, the Downeast Scenic Railroad has also offered Halloween or pumpkin extras in some seasons—sometimes on the last weekend of October. If you’re visiting Acadia or the Downeast coast, this is a convenient way to add a festive rail outing to your itinerary. The line’s wooded right-of-way pops with color, and families appreciate the comfortable coaches, friendly crew, and manageable ride length. Availability and themes can vary, so search for the current year’s announcements and reserve seats as soon as they post.

Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad, Phillips
This volunteer-run narrow-gauge railroad in the western mountains channels the rustic charm of Maine’s logging-era lines. October often brings special pumpkin or “ghost” rides, with daylight departures tailored to young families and later times that can lean a little spookier—still broadly family-friendly, but with more after-dark ambiance. Bring a headlamp or small flashlight for navigating paths at night, and consider a thermos of hot cocoa for a tailgate treat before or after your ride; the small-town setting lends itself to simple, cozy traditions.

What to expect and how to prepare
- Book early. Halloween trains in Maine are popular and often sell out, especially dusk and weekend slots.
- Dress for the weather. Many cars are unheated or have open windows. Layers, hats, and blankets make a big difference on chilly nights.
- Arrive early. Seasonal parking can be tight; early arrival reduces stress and gives time for photos, restrooms, and museum exhibits.
- Check accessibility. If anyone in your group has mobility needs or uses a stroller, verify boarding procedures and car layouts in advance.
- Mind the scares. Most of Maine’s Halloween trains skew gentle and family-friendly, but “haunted” options may include jump scares or dim lighting. Choose the right departure time for your crew.
- Have a plan for dinner. Align your train time with nearby dining; coastal towns and small villages can be busy or close early in the shoulder season.

Why these rides are worth it
Halloween trains in Maine are as much about place as they are about pumpkins. You’re not just collecting candy; you’re riding living history—steam whistles echoing through hardwood forests, narrow-gauge coaches tracing routes first laid down over a century ago, trolleys gliding past marsh and maple. They’re run by passionate volunteers and local nonprofits who pour heart into decorations, storytelling, and safety, and whose ticket revenue helps preserve irreplaceable equipment. That authenticity shines through in every carved pumpkin on a depot platform and every wave from a costumed conductor.

Planning your itinerary
If you’re making a weekend of it, pair a southern-coast ride (Portland or Kennebunkport) with lighthouse walks and cider mills, or combine a Midcoast excursion (Boothbay or Alna) with leaf-peeping on quiet back roads and a seafood stop. Downeast visitors can sync an Ellsworth departure with a day in Acadia, while western Maine riders might add a hike near Rangeley or a farmstand crawl along Route 4. Map distances carefully—state roads are scenic and slower than interstates—and always build in extra time for foliage traffic.

Before you go, search for: “Maine Narrow Gauge pumpkin train,” “WW&F pumpkin picking train,” “Boothbay Railway Village Halloween,” “Seashore Trolley Museum pumpkin,” “Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad Halloween,” “Downeast Scenic Railroad pumpkin,” and “Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes ghost train.” Each organization posts the latest dates, ticketing links, and activity details. With a little planning, you’ll find a ride that matches your crew’s appetite for whimsy or mild thrills—and you’ll come home with a new fall tradition rooted in Maine’s railroading past.