Maine Railroad Museums: A Complete Guide

Published: April 21, 2025

Railroads have long been an integral part of Maine’s history, helping to shape its economic and cultural narratives. Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of the Pine Tree State are several railroad museums that preserve this rich legacy.

These museums offer visitors a glimpse into the past, where locomotives and rail cars tell stories of industrial advancement and regional development. Let's embark on a virtual tour through Maine's notable railroad museums, each offering unique insights into the state's railroading past.

Brooks Preservation Society

This organization, created in 2008, operates what remains of the venerable Belfast & Moosehead Lake, a 33-mile short line that opened between Belfast and Burnham on September 24, 1870 (to learn more about the history of this historic operation please click here).

Their excursions operate from the small, restored Brooks union depot (opened in the 1890's, it served trains of the Maine Central and Belfast & Moosehead Lake).

They also offer special rides and events during this time. The group's goal is to preserve this classic railroad for future generations with an official mission statement:

"...to protect, preserve, and celebrate historic structures and artifacts in Brooks as well as the surrounding communities for the benefit of the citizens and local economy. The preservation and restoration of structures in a community contributes to the economic vitality."

Cole Land Transportation Museum

This museum, based in Bangor, preserves a wide-range of transportation related equipment from automobiles and rail cars to farm tractors and motorcycles.

They are open from May through November each year. The organization was founded in 1989 by Galen Cole.

Their notable railroad pieces include:

A Maine Central wooden depot from Enfield
A Maine Central steel caboose (still adorned in its original paint scheme)
Bangor & Aroostook BL2 #557 (manufactured in April, 1949 this rare diesel locomotive is one of only a few still in existence today)

Aside from these pieces they feature a Stanley Steamer, Ford Fairlane, Ford Galaxie, a Buick, a Volkswagen, horse-drawn wagons, prairie schooner, motorcycles, mopeds, and much more.

If you are interested in either trains or motorized equipment, in general, a visit to this museum is definitely a must!

Oakfield Railroad Museum

This museum is located in Oakfield, within the town's restored Bangor & Aroostook wooden depot (opened in 1912) where the tracks are still active (maintained by Class II "regional" freight carrier, Central Maine & Québec Railway).

As the passenger business declined the BAR (not to be confuse with the "B&A," short for the Boston & Albany) focused evermore on its core freight business; by the early 1960s it had dropped passenger operations entirely with the Potatoland making its last run on September 4, 1961.

Unfortunately, with the cyclical nature of agriculture and increased competition from other modes of transportation, the railroad found itself in bankruptcy by 2003.

The depot has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since June 25, 1987. Along with displays they also feature a caboose on the premises. The museum is open on the weekends from late May through Labor Day.

The railroad museums of Maine are treasure troves of locomotive history, showcasing the technological and cultural shifts that shaped the state. From narrow gauge lines climbing through forests to trolleys bustling through coastal towns, these museums preserve the stories of an era when rail was king.

As you journey through these museums, you’ll find more than just trains; you’ll discover the enduring spirit of Maine and its people’s ingenuity and resilience during the age of railroads.

So, whether you're a lifelong train enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, Maine’s railroad museums offer a captivating glimpse into the past, promising a fulfilling visit for all ages. Next time you find yourself in the Pine Tree State, consider setting aside time to explore these rich repositories of rail heritage.

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