Centrally located between the headwaters of both the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers, Rangeley has long been one of Maine’s logging centers. This rich heritage combined with active logging operations, makes Rangeley and ideal location for a museum dedicated to western Maine’s timber heritage. In 1979 a group of loggers, homemakers and area residents founded the Maine Forestry Museum (formerly the Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum). Today, a three-story Main Building stands on an eighteen-acre site, just one mile east of Rangeley on Route 16. An extensive collection of logging artifacts collected over 40 years that include: captivating art collections, including carvings by one of our founders Rodney Richard, known in Rangeley as The Mad Whittler, dioramas by Dave Barten, oil paintings by Alden Grant, one of the last bateaux used on the Dead River drives, photographs, original logging documents, chainsaw collection originating from the 1930’s, manual and heavy equipment from primitive logging operations,(outside display) including Muscles the White Brothers’ forerunner of the skidder and our “new” 1872 Lane sawmill. Children’s play area. Hiking trails lead over Gull Pond Stream to Haley Pond. Covered pavilion picnic area and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail lean- to. Scheduled bus tours welcome.
Admission is Free: Suggested Donation
Memberships: Individual $15, Family $30, Sustaining $100