Ocean View Station Museum
A charming museum preserving the vibrant history of Norfolk's Ocean View district, from its famous amusement park to local life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Ocean View Station Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming museum preserving the vibrant history of Norfolk's Ocean View district, from its famous amusement park to local life.
"A nostalgic glimpse into the past, this small museum is packed with local history and cherished memories."
Check Library Hours First
Museum hours align with Pretlow Library. Confirm times as it's volunteer-run. :clock1:
Support This Local Gem
Donations are highly appreciated to help preserve Ocean View's history. :heart:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Amusement Park Relics
Inside the museum
See a restored roller coaster car and other artifacts from the iconic Ocean View amusement park.
Nostalgic Photo Collection
Museum exhibits
A vast array of photos capturing the essence of Ocean View's past, from its heyday to local life.
Local Lore & Memorabilia
Museum displays
Explore exhibits on naval history, WWII impact, local storms, and school memories.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse into Ocean View's Past
Location & Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Library Hours First
Museum hours align with Pretlow Library. Confirm times as it's volunteer-run. :clock1:
Support This Local Gem
Donations are highly appreciated to help preserve Ocean View's history. :heart:
Chat with the Curator
Charles, the curator, is very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. :speech_balloon:
Quick History Fix
Ideal for a 15-20 minute visit if you're exploring Norfolk's local history. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Library Hours First
Museum hours align with Pretlow Library. Confirm times as it's volunteer-run. :clock1:
Support This Local Gem
Donations are highly appreciated to help preserve Ocean View's history. :heart:
Chat with the Curator
Charles, the curator, is very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. :speech_balloon:
Quick History Fix
Ideal for a 15-20 minute visit if you're exploring Norfolk's local history. :stopwatch:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Ocean View Station Museum for its nostalgic look at local history, especially the remnants of the beloved amusement park. While many praise the dedication of volunteers and the wealth of information packed into the small space, some find the museum a bit cramped and wish for a larger venue to better showcase its treasures.
"Growing up in the Norfolk area, you hear a lot about Ocean View, so it was wonderful to see pieces of its history in person. The museum is filled with photos, trinkets, tickets, and even a restored car from the famous roller coaster— a nostalgic glimpse into the past. Nearly everyone from around here knows someone who was an extra in the movie where they blew the coaster up, and it’s great to see these memories preserved.
The museum does a fantastic job maintaining and presenting all these materials, creating a space where you can truly interact with local history. They make great use of the space but it would be nice if they had a larger space to work. It’s attached to the library, so when you enter the main entrance, the museum is to the right. Highly recommend stopping by and leaving a donation to help keep this gem available for future generations."
R R
"Cute and small hyper local history museum. I want to call it more of a local historical center with a bunch of artifacts, articles and art. The space is definitely too small for the mission and vision. Still, I'm grateful to the volunteers who run it. Definitely a wealth of interesting information."
Dark Seraphim
"This is a small museum in Pretlow library. There is not much info about it anywhere. But, it keeps the same hours as the library (though it is volunteer run and doesn't always open on time) and is to the right of the main entrance - so if you have 15-20 minutes and want to learn more about local history, this is a nice pit stop. Exhibits cover the naval history of the area, the theme park that used to define OV, some of the major storms from the past, the origins of Ocean View, and how it was affected by WWII, as well as local lore and school memorabilia. The main exhibits are a car and a boat from the defunct theme park. They do a lot with only a small space, but it feels maybe a little too cramped and the flow of information is a little convoluted as a result. Overall though, a stop any history buff in the 757 should make if they're at all familiar with Ocean View, Norfolk, or Willoughby Bay."
Evan Dwyer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located inside the Pretlow Library in Norfolk, VA. You can typically reach it by car, and parking is usually available near the library. Public transportation options might also be available depending on your starting point in Norfolk.
Parking is generally available at the Pretlow Library, where the museum is housed. It's recommended to check for any specific parking restrictions or availability on the day of your visit.
Upon entering the main entrance of the Pretlow Library, the Ocean View Station Museum is located to the right. Look for signage directing you to the exhibits.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Ocean View Station Museum is typically free, though donations are highly encouraged to support its operations and preservation efforts.
The museum generally follows the operating hours of the Pretlow Library. However, as it is volunteer-run, it's advisable to confirm the exact opening times before your visit, as they may vary. +1
Yes, donations are very welcome and crucial for maintaining this local historical gem. You can usually make a donation at the museum itself.
As the museum is located within the Pretlow Library, accessibility would generally align with the library's facilities. It's recommended to contact the library directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a wealth of local history, including photos, tickets, and artifacts from the former Ocean View amusement park, naval history, local lore, and memorabilia from major storms and WWII. +1
A visit to the Ocean View Station Museum typically takes about 15-20 minutes, making it a perfect quick stop to learn about local history.
Absolutely! History buffs familiar with Ocean View, Norfolk, or Willoughby Bay will find a wealth of interesting information and nostalgic items.
The museum is described as small and hyper-local, with a wealth of information packed into a limited space. Some visitors feel the space is a bit too small for its mission. +1
While not explicitly detailed as 'interactive' in the traditional sense, the museum features artifacts like a restored roller coaster car and numerous photos that allow visitors to engage with the past.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for any posted signs or ask a museum volunteer before taking pictures to ensure you comply with their guidelines.
The restored roller coaster car and the extensive collection of historical photographs are often highlighted as particularly compelling for photography enthusiasts. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider pairing a visit with time at a nearby park or beach, as the museum itself is a brief experience. It's a chance for kids to see tangible pieces of history that might be more relatable than abstract historical accounts.
📚 History Buffs & Local Enthusiasts
Engaging with the knowledgeable volunteers, particularly curator Charles, can significantly enhance the experience, offering deeper insights and context. It's an opportunity to connect with the specific heritage of this unique part of Norfolk.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Ocean View Amusement Park
Many locals have personal connections to the park, perhaps from visiting as children or even being extras in the movie where the roller coaster was famously blown up. The museum's exhibits aim to capture this shared history, making it a poignant experience for those who grew up in the area. It's a place where warm memories are truly stimulated.
While the museum is small, the dedication of its volunteers, like curator Charles, ensures that the spirit of the amusement park and its impact on Ocean View are well-represented. It's a vital piece of local heritage that continues to be cherished.
Navigating the Museum's Space and Collection
Exhibits cover the origins of Ocean View, its connection to WWII, and the evolution of the district. While the flow of information might feel a little convoluted due to the space constraints, the wealth of interesting information is undeniable. The main attractions include a car and a boat from the defunct theme park, offering tangible links to the past.
Despite its size, the museum is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the specific history of the Ocean View district. The volunteers are passionate about sharing this history, making it a worthwhile stop for those seeking a deeper understanding of Norfolk's local heritage.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit