Many people only think of the coast when they think of Maine, but one of the jewels of the state is our forested inland and lakes. Often warmer than the coast and always uniquely beautiful, western Maine offers a landscape unfamiliar to many who simply visit Maine for a week at a time. If you’ve spent a lot of time in coastal Maine, think about taking a trip inland. And when you do, take a trip on this special mountain train!

In 1879, Franklin County in Maine became connected!
Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad / Facebook
At the time, the Maine Central Railroad terminated in Farmington, which meant those in Franklin County felt completely disconnected. Rangeley, which was a resort area, also wanted a form of public transportation.
Towns nearby, such as Strong, Philips and Kingfield also felt the need for a better way to get around.
Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad / Facebook
Adding to the need was the timber growing in the northern part of the county that had no way of being shipped to southern markets.
To fix these issues, The Sandy River Railroad was born!
Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad / Facebook
The economical two-foot gauge track ran for 18 miles between Farmington and Phillips through Strong.

Throughout the years the followed, extensions were made and new railroads were created linking to Kingfield, Carrabassett and Bigelow.

But, like all things, innovation changed the face of transportation. By the 1920s, cars and trucks entered into the daily life of residents in Franklin County and by 1930 the railroad saw a significant decline. There were less trains and fewer passengers.

Between 1935 and 1936, the railroad was dismantled.
But, thanks to the care and dedication of volunteers, an huge effort was made beginning in 1970.
BBDY / TripAdvisor
Volunteers began the effort to rebuild the railroad, restore the cars and even lay new rail on part of the old tracks in Phillips.
Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad / Facebook
And today, visitors can experience this wonderful part of Maine history by visiting the Sandry River & Rangeley Railroad in Phillips, Maine.
Holly W / TripAdvisor

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Visitors will learn about the steam locomotive, on loan from the Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, and take a scenic ride through the forested area.
Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad / Facebook
Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad / Facebook
Passengers sit in either the 1884 vintage coach or a caboose that was built in the 1980s.
Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad / Facebook
Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad / Facebook
Trains run from Memorial Day through early fall with a number of special events taking place between.
Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad / Facebook
Enjoy a fall foliage ride, a haunted ghost ride, and a number of reenactment days.
Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad / Facebook
Tickets are $6 per adult or child age 13 and older, just $1 for children under 13, and children under 6 can ride for free.
Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad / Facebook

The Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad is located at 128 Bridge Street in Phillips, Maine. They can be reached at 207-639-2228 or you can email them at Secretary@srrl-rr.org on days when they are not open.

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