Cole Land Transportation Museum

The Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor preserves and displays a cross-section of Maine’s land-transportation equipment, from 1840s-era covered bridge pieces to modern trucks. Exhibits include antique automobiles, motorcycles, locomotives, fire apparatus, farm equipment and multiple veterans’ memorials.

Open seasonally from May 1 through November 11 (daily, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM), the museum offers a self-guided tour, education resources for school groups, and on-site events. Admission rates are posted on the museum website; children under 19 are free.

A compact, easy-to-walk museum with indoor and outdoor displays covering transportation technology and local history.

Look out for:

• A 72-foot 1840s-era covered bridge exhibit and related outdoor displays.

• Over 200 vehicles spanning wagons, antique cars, motorcycles, buses, trucks and tractors.

• Multiple veterans’ memorials honoring WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Purple Heart recipients.

• Interpretive panels and artifacts that explain how transportation shaped Maine’s communities.

Best way to experience it: Arrive mid-morning to allow 1–2 hours for the self-guided route, combine indoor galleries with the outdoor bridge area, and check the museum website or phone for seasonal hours and special events before visiting.

• Seasonal hours: open May 1–Nov 11, daily 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Admission details and reduced rates are on the museum website; children under 19 are free.

• Self-guided tours and school/education materials are available; call ahead for group info.

• Outdoor exhibits and memorials are exposed to weather—dress accordingly.