The 24-inch gauge was historically chosen for Maine railroads because it was cheaper to build and navigate through rugged, mountainous terrain than standard-gauge lines.
The museum collection includes the 'Mount Pleasant,' one of the few surviving original locomotives from the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad.
Maine once hosted the largest network of two-foot gauge railroads in North America.
The tracks are positioned on the former right-of-way of the Grand Trunk Railway, which was once a major international shipping artery for Portland.
The railroad operates as a non-profit organization focused on restoration and public education.
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum operates historic two-foot gauge trains along the Portland waterfront. The track runs for 1.5 miles on the Eastern Promenade, providing views of Casco Bay and its islands. The collection preserves rare rolling stock that once operated on Maine's historic narrow-gauge rail network. Passengers ride in restored open-air and enclosed vintage coaches. The museum facility houses displays explaining the engineering and historical significance of the state's narrow-gauge industrial legacy. The railroad serves as a living history exhibit dedicated to the preservation of Maine’s unique 24-inch gauge railway heritage. It is located on the site of the former Grand Trunk Railway wharf.
The open-air observation car provides the clearest, unobstructed views of the harbor as the train rounds the curve near the water.
Sit on the ocean-facing side of the train for the best views of Casco Bay.
Arrive early to tour the museum exhibits before your scheduled train departure.
The train ride is open-air, so bring layers if visiting on a windy or overcast day.
Do not expect a high-speed transit experience; this is a slow-moving, leisurely historical excursion.
Operates seasonally from May through October; typically closed on weekdays during the early and late parts of the season.
