08/12/2010
All Aboard, New Scenic Railroad Leaving Ellsworth Station
Once a popular way to get to Acadia for vacation, train service has been absent for a quarter century. Originally starting at Brewer, the train used to stop at Hancock Point where passengers would hop onto a steamship to take them to Bar Harbor. For the first time in over 25 years train whistles will be heard in Ellsworth, Maine. Starting Saturday July 31, 2010 you can climb aboard for a ride.
Leaving only twice a day on weekends (on Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 and 1:30pm), who could resist a scenic 90 minute ride in a classic ca. 1916 passenger car? It’s an experiment after all. So if you are a train buff, come support the efforts of a group of 500+ volunteers who love trains just like you do. They call themselves The Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust.
Like my brother-in-law who has much of the
Colorado train system modeled in his basement, this effort is a labor of love for the local die-hard train buffs, just full scale. Rides last 90 minutes and travel to Ellsworth Falls, reverse and then to Washington Junction 
and back to the depot. The depot is at the site of the old one; on Maine Street just northeast of High Street. But tickets can be purchased at Cadillac Mountain Sports at 32 High Street; since the boarding platform is between the two sites, it’s best to park by the store. The ride costs $12 for adults and $8 for kids 4 to 12. For a special ride, try the caboose for $17 and $13.
Future plans call for extending the trip to Green Lake, another 10 miles. Take the trip for a chance to see Ellsworth and environs as only the rails can offer. 
Now and Then: Not so long ago rail travel was a real option for folks coming here for vacation. Maine Central Railroad used to offer passenger service deep into Maine’s interior. Those rails are in most cases still available for future service, though serious upgrading is necessary. Today, you can take the train from Boston’s North Station to Portland for $24. Then you’re on your own! Plans and funding have been approved to extend service to Brunswick. Stay tuned.
Maine Central Rail map 1923
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Filed under Day trips, History, Things To Do, off island by on Aug 12th, 2010. Comment.
Comments on All Aboard, New Scenic Railroad Leaving Ellsworth Station »
Hey, cool blog. I’m having fun with AMIIK in Idaho Falls. We had the big Ranch/Amy’s graduation celebration last week. S&D just bought a new house last night. Bye.
i was traveling back from bar harbor when i noticed an old railbed.i was sadened when i notice an exempt sign at the crossing,until i heard the sound of a locomtive!i was only passing throuh town so i was un able to actially stop, however i got a glance of the decal of the locomotive and got acadia scenic. i am glad to see that you are putting the effort in to get trains back on the rails.i just hope they leave what they dont use, it would be a shame to see a rail trail.good luck with your efforts, if i lived closer i would volunteer my services.
-T.F. Parker
My daughter is 3 years old , it didn’t have a price for her is it she can’t ride or does she ride for free ? Also where do we get onto the train in Ellsworth ?
I believe she can ride for free, since there is no fare listed for children under 4 at the website, http://www.downeastscenicrail.org. Tomorrow, 10/17 is the final day for the season, and the 1:30 trip is sold out. There is space on the 10:30 train. The train can be boarded at Cadillac Mountain Sports at 32 High Street. Call 866-449-RAIL for more info.