The complex of 7 buildings is situated on 72 acres of land at the east end of Haley Pond with Rangeley Village at the west end. Canoe/kayak access from the pond via a short trail to the festival grounds. The museum is located one mile outside of Rangeley, on Route 16, heading towards Stratton.
The main building displays some very unique knife carvings, chain saw carvings and other works, such as models, in wood. The chainsaw collection is large and covers the entire history of that type of saw. A small but important section of the museum is set up so young children can play with toy logging trucks and equipment. Our largest display is of a Bateau boat, that was used in the days of our pulp river drives.
What most people find the most outstanding in the museum is the 19 large paintings by Alden Grant depicting the complete process of logging in the area from stump to mill in 1915 to 1928. Those valuable paintings recently have been digitized so they can be reproduced for public purchase. All 19 paintings are available in the original full size, prints and greeting cards.
Our outside pole shed storage display area is filled with unique equipment of by-gone operations. A snubbing machine, a wood stove, swing table saw, driven by a Model A Ford engine, a left hand Lane saw mill, and probably the largest and most interesting would be the Muscle #3 which is the forerunner to the modern skidder.
We have a 100' covered Pavilion filled with picnic tables with three outdoor buildings supporting food storage, prep and serving. Large field area and with seating it is ideal for our logging contest. Our annual festival is always held on the last full week end in July which is a fun-filled two day event. Contests, programs, events, music, and a special noon "full meal" of bean hole beans (buried in the ground for 18 hours) Bakewell Cream biscuits and much more. The 72 acres have trails leading down to Haley Pond with access to water front; picnic tables are set for use. We continue to network with area schools to promote knowledge of Maine's most useful crop... trees. Our list of events can be found at our website, www.rlrlm.org and from there, check out our Facebook page where you'll find a multitude of photos of all of our events, happenings.
To preserve the rich cultural heritage of logging in the Rangeley Lakes Region so that it may be shared with generations to come; to educate about the contributions of logging, logging families, and the logging industry; to instill appreciation for the natural resources of the western Maine forest; and to inspire visitors to support this cultural preservation and encourage others to join in the effort.
Centrally located between the headwaters of both the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers, Rangeley has long been one of Maine's logging centers. Native Americans used the forest of spruce, balsam fir, beech, birch, and poplar for their homes, canoes, foods, and medicines.
Timber rights attracted the first white settlers to the area in 1794, and 1833 saw the beginning of the first woods industry shingle mill. Several decades later, booms of logs and, later, pulp were towed across Rangeley's lakes and driven down her rivers.
Rangeley's forests were home to some of the last stands of virgin spruce. This rich heritage, combined with active logging operations, makes Rangeley an ideal location for a museum dedicated to western Maine's timber heritage.
Many historical logging artifacts, both indoor and outdoor.
book lectures, integrated school children programs, historic discussions, bus and large group tours (please call ahead), educational festivals, etc.
Comfortably accommodates 50 people for lectures, book signings, meetings, etc.
Can easily hold 100 (plus) vendors for festivals.
Covered 100' pavilion with picnic tables, 3 usable shacks w/electric, stove, fridge amenities, sound stage w/electricity, wooden benches for seating & viewing performances, competitions, etc.
Children's outdoor play area - think Birthday Party
camping available for hikers and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail connection
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: False
Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
Event Rental
Group Tours