History: Longtime Maine residents, Galen and Sue Cole, founded the Galen Cole Family Land Transportation Museum in 1991. Over 77 vehicles were donated to the museum and some of Cole’s father’s vehicle collection helped to start the museum. Galen Cole was a World War II veteran and was passionate about supporting veterans of all wars.
Collections and Highlights: The collection holds over 200 vehicles, from wagons to 18-wheelers. Other types of transportation include antique vehicles, motorcycles, trains, fire trucks, farm equipment, and more. The collection is split into themes based on the type of vehicle on display and its purpose. The themes include the Railroad, the Farm Place, Fire Engine Land, Motorcycles and Bicycles, and Snowplow Alley. The museum also houses hundreds of military artifacts covering wars from the Civil War to WWII. Artifacts include military uniforms, weapons, and military vehicles. Memorials are located at the museum, including the Maine WWII Veterans Memorial, Maine Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Maine Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Maine Military Order of the Purple Heart Memorial.
Exhibitions, Events & Programs: The current featured exhibit is the Maine Central Caboose, which was used on the Western Maryland Railroad. The caboose was sold to the Maine Central Railroad in the 1960s and ran throughout the Bangor area. Visitors can walk through the caboose, which is displayed exactly as it was when it was a working train.
Tours: Contact the museum for more information on tours and field trips.
Season/Hours of Operation:
- Open seasonally, seven days a week
- May 1 - November 11, 9 AM - 5 PM
Admission:
- Adults: $7
- Senior Citizens and Military: $5
- AAA Admission: $6
- Children under 19: Free
