Cole Land Transportation Museum — Attraction in Bangor

Cole Land Transportation Museum – A Must-See Stop in Bangor!

During a trip to Bangor earlier in 2025, I stopped at the Cole Land Transportation Museum—and it ended up being one of the best parts of the visit. I was welcomed right away by two fellow veterans volunteering at the front, and that connection alone made the experience more meaningful. I also received a handcrafted Maine maple walking stick—a thoughtful gift the museum gives to veterans as a way to honor their service and offer something lasting to take home.

Inside, the museum holds an impressive collection of land transportation history—antique snowplows, fire trucks, tractors, military vehicles, and more. From restored Model Ts to equipment used in Maine’s logging and farming industries, everything is well displayed with clear signage and wide walkways to explore at your own pace.

I also learned more about the museum’s background. It was founded by Galen Cole, a WWII veteran and trucking company owner, who wanted to preserve local transportation history while also honoring veterans and educating future generations. That mission really comes through as you walk through the exhibits—it’s more than just old equipment.

The volunteers shared how committed the museum is to veteran outreach and education. They mentioned how the museum hosts school groups, military reunions, and community events that promote patriotism and civic responsibility. Outside, there’s a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter and an M60 tank surrounded by plaques and flags in a memorial area that’s both quiet and powerful.

Admission was very reasonable, and the visit was absolutely worth it. Whether you’re into history, vehicles, or just looking for something different in the Bangor area, I highly recommend stopping here. I’d go back...

Staff made the trip worth it Rainy Mothers day in Bangor ended with a wild idea to check out that tank place we drive by every day. Inside we could not have prepared ourselves for the magic inside, the staff. Everyone in my caravan took an activity and it was 5 hours of find this and that. My mother took the hardest one which was numbers, by the end she had 3 staff members helping her find the hidden objects and eventually the 3rd caved in and went to ask his wife at the front desk for the answer key in the scavenger hunt. The man was so nice he bought my mother a coffee because he enjoyed his time with her running around the museum. Absolutely fantastic. Fun for all ages, and i do mean all ages. even the teenagers, young adults, special needs adult and the parents had a ball. Only tip: Bring a jacket, the AC was...

Came here on Friday 5/1, the first day they opened for 2025. The museum is extremely well done, both with respect to the quality of the displays and detail provided. We met a volunteer named dan who was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. He told us a lot about the exhibits that went beyond what was said in placards…it was like a private tour. He brought our kids into The post office and let them try a phone, talked about Morse code and shared a lot Of the history. The museum was great but having Dan spend so much time with us made it even better, thank you! Highly recommend this museum. You can spend an hour or several depending on how much you want to read and learn. Excellent for kids! (Ours...