Downeast Scenic Railroad

Name: Downeast Scenic Railroad
Address: 8 Railroad Siding Road, Hancock, ME, 04640, US
Telephone: +18664497245
Price range: $
Rating: 4.8

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Downeast Scenic Railroad

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Come ride the train this summer!
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The whole family will enjoy riding the train through the Ellsworth area on the Down East Scenic Railroad. 1-3/4 hour long excursions will leave from Washington Junction in Hancock on Saturdays and Sundays. The whole family will enjoy riding the train through the Ellsworth area on the Down East Scenic Railroad. 1-1/4 hour long excursions will leave from Washington Junction in Hancock on Saturdays and Sundays.

10/16/2026

Looking for the ultimate fall family outing this weekend? 🎃🚂 Our annual Pumpkin Trains run on October 17 & 18!

This special festive ride takes you down our historic 1884 rail line to our trackside pumpkin patch. Kids can step off the train to pick their very own pumpkin, then enjoy FREE onboard snacks and pumpkin decorating stickers on the ride back!

Limited seats! Reserve online at https://downeastscenicrail.org/special-railroad-events/

10/13/2026

THIS WEEKEND! 🎃 Our annual Pumpkin Trains roll out Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18!

Ride the historic Calais Branch and make lasting fall memories with your family. Your excursion includes a trip to the pumpkin patch, a pumpkin for the kids, sticker decorating kits, and free onboard snacks!

🎟️ Last chance to book for this weekend: downeastscenicrail.org

10/12/2026

Today, on Indigenous Peoples' Day, we honor the history, heritage, and enduring culture of the Wabanaki Nations—including the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, Micmac, and Abenaki peoples. 🌲✨

For thousands of years before rails were laid, the Wabanaki served as the original stewards of the forests, rivers, and coastal lands we travel through today in Hancock County.

As we share the history of Downeast Maine along our line, we hold deep gratitude for these lands and the indigenous communities whose heritage enriches our entire region.

10/09/2026

Have a passion for history, mechanics, or community service? 🛠️ Head into the off-season with our volunteer team!

The Downeast Scenic Railroad is powered 100% by dedicated volunteers. From restoring historic wooden coaches and maintaining diesel engines to helping with site grounds and history education, there’s a place for everyone in our crew.

No prior rail experience required! Join our team and help preserve a living piece of Maine heritage.
🤝 Sign up to volunteer: downeastscenicrail.org/donate-support-volunteer/

10/07/2026

As our train heads toward Ellsworth Falls, you are traveling through a historic industrial heartland! 🏗️

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Ellsworth Falls was home to bustling water-powered sawmills, wood turning shops, and granite shipments. The railroad provided the vital link that moved manufactured goods from local mills out to regional ports.

Ride the line that powered coastal Maine's early industrial economy!

🗺️ Explore our route history: downeastscenicrail.org

10/05/2026

Looking for the ultimate fall family outing in Downeast Maine? 🎃🚂 Mark your calendars for our annual Pumpkin Trains on October 17 & 18!

This special festive ride takes you down our historic 1884 rail line to our trackside pumpkin patch. Kids can step off the train to pick their very own pumpkin, then enjoy FREE onboard snacks and pumpkin decorating stickers on the ride back!

Limited seats! Reserve online at https://downeastscenicrail.org/special-railroad-events/

10/02/2026

Maintaining 12 miles of historic track bed takes continuous care and community support! 🪵

Our heavy wooden ties and ballast stone carry the weight of every weekend excursion, but Maine's harsh freeze-thaw cycles naturally wear down track materials over time. Our volunteer track crew routinely inspects, repairs, and replaces track components to keep our historic route smooth and safe.

Learn more at https://downeastscenicrail.org/

10/01/2026

Pick a pumpkin, enjoy free treats, and ride the rails! 🍂✨ Our 1-hour Pumpkin Train (Oct 17 & 18) is designed for fall fun for all ages.

Here is what is included with every ticket:

🚂 Scenic round-trip ride from Washington Junction
🎃 A stop at our trackside Pumpkin Patch for kids to select their pumpkin
🎨 Onboard pumpkin decorating sticker kits
🍿 Snacks for riders on the return trip!

It's an autumn tradition packed into a perfect train ride that little ones will love.
🎟️ Secure your family's seats: downeastscenicrail.org

09/30/2026

During the 1920s and 30s, the prestigious Bar Harbor Express carried passengers straight from New York City and Washington, D.C., to Hancock County without changing trains! 🚂✨

Pullman sleeping cars, dining coaches, and parlor cars rolled along a section of these exact tracks, bringing Gilded Age summer residents to their coastal estates.

Riding our restored coaches lets you experience the same heritage route that defined early 20th-century luxury travel.

🌲 Step back in time: downeastscenicrail.org

09/28/2026

Because steel expands in summer heat and contracts during crisp Maine fall mornings, steel rail sections aren't welded end-to-end on jointed track. Tiny expansion gaps are left between rail ends, held in place by heavy steel joint bars. Every time a wheel rolls over that gap, you hear that classic railroad sound.

Experience authentic jointed rail travel on your next ride!

🎟️ Reserve your weekend seats: downeastscenicrail.org

Address

8 Railroad Siding Road
Hancock, ME
04640

Telephone

+18664497245

Website

https://www.downeastscenicrail.org/

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