12 Memorable Maine Adventures You Can Reach By Train
What could be better than letting someone else handle the driving while you watch New England roll past the window? A rail trip through Maine can place beaches, museums, and coastal adventures within easy reach, often with only a short walk or local transit connection after arrival.
Amtrak’s Downeaster links Boston with Brunswick, stopping in communities packed with reasons to leave the platform and explore. You can spend the morning near the ocean, browse remarkable art later that day, or add a ferry ride to the itinerary.
Each stop brings a different side of the state into view without the usual traffic or parking headaches. The 12 destinations ahead include family attractions, peaceful nature escapes, and surprising pieces of history.
Pack light, check the local connections, and let the train shape the day.
1. Wells Reserve At Laudholm, Wells
Few places in Maine reward a slow morning walk quite like the Wells Reserve at Laudholm, a 2,250-acre coastal reserve. Seven miles of trails wind through salt marshes, fields, and barrier beach ecosystems that feel refreshingly untouched.
The reserve is part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, meaning the land is actively protected for both science and public enjoyment.
Getting here by train is straightforward. Ride the Amtrak Downeaster to Wells station, then catch a quick taxi or rideshare for roughly 10 minutes to reach the trailhead.
Spring and early fall are particularly rewarding, when migratory birds pass through in impressive numbers and the marshes shift between greens and golds.
The on-site Laudholm Farm visitor center offers exhibits on local ecology and the history of the working farm that once stood here. Admission is free in the off-season, making it one of the most accessible natural escapes on this entire list.
Address: 342 Laudholm Farm Rd, Wells, ME 04090
2. Saco Museum, Saco
History fans, this one is for you. The Saco Museum has been preserving the story of southern Maine since 1866, making it one of the oldest museums in the state.
Its collection spans decorative arts, portraits, furniture, and artifacts that paint a vivid picture of New England life from the 17th century onward.
Arriving by train is genuinely easy. The Amtrak Downeaster drops you at Saco station, and the museum is roughly one mile away, reachable on foot or with a short taxi ride.
The walk itself passes through a classic New England downtown, which is worth the stroll on its own.
Inside, rotating exhibitions keep the experience fresh even for repeat visitors. The permanent galleries feature a standout collection of early American furniture and painted portraits that feel surprisingly intimate rather than stuffy.
Admission is affordable, and the knowledgeable staff are happy to share stories that bring every object to life.
Address: 371 Main St, Saco, ME 04072
3. Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is one of those places that earns its reputation every single summer. The seven-mile stretch of white sand draws families, couples, and solo travelers who come for the surf, the sun, and the buzzing seaside atmosphere that has been thriving here since the 1800s.
Train access does not get more convenient than this. The seasonal Amtrak Downeaster stop puts you just a few minutes on foot from the shoreline, so you can step off the train and have sand between your toes before the hour is up.
The beach faces southwest, which means long, golden afternoon light that photographers and sunset-chasers absolutely love.
Beyond swimming and sunbathing, the beach offers paddleboard rentals, beach volleyball, and a lively pier lined with food vendors and games.
The whole area has a nostalgic, carnival-like energy that feels genuinely cheerful. Plan your visit for July or August to catch the liveliest crowds and the warmest water.
Address: 11 First St, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
4. Palace Playland, Old Orchard Beach
Right on the beach Palace Playland holds the title of New England’s only beachfront amusement park, and it absolutely leans into that distinction.
The park has been entertaining visitors since 1902, and its mix of classic rides and modern attractions gives it a personality that feels both nostalgic and genuinely fun.
From the Amtrak Downeaster’s seasonal Old Orchard Beach station, the park is roughly a five-minute walk, which makes it one of the easiest train-to-thrill-ride trips imaginable. Kids go wild for the modern roller coasters, the Ferris wheel with ocean views, and the arcade games that line the midway.
Older visitors tend to appreciate the park’s history as much as its rides. The park’s carousel adds another touch of classic amusement-park charm.
Palace Playland is open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, so timing your Downeaster trip for summer is the smart move here.
Address: 1 Old Orchard St, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
5. Children’s Museum And Theatre Of Maine, Portland
Creative kids and curious families will find their happy place at the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine.
The museum is packed with hands-on exhibits that encourage imagination, from a kid-sized grocery store to science stations where young visitors can explore real concepts through play.
Getting here from the train is simple. Portland Transportation Center is roughly half a mile away, making it an easy walk or a very short rideshare trip.
The Thompson’s Point neighborhood also has a relaxed, creative vibe that fits perfectly with an afternoon of family exploration.
The theatre side of the museum is a genuine bonus, offering live performances designed specifically for young audiences throughout the year. These productions are professionally staged and surprisingly engaging even for adults who tag along.
Birthday parties, school field trips, and rainy-day adventures all find a natural home here. Check the website for current exhibit schedules before you visit.
Address: 250 Thompsons Point Rd, Portland, ME 04102
6. Portland Museum Of Art, Portland
Portland’s art scene punches well above its weight, and the Portland Museum of Art is the main reason why.
Founded in 1882, it is the oldest and largest art museum in Maine, housing an impressive collection that spans American, European, and contemporary works. Winslow Homer’s seascape paintings, many inspired by the Maine coast, are a particular draw.
From Portland Transportation Center, hop on Greater Portland METRO Route 1 toward the Arts District and you will arrive without any hassle. The museum sits right on Congress Square, making it easy to spot and even easier to spend several hours inside.
The building itself is worth admiring, with a striking modern wing designed by Henry N. Cobb of I.M.
Pei and Partners that contrasts beautifully with the historic Federal-style structure next door.
Free admission is offered on Friday evenings, which is a fantastic option if you are traveling on a budget. The museum shop also stocks excellent locally made gifts.
Address: 7 Congress Square, Portland, ME 04101
7. Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. And Museum, Portland
There is something wonderfully circular about arriving in Portland by train and then hopping aboard another train at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. and Museum.
This waterfront attraction preserves the history of Maine’s two-foot-gauge railroads, which were once used to haul freight and passengers across some of the state’s most remote terrain.
From Portland Transportation Center, take the METRO or a short taxi to the waterfront and you are there.
The museum’s collection of antique locomotives and passenger cars is genuinely impressive, and the small-scale train rides along the edge of Casco Bay offer views that most visitors do not expect from a museum trip.
The staff here are passionate historians who can explain the surprisingly important role that narrow gauge railroads played in connecting rural Maine communities before modern roads took over.
Weekend rides are especially popular, so arriving early gives you the best chance of a quiet, unhurried experience. Bring a camera for the bay views.
Address: 65 Thames St, Portland, ME 04101
8. Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal, Portland
Portland is a gateway city, and nowhere does that feel more true than at the Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal.
From this working waterfront hub, ferries run year-round to the Casco Bay Islands, including Peaks Island, Great Diamond Island, and Long Island, each with its own character and community.
Reach the terminal from Portland Transportation Center via METRO Route 1 or a quick taxi ride. Peaks Island is the most popular day trip, just a 20-minute ferry ride from the dock, and it rewards visitors with quiet roads perfect for cycling, rocky shoreline walks, and a small but welcoming island community.
The ferry itself is part of the experience. Locals use it as a commuter route, so you get an authentic slice of island life rather than a purely tourist-facing attraction.
Grab a window seat on the upper deck for the best views of Portland’s skyline as the city shrinks behind you. Ferries run frequently, making spontaneous trips easy.
Address: 56 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
9. Portland Observatory, Portland
Standing on Munjoy Hill since 1807, the Portland Observatory is the last remaining maritime signal tower in the United States.
It was originally built so that merchants could spot their ships entering Casco Bay before anyone else, giving them a head start on preparing for cargo. Today, it offers something even more valuable: a 360-degree view of Portland, the harbor, and the islands beyond.
From Portland Transportation Center, take METRO Route 1 and follow it with a manageable walk up the hill, or grab a taxi for a roughly 10-minute ride. The climb up the tower’s interior staircase is steep but absolutely worth the effort.
Guided tours run throughout the day during the summer season and cover the tower’s fascinating history in detail.
The building itself has been carefully preserved, and the view from the top on a clear day stretches all the way to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It is a perspective on Maine that most visitors never find.
Address: 138 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
10. L.L.Bean Flagship Campus, Freeport
Even if shopping is not your primary reason for visiting Maine, the L.L.Bean Flagship Campus is worth a stop for sheer cultural curiosity.
The store is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, a policy that has been in place since 1951, and it genuinely feels less like a retail store and more like an outdoor recreation theme park.
Freeport Station on the Amtrak Downeaster is only about a five-minute walk from the front door, making this one of the most train-friendly destinations on the entire list.
The campus spans multiple buildings covering outdoor gear, clothing, footwear, and home goods, along with a fly-fishing pond and a climbing wall for hands-on testing.
The iconic giant boot sculpture outside the main entrance has become one of Maine’s most photographed landmarks, and the surrounding town of Freeport is packed with outlet stores and excellent restaurants if you want to extend your visit.
Free parking is available for those arriving by car, but train travelers have the easier commute here.
Address: 95 Main St, Freeport, ME 04032
11. Bowdoin College Museum Of Art, Brunswick
College art museums sometimes feel like they are meant only for students, but the Bowdoin College Museum of Art is a genuine exception.
Free and open to the public, it holds one of the finest collections in New England, featuring works by old masters, American painters, and contemporary artists that would feel at home in a major metropolitan museum.
Brunswick Station on the Amtrak Downeaster is about a 15-minute walk from the museum, passing through a charming downtown and along the edge of the beautiful Bowdoin campus. The walk itself sets the tone for a thoughtful, unhurried afternoon.
The Walker Art Building, designed by Charles McKim in 1894, is an architectural highlight on its own, with a rotunda decorated with murals by John La Farge and other prominent American artists. The museum hosts regular lectures, tours, and special exhibitions throughout the year.
Visiting on a weekday morning tends to offer a quieter, more contemplative experience than weekend afternoons.
Address: 255 Maine St, Brunswick, ME 04011
12. Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum, Brunswick
Robert Peary and Donald MacMillan, two of history’s most celebrated polar explorers, both had deep ties to Bowdoin College, and the Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum tells their stories in extraordinary detail.
The collection includes original expedition equipment, photographs, diaries, and maps from journeys to the Arctic that took place in the early 1900s when such travel was genuinely uncharted territory.
From Brunswick Station, the museum is about one mile away, reachable on foot for those who enjoy a walk or by a short taxi ride for those who prefer to save their energy for the exhibits. Admission is free, which makes the trip feel like an unexpected gift.
The museum’s thematic exhibitions explore Arctic cultures, environments, history, and exploration through both historical and contemporary perspectives.
The personal diaries and handwritten notes on display make the expeditions feel strikingly human rather than simply heroic. This is easily one of Maine’s most underrated cultural stops.
Address: 10 Polar Loop, Brunswick, ME 04011