Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum
Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum
Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum
5
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
About
The WW&F Railway in Alna, ME, operates a historic steam-powered two-foot 'narrow gauge' railway through the Sheepscot Valley. The Railway traces its roots to 1894 when the Wiscasset & Quebec Railroad was built north from Wiscasset. With mounting debt & little business, the W&Q reorganized as the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington. Dreams of reaching Quebec, Waterville or Farmington never materialized yet, against the odds, the railway continued to provide a valuable service. Winding through pine forests, farmlands & hamlets, the WW&F connected Maine's interior to the coast until 1933. Brought back from extinction, the railway reopened in 1989. Today, you can ride our historic steam train for a trip back in time, explore our facilities and experience the art of running a steam-powered railway. See why the WW&F’s attractions & events are some of the best things to do in Midcoast. Enjoy Maine as it was a century ago. It is yours to discover and explore – we will take you there.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Marcia A1 contributionGrab the Family & Friends and GO!!!This was Great from begging to end of the Day. Everyone was so friendly and kept you Smiling. The Horses were just so Beautiful and the rides were Awesome. The tents with products were so interesting and so good. Even as cold as it was and no snow for the sleighs (buggy only), it was a perfect Day! You should go!!Thanks for joining us for "Steam and Sleighs to SeaLyon Farm". Yes, the lack of snow was a bit of a downer for us this winter, but we're glad that you enjoyed the horse-drawn wagon rides instead. Come back again for another of our events (in warmer weather!)Written February 29, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 26, 2024
- barbara J1 contributionFun time outWe loved the railway. The volunteers were amazing. So informative and helpful. Rode in the open car to enjoy the views and fresh air. We took lots of photos of the steam engine. Would recommend for families especially those with children.Thanks for the kind words. We're glad that you enjoyed the open car with its open view and fresh air. Please come again to enjoy some our special events such as the Lavender Pickin' Train to SeaLyon Farm, Music on the Railway Concerts, Ride the Rails to Hike the Trails with Midcoast Conservancy, and Pumpkin Pickin' Trains to SeaLyon Farm. Plus don't forget the Victorian Christmas Trains and Market!Written May 2, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 9, 2024
- 300neilw1 contributionAdd this to your must do place in Mainef you want to take a journey into history then look no further. The grounds, staff and support buildings were fascinating but the train ride was the show stopper. The conductor was dressed in authentic garb, came and punched our tickets and answered all our questions about the train, the line and history. We were four adults and a dog. Even the dog enjoyed it after she got over the noise when we left the station. I recommend this for anyone who likes trains and even for those who just want to experience a fun time. A shout out to Ed. You the man!Thanks for visiting us and for the kind review. Please come again, perhaps for one of our special events! (And Ed appreciates the recognition, but don't let it get to his head!)Written August 6, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 5, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Rockdok
West Virginia63 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
This two-foot narrow guage railroad and museum is run by knowledgeable and very friendly volunteers. The train ride is about 8 miles long and lasts for over one hour roundtrip. You can ride in either a restored caboose, coach or open-air flat car. The train is pulled by a bitumious coal burning steam engine or engines. They have other events scheduled along the railroad on some days. The route goes through a nature preserve. You can visit the repair shops, the museum, the sales store, and a large storage building. The storage building contains several original and/or restored rail passenger coach and freight cars. Also, the only two-foot Parlor Car is temporarily stored here. You can either watch or help them turn the engines on the turntables. You can buy your ticket beforehand (recommended) or on site. Check the web site to determine days of operation and scheduled events.
Written October 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting us and we hope to see you again soon on the Sheepscot Narrow Guage!
Written October 25, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Russell N
5 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
I'm a member and volunteer at the museum. I helped lay rail for the display track next to the engine house. Also helped to fireproof the enginehouse. Had a great time.
It's amazing what this group has been able to do. Starting with a single man with a dream, it's now over 1,000 members strong, most actively participating. All of the train crew are volunteers and dedicate many weekends to showing passengers what a train ride was like 100 years ago.
It's amazing what this group has been able to do. Starting with a single man with a dream, it's now over 1,000 members strong, most actively participating. All of the train crew are volunteers and dedicate many weekends to showing passengers what a train ride was like 100 years ago.
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for helping us rebuild Maine history!
Our annual work weekends (held in April and October every year) bring upwards of 100 volunteers to our railway to help lay track, build buildings, and restore railroad equipment. We welcome all ages and abilities to try learning new skills, or just experience what it was like to work on the railroad "all the live-long" day. We encourage visitors to join our volunteer corps as much as they would like and are able. It is especially gratifying to see entire families joining in on the fun!
Oh, and we're now over 1300 members world-wide, making us one of the largest railroad museums in the United States, by membership.
Written July 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
john S
3 contributions
Aug 2022
The WW&F is a living museum which accurately portrays narrow gauge railroading in rural Maine during the early part of the 20th century. The line is built on the roadbed of the original Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway, which was torn out during the mid-1930's. Locomotive 9 was actually operated on the original line during 1933, along with one of the existing coaches, a boxcar and a flatcar. The extremely talented folks here have lovingly restored this equipment and also have built (and are building!) several other pieces. There is also quite a bit of equipment from some of the other 2 foot gauge railroads which once ran in Maine.
The volunteers are very friendly and helpful. They love to tell you the story of their little railroad and are justifiably proud of what this museum has accomplished. I joined this organization several years ago and it is the nicest bunch of people!
Some of the rides are structured to act as transportation to events, such as live concerts at Alna Cente and SeaLyon Farms for pumpkin picking and wagon rides. Hiking trails are also maintained by Midcoast Conservancy at Trout Brook. A train trip can be a pleasant part of a multi-faceted afternoon!
I highly recommend this place!
The volunteers are very friendly and helpful. They love to tell you the story of their little railroad and are justifiably proud of what this museum has accomplished. I joined this organization several years ago and it is the nicest bunch of people!
Some of the rides are structured to act as transportation to events, such as live concerts at Alna Cente and SeaLyon Farms for pumpkin picking and wagon rides. Hiking trails are also maintained by Midcoast Conservancy at Trout Brook. A train trip can be a pleasant part of a multi-faceted afternoon!
I highly recommend this place!
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for being a member of our "nice bunch of people" and your support in our mission to preserve (and rebuild) the railroad with big dreams and little wheels.
Written August 12, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
herb
1 contribution
Jul 2022
A charming little steam engine ride that lasts about an hour. It goes through woods and the breeze from the open car was wonderful on an atypical hot day. The only improvement would be a simple portable mike (or a roving narrator) to tell passengers about the train's history. An older gentlemen who obviously works for the railroad stood at the back of our car and talked with people near him but it would have been great to hear some commentary. A perfect ride for kids, especially if the like trains, since there's also a little museum next to the train.
Written July 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting the all-volunteer WW&F Railway.
We made a conscious decision not to install a PA system in our cars (especially the historic ones built in the 1890s) as we try to offer an authentic "living history" experience that encompasses the entire museum grounds, railyard, and train ride. We do have as many volunteers on the train as are available to answer questions and provide insight as to the railroad - and include a free "museum guide" with every ticket (our apologies if your party did not receive one.)
Written August 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephanie W
Yarmouth, Canada39 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Little did we know, this would end up being the highlight of our trip!
This place is completely run by volunteers-and what an incredible job they do, even wearing similar attire you’d see in 100 year old photos. They were all so kind, friendly and informative. Always smiling!
The train was incredible-the coal, the smoke, the bell and that WHISTLE! Easy to immerse yourself into the past and imagine what life was like long ago.
Highly recommend! We were there roughly 2 hours including the hour long train ride.
This place is completely run by volunteers-and what an incredible job they do, even wearing similar attire you’d see in 100 year old photos. They were all so kind, friendly and informative. Always smiling!
The train was incredible-the coal, the smoke, the bell and that WHISTLE! Easy to immerse yourself into the past and imagine what life was like long ago.
Highly recommend! We were there roughly 2 hours including the hour long train ride.
Written August 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! Thanks for the kind words - we're flabbergasted that our little railroad would be the highlight of your trip. Please come again soon for another adventure on the Sheepscot Narrow Gauge.
Written September 4, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NHjo
Saco, ME15,028 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I visited the site but didn't go on a train ride -- that's something I'd reserve for the autumn, when the foliage is at peak. The 1894 WW&F Railway has an interesting history, and the museum was fun to visit. They hold a lot of special activities, like the Sheepscot Stargazing train ride, Music on the Railway, and the Ice Cream Express.
Written August 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for stopping by and exploring our railway and grounds. The museum grounds (railyard, gift shop, repair shop, etc.) are open every Saturday and can be pursued free of charge. While we love it when our guests also purchase a train ticket for a ride or special event, it is not required to enjoy the sights and sounds of an authentic Maine narrow gauge railroad.
Written August 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kyle B
Biddeford, ME8 contributions
Jul 2022
Now When it comes to Narrow gage Railroads in maine, You have really... two Choices. Maine Narrow gage in Portland that runs a Deasel electric loco. Or the WWF Railway that runs Steam.. I prefer the steam trains because im a sucker for that. I went on the Lavender Picking Dinner train, which rode up to the farm where everyone got off, Given a tractor ride and left at the farm that had a beer tent, A mom and poop cookery selling grass fed hamburgers, and all sorts of stuff, Icecream. ANd you can pick your own lavender if you can brave bees and Hornets. (sadly I have a phobia of Bees and Hornets) So I bought a bundle from the shop. While the only thing that happened was a kid getting eye irritation form the smoke. The Conductor did offer assistance if needed. While I will echo some others about having a pa system or a better way to talk hystory of the line and trains. (MNG and another rail museum does it) How ever I feel that really doesnt impact much. Just enjoy a steam powered journey though the woods of maine.
Written June 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting the WW&F and riding the Lavender Pickin' Train to SeaLyon Farm.
SeaLyon Farm does keep bees (in an area away from most of the activities at the farm.) You can buy the honey right there at the farm. Hornets are of course unwelcome pests and are eradicated as soon as they are discovered (and outside of public visiting hours.)
Steam trains do occasionally emit cinders, and we keep a ready supply of eye wash on hand for those who choose to sit in the open car and happen to catch a stray cinder.
We do make a conscious decision not to have a PA system and narration. Instead we strive to create a more authentic experience from train travel circa 1911, with our train crew interacting directly with passengers as they go about their duties. Every group is given a museum guide upon check in, which explains the history of the railway, the museum collection, and points of interest along the train route. We'd love to add more "car hosts" to improve this one-on-one interaction, and are striving improve this as we garner additional volunteers.
Thanks for the honest feedback and we hope to see you again soon!
Written July 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amy M
Perry, ME87 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
My husband and I heard about this place on the news while packing to leave our B&B continuing our coastal road trip south. We stopped in on a whim, on a Monday, and Steve - a 12-year veteran volunteer — offered us an interesting tour of the place and shared his passion for the narrow gauge train station. Well worth the stop. We only regret not happening by on a Saturday that the trains were running.
Written September 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for stopping by - we're glad Steve was there to show you around. Please come back if you are ever in the area again.
Written September 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Diane B
1 contribution
Feb 2022
Read about this in the newspaper and went prepared for the cold and snowy, muddy conditions with boots. The ticketing was easy. The staff answered our questions and were very friendly. Learning about the trains and the ride, seeing the beautiful Percheron horses, the tasty and reasonable food all served with smiles, the bon fire, the sleigh ride, were all so enjoyable. All of the volunteers and staff have done such a good job in preserving history and the interest in trains.
Written February 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for joining us for "Steam and Sleighs to SeaLyon Farm". We appreciate the kind words and hope that you will visit us again soon on the Sheepscot narrow gauge.
Written May 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Benjamin L
22 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
A real living/working history event. Very nice and informative/ engaged staff. This is a constantly growing and working narrow gauge steam railroad. This is a rustic working exhibits where they are rebuilding vintage equipment on site so expect dirt and grime and running equipment. This is a great unique experience. They have teamed up with a local farm that abuts the tracks and have lavender picking, horse drawn carriage rides, and pumpkin picking activities .
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the kind words and for visiting us. We love our partnership with SeaLyon Farm for certain dates and activities.
Written August 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What is the schedule of activities in September after labor day?
Written July 23, 2017
Hello,
During September, the museum is open every Saturday and Sunday. We will be offering our steam-powered 50 minute trip over the original WW&F Railway plus handcar and model-T railcar rides. In addition visitors are always welcome to explore our historic railcars and buildings. Our first train leaves at 10:30 and our last at 3. You can also bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the Alna Center picnic grove.
Our original 1891 steam locomotive will lead our train on the following dates: September 2,3,9,10,16,17,23, & 30.
Trains will be pulled by our Diesel locomotive on September 24th.
September 30th is the Museum's Fall Festival with Ford Model AA truck rides, Apple bobbing, pumping picking and painting, and more.
Thanks for your question and we look forward to seeing you at the museum!
Written July 24, 2017
The length of the track is currently just over two and a half miles long. Since the trip takes place on a portion of the route of the original Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway, it is not a loop, but a ride between Sheepscot Station in Alna, Maine and "top of the mountain" (also in Alna.) The ride is round-trip, for a total distance of over five miles traveled and takes about 45-50 minutes. Trains depart the station at 97 Cross Road, Alna, Maine at 10, 11, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30pm on summer weekends.
Along the route you will experience travel as was common in rural Maine over 100 years ago. On summer weekends, a 1911 steam engine will pull the wooden cars of your train past brooks, meadows, fields, farms, and even a "flag stop" which served the local farmers until the original railroad ceased operations in 1933.
Back at Sheepscot station, you are free to wander through the rail yard and shop complex. This is a living history museum/heritage railway and you are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and see what it was like to keep these unique narrow gauge railroads operating.
Looking for a unique experience? On most weekends, hand car ("pump car") rides are available within the rail yard (free, subject to crew availability.) Or, ride the railroad in a Model T inspection car (extra fare required.)
-Ed Lecuyer
WW&F Railway Volunteer
Written July 22, 2015
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