Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum in Alna, Maine

Written By Kelsey Cecil

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

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesOpen Saturdays year round, 10 am to 5 pm, plus added event dates

The Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum is rebuilding a Maine two-foot gauge railroad on its own original route through the Sheepscot Valley, with volunteers laying track, restoring cars and running steam trains for visitors every Saturday of the year.

  • Railway first opened in 1894
  • Museum founded in 1989
  • Open Saturdays year round
  • Two-foot gauge steam trains
  • Locomotive 11 being built new
  • Train-only pavilion in the woods

Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum at a glance

Hours
Saturdays year round, 10 am to 5 pm, plus added dates on the schedule
Admission
Train tickets required; prices vary by excursion, kids 3 and under free on posted events
Train rides
Two-foot gauge steam train rides on every visit; themed excursions most weekends
Seasonal events
Victorian Christmas Train & Market, Free & Frosty Winter Steam Express, Pumpkin Pickin' Train to SeaLyon Farm, Spring Eggspress Train to SeaLyon Farm, Autumn Sunset Steam Train, Ice Cream Express
Plan for
About 2 hours; 3 hours or more for hiking trips
Best for
Families, steam fans and anyone curious how a railroad is rebuilt
Best ages
All ages; ages 3 to 12 especially
Parking
Parking at Sheepscot station, 97 Cross Road, Alna
Accessibility
Hiking excursions are not wheelchair accessible; the Sheepscot Valley Steam Train is suggested instead

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

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway 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 Alna.

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.

Rebuilding the Sheepscot Valley's lost railroad, rail by rail

The original Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway opened in 1894 and carried passengers and freight on two-foot gauge track from the coast deep into the Sheepscot Valley. It served farms and small towns in rural Maine for decades, then was scrapped during the Great Depression, its rails pulled up and its equipment scattered.

In 1989 a group of enthusiasts formed the WW&F Railway Museum as a nonprofit to acquire, preserve and restore the narrow gauge railroads and equipment of the Sheepscot Valley, and to teach the public how much railroads meant to the communities they served. The museum's mission statement today is still largely the one it started with.

What sets the WW&F apart is the commitment to doing it the way the original railroad did. Members have said they value authenticity and try to recreate the old railway's form and function as closely as possible, while teaching new skills to anyone willing to learn. Volunteers have rebuilt track along the original right of way, restored buildings and cars at Sheepscot station, and continue to push the line further.

That patience shows in the museum's big projects. Machinists are building a brand new steam locomotive, number 11, in regular work sessions, and in August 2026 the Build 11 campaign passed its fundraising goal for the year with the help of a matching challenge. Coach 9 is another active restoration. All of it is done largely by volunteers, many of them members who come back weekend after weekend.

Sheepscot station, the shops and the run to the woods

Trips begin at Sheepscot station, 97 Cross Road in Alna, about five miles from Wiscasset. Every experience the museum offers starts and ends with a steam train ride over the narrow gauge, and on many trips the train runs about 30 minutes through the backwoods of Alna to Trout Brook station. The museum encourages visitors to explore its facilities and workshops, where curiosity is welcome and volunteers are often at work.

Out on the line, the Pavilion at Alna Center is a 30 by 80 foot open pavilion surrounded by fields and forest that is reached only by train, used for picnics, events and charters. Themed trips fill the calendar: a Mixed Train Sunday with freight and passenger cars together, a Model T Railcar Ramble, an A-No.1 Hobo Experience, stargazing and sunset trains, and seasonal runs to SeaLyon Farm.

Don’t miss

  1. Locomotive 11 under constructionA new two-foot gauge steam engine is being built in Alna by volunteer machinists, and visitors on work weekends may see the progress firsthand.
  2. Sheepscot station and shopsThe station grounds and workshops are where the restoration happens, and the museum openly invites questions.
  3. The Pavilion at Alna CenterA 30 by 80 foot pavilion in the woods that can only be reached by rail, so arriving there feels like a real railroad destination.
  4. Trout Brook stationThe end point for the guided Ride the Rails to Hike the Trails trips into the Trout Brook Preserve with Midcoast Conservancy volunteers.
  5. Mixed Train SundayA chance to ride a train that combines freight and passenger cars, the way rural Maine narrow gauge lines actually ran.

Steam, cabooses and plenty of room to ask questions

Kids get a real steam train, a ticket punched by a uniformed conductor on many trips, and shops where volunteers are happy to answer questions. Families often mention spending about two hours on a visit including an hour-long ride. Themed trains like the Spring Eggspress, Ice Cream Express, Pumpkin Pickin' Train and Victorian Christmas Train are built with families in mind, and children 3 and under ride free on posted events.

The caboose can be rented for a birthday party, and school groups and summer camps are welcomed at low rates. The hiking trips include a 2-mile walk and cannot take wheelchairs; for those visitors the museum points to the Sheepscot Valley Steam Train instead.

Plan your visit: tips for Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum

  • Buy tickets in advance: trains have limited seats and popular events sell out.
  • If a date shows sold out, email info@wwfry.org to hear if seats open up.
  • Traffic in downtown Wiscasset can be heavy, so allow extra time.
  • Trains leave at their stated times and cannot be held.
  • Discounts are offered to groups of 10 or more, seniors, military and members.

The WW&F calendar runs all year. In December the Victorian Christmas Train & Market brings holiday steam to Alna, and winter brings the Free & Frosty Winter Steam Express and Steam & Sleighs to SeaLyon Farm. In fall the Pumpkin Pickin' Train carries families to SeaLyon Farm to choose a pumpkin, and the Autumn Sunset Steam Train rides through the color. See our roundups of Maine Christmas train rides and fall and Halloween train rides in Maine to plan a season of trips.

A railroad built by its members

The WW&F Railway Museum is a nonprofit powered by volunteers and members, and its values statements grew out of a survey of the membership. You can help by joining, donating to Build 11 or the Coach 9 project, signing up for a You've Been Workin' on the Railroad volunteer session, or shopping the gift shop by mail order.

Pair the WW&F with another Maine rail day

Boothbay Railway Village is only about 11 miles away and runs its own two-foot gauge train. The Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad is about 41 miles up the coast, and the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad in Portland is about 42 miles south. For more ideas, see train museums across Maine.

Every train museum in Maine

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of a conductor in a blue suit shaking Rally's paw on the train
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

Visitors here often mention the conductor in old-time clothes who comes down the aisle to punch tickets and answer every question. That is my favorite kind of grown-up on a train. In our book, Mr. Conductor wears a blue uniform and holds out his hand to welcome Rally aboard, and Rally, riding with Mom and Dad, trusts him right away. My kids are learning to read now, and they always slow down on that page.

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 Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway 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.

WW&F Railway Museum: 20 questions families ask

What is the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum?

The WW&F Railway Museum is a nonprofit in Alna, Maine, founded in 1989 to preserve and rebuild the two-foot gauge railroads of the Sheepscot Valley. Volunteers have restored track, buildings and equipment, and the museum now runs steam train rides, themed excursions and workshops open to visitors throughout the year.

Where is the WW&F Railway Museum on Cross Road in Alna, Maine?

The museum and its Sheepscot station are at 97 Cross Road, Alna, Maine 04535, about five miles from Wiscasset and just north of it off Route 218. Many excursions include parking at Sheepscot station. Letters and donations go to PO Box 242, Alna, ME 04535. Call 207-882-4193 if you need directions.

What are the WW&F Railway Museum hours?

As of October 2026, the museum is open Saturdays year round from 10 am to 5 pm, with extra operating dates for special events shown on its online calendar. The calendar lists which days have train rides, excursions or volunteer work sessions. Check wwfry.org before you drive out, especially in winter.

How much are WW&F Railway tickets?

Prices vary by excursion. As an example, as of October 2026 the Ride the Rails to Hike the Trails trip is $24.50 for adults and $14.75 for youth ages 4 to 15, with children 3 and under free and an optional ticketing fee. Check each event page at wwfry.org for current fares.

Do I need to buy WW&F Railway tickets in advance?

Advance purchase is highly recommended. The narrow gauge trains have limited capacity and the most popular events often sell out. If a date or time looks sold out, the museum asks you to email info@wwfry.org so you can be notified if tickets become available. Trains leave on time and cannot be held.

What do reviews say about the WW&F Railway Museum?

Visitors often praise the steam train ride as the highlight, along with the grounds, support buildings and friendly volunteers. Several mention a conductor in period clothing who punches tickets and answers questions about the line. Families commonly report spending about two hours, including the train ride. More reviews are on the museum's Tripadvisor and Facebook pages.

Where can I see photos of the WW&F Railway Museum?

The museum shares photos and video of its trains, events and restoration work on its Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube accounts, all under the name WWFRailway, and monthly Build 11 video updates show the new locomotive taking shape. Its online discussion forum, linked from the contact page, is another place members share pictures.

Are the WW&F Railway trains real steam trains?

Yes. Every experience the museum offers starts and ends with a ride behind a narrow gauge steam train on two-foot gauge track. Some themed excursions also feature a Model T railcar or a mixed train of freight and passenger cars. Check the event description to see what equipment is planned for your date.

How long is the train ride at the WW&F Railway?

Ride lengths vary by trip. The run from Sheepscot station to Trout Brook station takes about 30 minutes each way, and visitors often describe the round trip as about an hour. Hiking and special excursions can last three hours or more. Each event page lists its expected duration.

Is the WW&F Railway Museum good for kids?

Yes. Children ride a real steam train, can explore the shops where volunteers work, and have many family events to choose from, including the Spring Eggspress, Ice Cream Express and Pumpkin Pickin' Train. Kids 3 and under ride free on posted events, and the museum describes its trips as fun for all ages.

Does the WW&F Railway have a Christmas train?

Yes. The Victorian Christmas Train & Market is the museum's holiday event, and winter also brings the Free & Frosty Winter Steam Express and Steam & Sleighs to SeaLyon Farm. Dates and tickets are posted on the museum's events calendar. Book early, since popular trains often sell out.

Is there a pumpkin train at the WW&F Railway Museum?

Yes. The Pumpkin Pickin' Train to SeaLyon Farm runs in the fall, carrying families by steam train to pick pumpkins. The Autumn Sunset Steam Train and Sheepscot Stargazing Special are other fall options. Tickets and dates are listed on the museum's activities page at wwfry.org.

Can I rent the WW&F train or caboose for a birthday party?

Yes. The museum rents its caboose, which seats up to 15 guests, for birthday parties, and it charters the full train, which seats up to 130, for weddings, reunions and photo events. All charters must include a train ride. Send inquiries to charters@wwfry.org, and note members get 15 percent off train rental.

What is the Pavilion at Alna Center?

It is the museum's 30 by 80 foot event pavilion set among fields and forest along the railway. Except for a few support vehicles, it can only be reached by train, which makes the ride part of every event there. The pavilion has no electrical service or other facilities, so plan accordingly.

Does the WW&F Railway Museum offer school field trips?

Yes. The museum welcomes school groups and summer camps for field trips and lessons in Maine history, and offers them at very affordable rates as part of its educational mission. Groups of 10 or more also get discounts on regular events. Contact the museum at 207-882-4193 or info@wwfry.org for details.

Is the WW&F Railway Museum wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility depends on the trip. The museum states that its hiking excursions, which include a 2-mile walk, are not accessible and cannot accommodate wheelchairs, and it suggests the Sheepscot Valley Steam Train instead. For specific needs on other trains, call 207-882-4193 before booking.

Can dogs ride the WW&F Railway?

On some trips, yes. The Ride the Rails to Hike the Trails excursion welcomes well-behaved pets that are used to outdoor hiking, and visitor reviews mention dogs enjoying the ride. Rules can differ by event, so check the event description or ask the museum before bringing a dog.

What is Build 11 at the WW&F Railway Museum?

Build 11 is the museum's project to construct a new two-foot gauge steam locomotive, number 11, in its own shops. Volunteer machinists hold regular work sessions, and the museum posts monthly updates. In August 2026 the campaign passed its fundraising goal for the year. Learn more or donate at build11.org.

How can I volunteer at the WW&F Railway?

Volunteers are essential to the museum, and anyone can start at a You've Been Workin' on the Railroad session, which appears on the events calendar. Members also join work weekends on track, shops and restoration. Membership, donations, mail-order gift shop purchases and archive contributions all help too.

What train museums are near the WW&F Railway Museum?

Boothbay Railway Village is about 11 miles away, the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad about 41 miles, and the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad in Portland about 42 miles. The Bridgton & Saco River Railroad Museum and the Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad are both within about 65 miles.

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Kelsey Cecil
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