For those who love Maine history, one of the most fascinating areas is how our railway system got its start. Much of it was related to the logging industry, but it was also vital to making Vacationland a go-to destination among Boston and New York elites. The first railroad companies here got their start in 1832 and the first tracks were finished in 1836. But, there's so much more to learn! To do it, head to this fun and interactive museum.
The Boothbay Railway Museum in Boothbay offers a fun way to spend the day, while also providing education on both the history of trains and Maine.
Unlike some museums where you'll walk through corridors of dusty exhibits, the Railway Village is like stepping back in time.
Walk through the doors and you'll be transported to 1820 when the country (and the state!) was working to become an industrial powerhouse.
The village is home to the same small 24” gauge trains that helped keep life humming throughout America and especially in Maine where so many areas were hard to access.
You'll be able to see both trains and cars at the village, while understanding the role that each mode of transportation played in both the lives and work of Mainers.
To make the experience truly interactive, the staff here steps into the roles of folks who keep things moving back in the 1800s. From conductors to engineers to mechanics, they embrace their characters and help both kids and adults learn more.
Because the village is set up just as one might have been over a hundred years ago, you'll find things like shops, a barn, a chapel, Town Hall, a fire station, a garage and other historic structures.
The 30-acre village is easily explored, but interesting enough to keep your attention for a day trip.
Best of all, its location in beautiful Boothbay makes it an easy add-on to your vacation. You can get here from a lot of different places in the the state.
Visiting the village during their summer and fall season is always fun. But be sure to check their calendar for holiday events in December! This is one Maine destination that's always got something special to offer.
The Boothbay Railway Village is scheduled to be open for the 2020 season from June 20th through October 12th between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for adults 65+ and $8 for children 3-18. Admission is free for kids under 3, museum members, Maine foster families with ID, and active duty military families with ID. You can learn more about the museum through their website or follow them on Facebook. They can be reached on 207-633-4727.
Looking for more ways to learn about the state and the world around you? Here are 10 museums in Maine that are just too weird for words.
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