Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum in Portland, Maine

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Portland, Maine · Updated October 19, 2026 · 13 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesNarrated rides spring through fall; THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in late November and December

The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum preserves and runs equipment from the two-foot gauge railways that once served rural Maine, and it puts that history to work on a narrated train ride along Portland's Casco Bay waterfront.

  • Founded in 1993
  • Two-foot gauge Maine equipment
  • 40-minute ride on Casco Bay
  • 1903-built caboose in service
  • Dogs welcome in open-air cars

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum at a glance

Hours
Trains Tuesday to Sunday through October 25, 2026; departures 10 am to 5 pm
Admission
Coach Class (non-event): adults $18.85, seniors $16.75, ages 3 to 12 $14.65, 2 and under free; fees extra
Train rides
40-minute, 3-mile narrated round trip in spring, summer and fall; departures at 10, 11, 12, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Seasonal events
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Pumpkin Train, Ice Cream Train, Sunset Express
Plan for
About 1 hour including boarding
Best for
Families with young kids and visitors exploring Portland's waterfront
Best ages
All ages; toddlers to age 10 especially
Parking
See the Parking & Directions page on the museum's website
Accessibility
Wheelchair lift at the station platform; no lift at the halfway rest point

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Portland.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Bringing Maine's two-footers home to Portland

Maine once had a family of tiny railroads built to a gauge of just two feet, laid through farm country and forest in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They were cheap to build and nimble on curves, and when the last of them shut down, much of their equipment ended up far from home at the Edaville Railroad in Carver, Massachusetts, where it ran for close to fifty years.

The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum was founded in 1993 to bring that heritage back. When the original Edaville closed, a collection of its equipment came north to Portland, and the organization set up in the former Portland Company Marine Complex on the waterfront. Its formal name, the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Industrial Heritage Trust, says a lot about how it sees the job: preserving historic two-foot gauge equipment and running it so the public can learn from it and enjoy it.

The restoration work has been long and patient. Bridgton & Saco River #7, a 1913 Baldwin, spent nearly ten years in the shop before it returned to service on Portland rails in May 2018. Its sister #8, built in 1924 as the last and largest engine for that railroad, and Monson Railroad #4, which is waiting on its federally required 15-year rebuild, are housed offsite for now.

Today the museum is raising money for a new engine storage building with a clear goal: bringing steam service back to Portland. Staff, trustees and a crew of volunteers keep the trains rolling, and the museum is always looking for more hands.

Three miles of Casco Bay from a narrow gauge seat

The heart of a visit is the narrated round trip, about 3 miles and 40 minutes, along the edge of Casco Bay. From the window you can pick out marinas, lighthouses, old forts, public parks, a beach and the new building going up along Portland's waterfront, while the onboard narration fills in the city's history and the stories of Maine's two-footers.

You ride in a mix of authentic historic passenger cars and new-build replicas, including a caboose built in 1903. Coach Class cars have side-facing benches and classic one-by-one seating, and open-air cars run in the warmer months for full views and a breeze off the water. Unless the museum announces otherwise, trains are pulled by diesel #1, a 1949 General Electric built for the tight clearances of the Whitin Machine Shop. The roster also lists steam engines, coaches, combines, cabooses and box cars from Maine's narrow gauge lines.

Don’t miss

  1. Bridgton & Saco River #7This 1913 Baldwin was one of the last two engines working on the Bridgton line, spent decades at Edaville, and came back to steam in Portland in 2018 after a restoration of nearly ten years.
  2. Diesel #1 from the Whitin Machine ShopBuilt by General Electric in 1949 at only 50 inches wide, it was designed to squeeze through a mill machinery plant, and today it pulls most of the museum's trains.
  3. The 1903 cabooseOne of the oldest cars in regular passenger use here, and a favorite seat for kids who want to ride somewhere a little different.
  4. Open-air carsIn warm weather these cars give unobstructed views of the bay and are the only cars where well-behaved dogs can ride.
  5. The Casco Bay shorelineLighthouses, forts, marinas and a beach all pass by on a single 40-minute trip, with narration pointing them out.

A short ride with plenty to point at

At 40 minutes, the narrated ride is a good length for small children, and there is always something out the window: boats in the marinas, a lighthouse, the beach. Many kids head straight for the 1903 caboose or the open-air cars. Children 2 and under ride free, and special trains like the Ice Cream Train and the Pumpkin Train are built around families.

There is a wheelchair lift at the station platform, which also helps with mobility needs in a family group, but there is no lift at the halfway rest point. Trains leave exactly on time and cannot wait for latecomers, so build in extra minutes for parking with little ones.

Plan your visit: tips for Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum

  • Trains depart exactly on time and cannot be held for late arrivals.
  • Advance ticket holders should check email on the day of the ride for any schedule changes.
  • All tickets are nonrefundable and good for one trip only.
  • The train is usually pulled by diesel #1; steam cannot be guaranteed on any given trip.
  • Groups of 15 or more get discounted fares with advance reservations.

The biggest event of the year is THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, which runs from November 20 into late December 2026 with several departures each evening, and it books up, so plan early. In the fall the Pumpkin Train is a family favorite, and summer brings the Ice Cream Train and the Sunset Express, which includes a complimentary drink with each ticket and has family-friendly options. For more holiday ideas, see our guide to Christmas train rides in Maine and our list of Halloween and pumpkin trains in Maine.

Trustees, staff and volunteers on the platform

A board of trustees, a small staff and volunteers run the railroad, and the museum actively recruits new volunteers to help operate and care for a heritage railway. You can help by riding, buying a membership or season pass, donating toward the new steam engine storage building, or shopping the online gift store.

More Maine rail stops within an hour

The Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport is about 21 miles south and makes a natural second stop. Head about 35 miles up the coast to the Boothbay Railway Village, or about 42 miles to the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum in Alna, another home of Maine's two-footers. Browse all of Maine's train museums to plan a longer trip.

Every train museum in Maine

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of Rally the corgi looking out an arched train window at the ocean and a white bird
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

This little railroad runs right along Casco Bay, past lighthouses and a beach, which is so close to the view I painted in watercolor. In our book he presses his nose to an arched window, sees the ocean, and says hello to a white bird. My mom imagined that moment long before I picked up a brush. If your kids want to color Rally at his window, our coloring pages are free to print.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad: 20 questions riders ask

What is the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum?

It is a nonprofit heritage railway and museum in Portland that preserves and operates historic two-foot gauge railroad equipment from Maine. Visitors ride restored and replica narrow gauge cars on a narrated trip along Casco Bay. Its legal name is the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Industrial Heritage Trust, and it was founded in 1993.

Where is the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad in Portland?

The museum's address is 65 Thames Street, Portland, Maine 04101, on the city's waterfront in the former Portland Company Marine Complex. Some tourism listings describe the ticket station as being near the Ocean Gateway Terminal on Thames Street. The museum's website has a Parking and Directions page, and you can call (207) 828-0814 for help.

What were the narrow gauge railroads in Maine?

Maine had several railroads built to a gauge of just two feet in the late 1800s and early 1900s, including the Bridgton & Saco River and the Monson Railroad. The Monson line ran from Monson Junction to Monson until it closed in 1943. Engines from both railroads are part of the Portland museum's collection today.

What are the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad hours?

As of October 2026, trains run Tuesday through Sunday through October 25, with departures at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm and 5 pm. The regular ride operates in spring, summer and fall. The schedule can change, so check the website or Facebook page on the day you plan to ride.

How much are Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad tickets?

As of October 2026, regular Coach Class fares are $18.85 for adults 13 to 64, $16.75 for seniors 65 and up, and $14.65 for children 3 to 12, with kids 2 and under free. Event trains cost more. Ticketing fees can be added, and prices can change, so check mainenarrowgauge.org before you buy.

How long is the train ride at Maine Narrow Gauge?

The narrated round trip is about 3 miles long and takes roughly 40 minutes. Plan on about an hour in total so you have time to park, collect tickets and board before departure. Trains leave exactly on schedule and the crew cannot hold the train for anyone who is running late.

What will we see on the Maine Narrow Gauge train ride?

The route follows the Portland waterfront along Casco Bay. Riders pass marinas, lighthouses, old forts, public parks and even a beach, along with new development on the waterfront. Onboard narration points out the sights and tells the story of Maine's narrow gauge railroads, so even adults usually learn something new.

Is the Maine Narrow Gauge train pulled by a steam engine?

Usually not. Unless the museum announces otherwise, trips are powered by its vintage diesel-electric locomotive #1, built in 1949. Steam engine Bridgton & Saco River #7 has run in Portland on select dates, and the museum is raising money for a storage building to bring steam service back. Steam or diesel cannot be guaranteed on any given train.

Does Maine Narrow Gauge run THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride?

Yes. As of October 2026, THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride runs from November 20 through late December, with several departures each afternoon and evening. Ticket prices range from about $32 to $116 depending on the class of seat. It is the railroad's most popular event, so book early through the museum's website.

Is there a pumpkin or Halloween train at Maine Narrow Gauge?

The museum runs a Pumpkin Train in the fall, listed among its special events alongside the Ice Cream Train and Sunset Express. Event trains have their own fares, which are a few dollars higher than regular rides. Check the events page at mainenarrowgauge.org or the museum's Facebook page for this year's dates.

What is the Sunset Express at Maine Narrow Gauge?

The Sunset Express is an evening ride along Casco Bay that the museum calls one of Maine's most special train trips. Every passenger gets a complimentary beverage with their ticket, and family-friendly options are available. Dates are seasonal, so check the website for the current schedule and fares.

Can you bring a dog on the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad?

Yes, with limits. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the Coach Class open-air cars, which run during the warmer months. If you are planning to bring a dog on a special event train or in cooler weather, call (207) 828-0814 first to confirm which cars are running.

Is Maine Narrow Gauge good for toddlers?

Yes. The 40-minute ride is short enough for small children, there is plenty to see out the window, and kids 2 and under ride free. The Ice Cream Train and Pumpkin Train are aimed at families. Arrive early, since trains leave exactly on time and cannot wait for a late stroller.

Is the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad wheelchair accessible?

There is a wheelchair lift at the station platform. The museum notes that there is no wheelchair lift at the halfway rest point along the route. If you need help with seating or boarding, call (207) 828-0814 before your visit so the crew knows to expect you.

Does Maine Narrow Gauge offer group rates?

Yes. Groups of 15 or more with advance reservations get a discount. As of October 2026, group fares are $16.75 for adults, $15.18 for seniors and $12.55 for children 3 to 12, with kids 2 and under free, plus fees. A booking agreement may be required, and docents or recorded narration may be available.

Are Maine Narrow Gauge tickets refundable?

No. All tickets are nonrefundable, nontransferable and cannot be exchanged, and each ticket is good for one trip only. Advance ticket holders should check their email on the day of the ride, because the museum sends notices if mechanical issues or events change the schedule.

What locomotives are in the Maine Narrow Gauge collection?

The roster includes Bridgton & Saco River steam engines #7 (1913) and #8 (1924), Monson Railroad #3 (1913) and #4 (1918), and diesel #1, built by General Electric in 1949 for the Whitin Machine Shop. Several engines are housed offsite or on loan, and Monson #3 currently runs at the reestablished Edaville Railroad.

Does Maine Narrow Gauge sell season passes or memberships?

Yes. The museum offers season passes for regular riders and memberships for supporters, both listed under the Support section of its website. They suit Portland families who plan to ride more than once a summer. Check mainenarrowgauge.org for current pricing and what each level includes.

How can I volunteer at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad?

The museum actively recruits volunteers to help run a heritage railway, and there is a Get Started link on its website. You can also donate, become a member, shop the online gift store, or give toward the new storage building that would bring steam back to Portland. Call (207) 828-0814 to learn more.

What other train museums are near Maine Narrow Gauge?

The Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport is about 21 miles away. Boothbay Railway Village and the Bridgton & Saco River Railroad Museum are both about 35 miles away, and the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum in Alna is about 42 miles away, so a two-foot gauge weekend is easy to plan.

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Kelsey Cecil
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