by Lisa Putnam

Created on: August 06, 2010   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

All aboard!  The Florida Railroad Museum doesn’t just show visitors locomotives; it allows guests to ride them!  Everyone climbs aboard one of their many trains to ride the 90 minute, 13 mile round trip excursion that will entertain the entire family.

This nonprofit museum opened in 1981 and is run completely by volunteers whose aim is to educate and preserve historically important railroad artifacts, especially ones that pertain to Florida railroad history.  Every weekend, visitors can buy a ticket at the ticket counter and then board the train.  Guests can choose between open window coaches, air-conditioned coaches, lounge cars, and cabooses.  Cabooses or the entire train can be rented out for birthdays, family reunions, or other celebrations. 

Ongoing special events keep the Florida Railroad Museum fresh.  Train robberies are a common occurrence at the Florida Railroad Museum.  The “Hole-in-the-Head Gang” may rob the gold that is being shipped on the train.  The US Marshals will have to defend the gold and the innocent passengers from the wild and crazy thieves!  Every October the “Pumpkin Patch Express” takes children on a themed train ride with face painting, crafts, a pumpkin, and a hayride.  The Civil War Weekend held in the fall recreates an authentic camp ground, educates passengers about US history, and throws everyone into a battle between Confederate and Union soldiers.  Those interested in historical reenactments won’t want to miss Von Kessinger’s Express where guests are transported back in time to 1944 as French citizens who hope to escape.  At the “Hobo Campfire” riders can share a campfire meal and listen to stories based on years past.  The highly anticipated Christmas Express offers a fun filled ride to the North Pole to meet Santa Clause.  As well as themed rides there are special weekends that offer free trips for kids, moms, dads, grandparents, and other discounts.  Many of the special events sell out days and even weeks before the actual ride, so make sure tickets are purchased online or in person before the date to ensure a spot. 

Those interested in running their own 1,500 horsepower train can at the Florida Railroad Museum!  Everyone that is at least 18 years old, holds a valid driver’s license, and are physically capable are able to rent a locomotive for an hour.  For many this may be a dream come true and could be the perfect gift for the train fan that has everything!

General train departures are held at 11am and 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays.  Special events like the Pumpkin Patch Express and the Christmas Express usually occur at 9am, 12pm, 3pm, and 9pm on Saturday and Sundays but they sell out quickly so make sure tickets are purchased ahead of time.  Tickets are $12 for adults ages 12 and up, $8 for children, and children under 3 are free.  Special event tickets may cost more. 

Visitors to the Florida Railroad Museum will not be disappointed.  In fact, chances are good that new visitors will return again and again to experience history on a train.  For more information go to: http://www.frrm.org/

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