Alna, Maine

Sheepscot River villages and heritage rail

Overview

Alna stretches along the Sheepscot River north of Wiscasset. The village of Head Tide, its stone church, and the 1898 Head Tide Dam reflect the town’s river history. The volunteer-run Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum offers steam train rides through fields and marshland, making Alna a hidden history stop in the Midcoast.

Key Facts

Population 720

Region Midcoast Maine

County Lincoln

Founded 1794

Nearest City Wiscasset (10 minutes)

Town Office Visit official website

What Alna Is Known For

Alna Local Highlights

Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway

A restored narrow-gauge line offering seasonal steam excursions and events.

Head Tide Historic District

A compact riverside village with 19th-century homes and a landmark church.

Sheepscot scenery

Tidal river views, marshes, and backroads connecting to Wiscasset and Newcastle.

Things to Do

Ride the steam train

Take a WW&F Railway excursion through Alna’s fields and woodlands.

River photography

Capture marsh light and historic Head Tide along the Sheepscot.

Midcoast day trip

Pair Alna with nearby Wiscasset, Damariscotta, and coastal villages.

Living in Alna

Alna offers rural Midcoast living with river views and quick access to Route 1 services in Wiscasset. Residents value its quiet pace, open land, and community rail volunteers.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm, 70-80 F

winter

Cold, 10-30 F with coastal moisture

spring

Cool and muddy, 40-55 F

fall

Crisp, 45-60 F with bright foliage along the river

How to Get There

Reach Alna from Route 218 north of Wiscasset; Route 1 access is about 10 minutes away.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Alna outline

Outdoor Recreation

Fishing in Maine 2026: Complete Freshwater & Saltwater Guide

Year-round (Open water & Ice fishing)

Hiking

Year-round (Best: May - Oct)

Lighthouse Touring

Year-round (Best: June - Oct)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alna known for?

Alna is known for the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway, a restored narrow-gauge line offering seasonal steam train excursions. The town also features the historic Head Tide village with 19th-century homes, a landmark church, and scenic Sheepscot River views.

What is the WW&F Railway?

The Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway is a volunteer-run heritage railroad museum in Alna that operates restored steam locomotives on a narrow-gauge track. Seasonal excursions take visitors through fields and marshland, offering a unique glimpse into Maine's railroad history.

What can you do in Alna?

Visitors can ride the historic steam train at the WW&F Railway, explore the Head Tide Historic District with its riverside village and 1898 dam, photograph the scenic Sheepscot marshes, and combine a visit with nearby Wiscasset and Damariscotta for a full Midcoast day trip.