Rebuilt on the original right-of-way near Alna, the Wiscasset Waterville and Farmington Railway Museum is home to one of the most authentic recreations of Maine’s 2-foot gauge railroads that operated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Choices
The Wiscasset Waterville and Farmington Railway Museum offer excursions on 3 miles of rebuilt tracks through the woods from Sheepscot Station to Trout Brook, where there is a rare former Boston & Maine boxed pony truss bridge and a turntable.
When to go
The museum is open year-round on Saturdays and excursions are offered every weekend from May until October. Excursions are also offered on select dates in the winter. Special events are also held throughout the year in coordination with local community groups, including rides to concerts at a pavilion part-way up the line or a nearby farm where people can pick pumpkins in the fall.
Good to know
The museum houses the largest collection of equipment from Maine’s famous 2-foot gauge railroads, thanks to a partnership with the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum in Portland. The railroad’s primary operating steam locomotive, No. 9, was built in 1891 and operated on three different narrow-gauge railroads.
Worth doing
The railroad museum is located a few miles from Wiscasset, fondly known as Maine’s prettiest little village. The town has numerous historic homes, a picturesque waterfront, and Red’s Eats, home to what is often hailed as the state’s best lobster roll.
Don’t miss
Every August, the railroad hosts an annual picnic for its members and the public. The weekend usually features special excursions and photo freights. Advanced ticket purchases are recommended for that and other special runs.
Getting there
The museum is located 50 miles northeast of Portland. From Route 1 in Wiscasset, turn on Route 218 and drive north about 4 miles. Take a left on Cross Road and drive a quarter of a mile. The museum will be on your right.
Location: 97 Cross Road, Alna, ME
Phone: 207-882-4193
Website: wwfry.org
E-mail: info@wwfry.org
