Maine "The Polar Express" Train Rides In Portland!
Published: November 11, 2025
By: Adam Burns
A living link to Maine’s two-foot era. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum (MNG) preserves and operates equipment from the state’s uniquely small two-foot-gauge railways—lines that once threaded forests, farms, and mill towns with astonishing economy.
The organization was founded as a 501(c)(3) to keep that story—and the equipment—alive for the public; it welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year. Incorporated in 1992 and running public trains since 1993, MNG has grown into one of Portland’s most beloved attractions.
What “Two-Foot” Means—and Why It Matters
Between the 1880s and 1930s, Maine hosted a web of two-foot-gauge common carriers - largely in the movement of timber - including the Bridgton & Saco River, Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes, Monson, Kennebec Central, and others. The narrow track (just 24 inches between rails) meant lighter construction, tighter curves, and cheaper operation—perfect for rough terrain and modest traffic.
The Maine Narrow Gauge's collection draws heavily from these lines: steam locomotives, wooden coaches and combines, cabooses, and freight cars, much of it painstakingly restored so visitors can experience authentic rolling stock under way rather than static displays.
Portland Waterfront Operations
The museum operates a scenic 1.5-mile railroad along Portland’s Eastern Promenade and Casco Bay, offering sweeping harbor views in a compact, family-friendly ride. Trains depart from the museum’s station at 65 Thames Street (Ocean Gateway area), an easy walk from the Old Port and cruise terminals.
The line uses historic steam and diesel power paired to restored early 20th-century coaches, recreating the sights, sounds, and pacing of Maine’s narrow-gauge heyday.
Their steam collection currently includes 0-4-4T #4 (built by the Vulcan Iron Works in 1918), 0-4-0T #11 (built by Henschel & Sohn of Germany in 1935), 2-4-4T #7 (built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1913), and 2-4-4-T #8 (built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1924). As of this writing only #7 is operational.
Narrated Daily Trains (Seasonal)
Standard excursions are narrated and typically run about 40 minutes round-trip, highlighting landmarks such as Casco Bay and its islands, Fort Gorges, Bug Light, marinas, and the Eastern Prom.
The commentary layers local history with the story of two-foot railroading, making it a solid introduction for first-time visitors and a pleasant refresher for railfans. MNG also schedules special runs—like Sunset Train Rides—that time departures for waterfront golden hour. Schedules vary by season; always confirm dates and times before you go.
Inside the Museum
Beyond the platform, museum's exhibits interpret Maine’s two-foot carriers through builder’s plates, photographs, interpretive panels, and immersive car interiors. The roster is the true centerpiece: multiple steam locomotives, historic coaches and combines, cabooses, boxcars, and maintenance equipment—nearly all with ties to the original Maine lines. Rotating restoration projects keep different pieces in the public eye, and you’ll often see in-service equipment swapped as overhauls proceed.
A Recent Bump in the Road—and a Return to Service
In January 2025, the railroad announced a temporary shutdown while a major waterfront development required dismantling and repositioning portions of its track.
Although initial communications suggested a short closure, the pause extended into spring to accommodate construction, with trains returning to service after the work window. The episode underscored both the challenges—and the resilience—of operating heritage rail in an evolving urban waterfront.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
For many families, the Maine Narrow Gauge is synonymous with THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, the officially licensed holiday experience that transforms the line into a moving stage set each November and December.
Onboard, uniformed hosts serve hot chocolate and cookies while the classic story is narrated; the train glides past illuminated displays en route to the “North Pole,” where Santa boards to greet passengers and present each child with the first gift of Christmas—a silver sleigh bell.
The ride concludes with carols on the return, wrapping a fully theatrical experience around an authentic narrow-gauge train.
Classes of Service and What to Expect
The museum typically offers several service tiers. Presidential Class features individual cushioned seating and premium keepsakes (including a limited-edition ceramic mug and a copy of The Polar Express signed “from the North Pole Library,” one per group of up to four).
First Class includes padded individual seating and a limited-edition mug. All passengers receive hot chocolate, a cookie, and Santa’s bell; trains may be steam-powered depending on the consist and operating plan. Trains depart exactly on time—arrive at least 20 minutes early.
Dates, Tickets, and Impact
For 2025, the museum's performance calendar spans November 16 through December 27 with multiple departures most operating days; prices generally range by class and date.
The event is the museum’s largest annual fundraiser, drawing over 21,000 riders in 2022 and helping underwrite year-round preservation and operations. Because departures sell out quickly, booking early is wise, especially for premium classes and weekend evenings.
To learn more and purchase your tickets please click here to visit the museum's website.
Planning Your Visit
Location & Boarding: 65 Thames Street, Portland, ME 04101 (next to the Ocean Gateway). Ticketing, gift shop, and restrooms are inside the station building.
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum
Seasonality: Core excursion season spans warmer months, with special event trains (notably THE POLAR EXPRESS™) in late fall into the holidays. Schedules can shift with weather or waterfront projects—always check the museum’s site and confirmation emails before traveling.
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum
What You’ll See: Casco Bay views, harbor activity, forts, and the Eastern Prom—classic Portland scenes from open windows or coach seats on genuine two-foot rolling stock
Why It Matters
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad isn’t just a scenic ride; it’s an operating conservation program. Every narrated lap along the bay keeps rare rolling stock in motion, engages new audiences with Maine’s industrial past, and funds restorations that otherwise wouldn’t happen.
In a waterfront district that constantly reinvents itself, the sound of a small steam whistle and the rhythm of narrow-gauge trucks offer continuity—reminding Portland that rail once connected its economy as surely as cargo ships and interstates do today.
The museum’s ability to weather construction disruptions and return stronger speaks to committed volunteers, donors, and riders who understand that heritage railroads are fragile—and worth protecting.
Recent Articles
-
The "Flexi-Van": NYC's Revolutionary TOFC Service
Aug 11, 26 10:10 PM
The so-called "Flexi-Van" was New York Central's trademark service. While far ahead of its time the railroad failed to lure the industry as a whole. It had died out by the Penn Central era. -
New York Central Railroad: Map, History, & The Water Level Route
Aug 11, 26 08:35 PM
The New York Central, known as the "Water Level Route," was pieced together by Cornelius Vanderbilt and battled rival Pennsylvania for generations. -
Alco C430 (Century 430): Specs, Production Roster & History
Aug 11, 26 05:55 PM
The C430 sold very poorly for the builder. Read about who purchased them and those that remain preserved today. -
American Orient Express: History, Tours, Cost & Equipment
Aug 11, 26 03:43 PM
The American Orient Express was an ultra-luxurious private passenger train that operated from 1994 until 2008 in conjunction with Amtrak. It featured different routes for maximum scenic views; unfortu… -
Baldwin DS-4-4-1000 Switchers: Specs, Production Roster & History
Aug 11, 26 03:10 PM
The DS-4-4-1000 was one of the Baldwin's most successful diesel models it every produced, replacing the earlier VO-1000 in 1946. -
B&O Color Position Light (CPL) Signals: History, How They Work, Legacy
Aug 11, 26 02:48 PM
The CPL was Baltimore & Ohio's custom designed trackside signals used throughout its network. Today, few of remain under CSX. -
Gandy Dancer: The Track Maintenance Worker
Aug 11, 26 02:33 PM
The gandy dancer was a slang term used to describe section gangs, railroad men who performed the physical task of the tracks maintained. -
North Carolina -- Dinner Train -- Rides At Spencer
Aug 11, 26 01:39 PM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
New York -- Dinner Train -- Rides In The Adirondacks
Aug 11, 26 01:30 PM
Operating over a restored segment of the former New York Central’s Adirondack Division, the Adirondack Railroad has steadily rebuilt both track and public interest in passenger rail across the region. -
Wellington Avalanche (1910): Great Northern Disaster at Stevens Pass
Aug 11, 26 01:15 PM
The Wellington Avalanche was the deadliest such disasters in the U.S. and one of the worst railroad accidents of all time resulting in 96 deaths in 1910. -
Wisconsin Dinner Train Rides In North Freedom
Aug 11, 26 01:12 PM
Featured here is a practical guide to Mid-Continent’s dining train concept—what the experience is like, the kinds of menus the museum has offered, and what to expect when you book. -
New Hampshire Dinner Train Rides At North Conway
Aug 11, 26 01:07 PM
Tucked into the heart of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley, the Conway Scenic Railroad is one of New England’s most beloved heritage railways. -
Ashtabula Bridge Disaster (1876): The Pacific Express & Truss Collapse
Aug 11, 26 01:05 PM
On the night of Friday, December 29, 1876, in a howling Lake Erie blizzard, the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway’s westbound Pacific Express approached the iron bridge over the Ashtabula River… -
Pole Lines In Railroading: Emergence, Purpose, Decline
Aug 11, 26 12:17 PM
Pole lines were once a common sight along railroad rights-of-way serving a multitude of functions, from carrying telephone lines to signaling code. -
The Angola Horror: The 1867 Train Wreck That Shocked the Nation
Aug 11, 26 11:58 AM
The "Angola Horror" was a horrific train accident along the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern that occurred in 1867 when a passenger car derailed at a bridge in Angola, New York and killed 49 passengers. -
Kentucky -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 11, 26 11:49 AM
Kentucky, often celebrated for its rolling pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon legacy, has been cultivating another gem in its storied landscapes; enjoying wine by rail. -
Texas -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 11, 26 11:16 AM
This article invites you on a metaphorical journey through some of these unique wine tasting train experiences in Texas. -
New Mexico -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 11, 26 11:10 AM
For oenophiles and adventure seekers alike, wine tasting train rides in New Mexico provide a unique opportunity to explore the region's vineyards in comfort and style. -
Ohio -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 11, 26 10:56 AM
The murder mystery dinner train rides in Ohio provide an immersive experience that combines fine dining, an engaging narrative, and the beauty of Ohio's landscapes. -
Tennessee -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 11, 26 10:43 AM
Amidst the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of Tennessee, an exhilarating and interactive experience awaits those with a taste for mystery and intrigue. -
Famous Railroad Landmarks in the United States
Aug 11, 26 12:45 AM
If you have ever wondered about some of the most well known railroad landmarks around the country you can read about them here. -
Diesel Locomotives Of The 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and Today
Aug 11, 26 12:35 AM
Read about the history of diesel locomotives, how they function and operate, and the dozens of different models built by the five major manufacturers. -
Heber Valley Railroad Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 11, 26 12:22 AM
The Heber Valley Railroad in Heber City, Utah markets year-round scenic products with a clear seasonal split: the Lakeside Limited is the fall/winter reservoir-side scenic, while the Deer Creek Expres… -
Black Hills Central 1880 Train Fall Foliage Ride (2026)
Aug 11, 26 12:14 AM
The Black Hills Central Railroad—marketed as the 1880 Train—is the primary fall foliage rail excursion offering in South Dakota. -
New Haven’s Roger Williams Streamliner: History, Specs & Legacy
Aug 10, 26 11:07 PM
The Roger Williams, built by the Budd Company in 1956 and delivered for 1956–57 service, was a complete six-car diesel multiple unit (DMU) derived from Budd’s hugely successful Rail Diesel Car (RDC) p… -
Railroad Tycoons List (USA): Men Of The Gilded Age (1800s)
Aug 10, 26 05:54 PM
Railroad tycoons, moguls, and barons were titans of 19th and early 20th century American commerce who laid the foundation of the modern industry we know today. -
Fallen Flags: The Classic American Railroad
Aug 10, 26 04:42 PM
Featured here are detailed histories of more than 100 classic railroads, or "fallen flags," from the mighty Pennsylvania Railroad to the small Monon. -
Railroad History (USA): Facts, Timeline, Definition
Aug 10, 26 04:18 PM
Interested in learning much more about out nation's rail history as well who invented the iron horse and when? Find it all here. -
Steam Locomotives (USA): Invention, History, Types
Aug 10, 26 04:08 PM
The classic iron horse, steam locomotives are legendary machines that still hold awe over the general public today. -
Streamliners (Trains): History, Timetables, Schedules
Aug 10, 26 03:45 PM
Read about many of the most well known streamliners here and why the period of the 1930s to 1960s is often considered the "Silver Age" of rail travel. -
Michigan -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 01:35 PM
While the term 'wild west' often conjures up images of dusty plains and expansive deserts, Michigan offers its own unique take on this thrilling period of history. -
Wisconsin -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 01:11 PM
Through a unique blend of interactive entertainment and historical reverence, Wisconsin offers a captivating glimpse into the past with its Wild West train rides. -
Florida -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 01:00 PM
Wine by train not only showcases the beauty of Florida's lesser-known regions but also celebrate the growing importance of local wineries and vineyards. -
New York -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 12:16 PM
This article will delve into the history, offerings, and appeal of wine tasting trains in New York, guiding you through a unique experience that combines the romance of the rails with the sophisticati… -
Florida Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 10, 26 12:02 PM
A Florida train rides guide, including all known railroad museums to visit within the state. Learn more about them here. -
Michigan Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 10, 26 11:53 AM
There is no better way to experience the Great Lakes State's countryside than on the railroad. Michigan train rides offer visitors much to experience. -
Ohio Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 10, 26 11:05 AM
Most of the Ohio train rides available to the public are small in nature. However, the state is home to the very popular Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Byesville Scenic, and Hocking Valley Scenic. -
New York Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 10, 26 11:03 AM
New York scenic train rides offer about everything you can imagine from steam locomotives to long dinner train rides. -
California -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 10:40 AM
When it comes to experiencing the allure of crime-solving sprinkled with delicious dining, California's murder mystery dinner train rides have carved a niche for themselves among both locals and touri… -
Vermont -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 10, 26 09:57 AM
There are currently murder mystery dinner trains offered in Vermont but until recently the Champlain Valley Dinner Train offered such a trip! -
Short Line Railroads (Class 3): List, Revenue, Definition
Aug 10, 26 09:02 AM
A close-up look at several Class III railroads, or "short lines." These systems are in vastly greater numbers today as Class Is continue to shed trackage. -
Class 2 "Regional" Railroads: Definition, List, Statistics
Aug 10, 26 12:21 AM
Class II railroads, also referred to as "regionals," are the second-largest such companies within the industry. The information here covers most of these lines. -
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC): History, Network, Overview
Aug 10, 26 12:00 AM
The Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Railway is a new Class I carrier in 2021 resulting from the Canadian Pacific/Kansas City Southern merger. Learn more here. -
Class 1 Railroads (USA): Revenue, Statistics, Overview
Aug 09, 26 10:57 PM
In railroad jargon, Class 1 refers to the largest companies in the industry and all six in North America are highlighted here. -
Royal Gorge Route Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 09, 26 03:02 PM
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad in Cañon City, Colorado is a year-round scenic dining railroad whose fall value is the canyon itself: roughly a two-hour out-and-back through the Royal Gorge with granit… -
Huckleberry Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 09, 26 02:35 PM
The Huckleberry Railroad at Crossroads Village (Genesee County Parks, near Flint, Michigan) is a family autumn destination: three-foot-gauge steam (when scheduled) looping wooded Genesee County countr… -
French Lick Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 09, 26 02:17 PM
The French Lick Scenic Railway in French Lick, Indiana is the southern Indiana foliage train to watch: scenic excursions of about 90 minutes through hills and forests, departing the historic 1907 lime… -
California -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:56 AM
While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails. -
New Jersey -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:53 AM
On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train. -
Georgia -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:52 AM
Nestled within its lush hills and historic towns, the Peach State offers unforgettable train rides that channel the spirit of the Wild West.
