
Florida Railroad Museum
Ride historic trains, explore railway exhibits, and experience magical events at this volunteer-run Florida gem.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy rides

Florida Railroad Museum
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy rides

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride historic trains, explore railway exhibits, and experience magical events at this volunteer-run Florida gem.
"A great outing for families or anyone interested in trains. Definitely worth the visit!"

🎟️ Book special events early
Popular events like the North Pole Express sell out fast. Book online in advance!
⏰ Arrive early for rides
Lines form quickly, especially on weekends. Get there early for the best experience.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Weekend Train Rides
Parrish, FL
Enjoy a scenic 13-mile journey on a historic train, a highlight for all ages.

North Pole Express
Parrish, FL
A magical holiday experience with a 35-minute ride to the North Pole.

Day Out with Thomas
Parrish, FL
Meet Thomas the Tank Engine and friends for a day of family fun and train rides.

Locomotive Cab Ride
Parrish, FL
An unforgettable experience riding in the cab of a historic diesel locomotive.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Arrive Early for Train Rides
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book special events early
Popular events like the North Pole Express sell out fast. Book online in advance!
⏰ Arrive early for rides
Lines form quickly, especially on weekends. Get there early for the best experience.
💰 Donations are appreciated
While rides are free, donations help keep this volunteer-run museum running.
📸 Capture the moment
Great photo opportunities with historic trains and during special events.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book special events early
Popular events like the North Pole Express sell out fast. Book online in advance!
⏰ Arrive early for rides
Lines form quickly, especially on weekends. Get there early for the best experience.
💰 Donations are appreciated
While rides are free, donations help keep this volunteer-run museum running.
📸 Capture the moment
Great photo opportunities with historic trains and during special events.
👨👩👧 Family-friendly fun
Perfect for kids and train enthusiasts of all ages.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Florida Railroad Museum for its engaging train rides and the passion of its volunteer staff. The special events, like the North Pole Express and Day Out with Thomas, are particularly highlighted as fantastic family experiences. While the museum is free to enter, donations are crucial for its operation, and booking popular events in advance is essential.
"I took my five year old grandson, thoroughly enjoyed the park. There’s no cost to ride the railroad, but they do ask for a donation since everyone who works there is a volunteer. Check out the website to pre-register, or you could register while standing in line. I recommend getting there early, as a line forms quickly."
John Duncan
"My family and I took the Willow Express on Sunday and had a blast! Everyone enjoyed the trip. Was nice that it stops half way and had restrooms and artifacts to look at. Even let the kids go on the enjoy to pull the horn. They loved that!"
Cecilia Miller
"This museum is one of the best places in all of Florida to spend time with the family. It's super fun. Everyone there is super nice and you get to ride a train. Their North Pole Express is an awesome time and experience they also get Thomas the train once a year which is a great time for the little ones."
Jay Thomas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Florida Railroad Museum is located at 12210 83rd St. E, Parrish, FL 34217. It's a popular destination for those looking for train rides in Central Florida.
From Tampa, take I-75 South towards Sarasota. Take exit 224 for FL-64 E toward Bradenton. Turn right onto FL-64 E, then turn left onto 83rd St E. The museum will be on your right. The drive is approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
Yes, there is parking available at the museum. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during popular events, as parking lots can fill up quickly.
Public transportation options to Parrish, FL, are limited. It is generally recommended to drive to the Florida Railroad Museum for the most convenient access.
While the museum offers rides, some visitors have noted seeing trains along Hillsborough and other areas. For specific train crossing information, local forums or communities might offer more detailed insights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there is no cost to enter the museum grounds, donations are highly encouraged as the museum is run by volunteers. Train rides may have separate fees, and special events like the North Pole Express or Day Out with Thomas require advance ticket purchase.
For regular weekend train rides, you can often register upon arrival or in line, but pre-registration is recommended. For special events like the North Pole Express or Day Out with Thomas, advance ticket purchase is essential as they sell out quickly.
The museum typically operates on weekends for train rides. Specific hours can vary, especially for special events. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date operating schedule.
Yes, the Florida Railroad Museum offers locomotive rentals for a unique experience. This is a special offering and likely requires significant advance planning and inquiry.
Information on group or family discounts is not widely publicized. It's advisable to contact the museum directly to inquire about any potential group rates or packages.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
The standard weekend train ride is a 13-mile journey that often includes a stop with restrooms and historical artifacts. Some rides allow children to pull the horn, which is a big hit!
Yes, the museum hosts popular special events like the North Pole Express during the holidays and 'Day Out with Thomas' annually, offering themed experiences and rides.
Absolutely! It's considered one of the best places in Florida for families. Kids love the train rides, meeting characters like Thomas, and the interactive elements.
The Willow Express is a specific train ride offered at the Florida Railroad Museum, known for its enjoyable journey and stops that include restrooms and artifacts.
Yes, for a truly special experience, you can arrange for a cab ride inside a locomotive, offering an up-close and personal view of the controls and the track ahead.
📸 📸 Photography
The museum grounds offer numerous opportunities for train photography, especially with the historic locomotives and rolling stock. The Willow Yard and the train tracks themselves provide scenic backdrops.
Yes, passengers are generally allowed to take photos during the train ride. Be mindful of other passengers and ensure you don't obstruct views or create safety hazards.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer lighting for photography. During special events, the decorated trains and crowds can offer unique photographic subjects.
The museum features various types of historic trains, including diesel locomotives like the SW1500 and others numbered like #1835 and #204.
While generally permissive, it's always wise to be respectful of private property and other visitors. Avoid intrusive photography and check for any specific rules posted at the museum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
These events are designed with kids in mind, providing interactive fun and memorable experiences. The volunteers are generally very welcoming and happy to engage with children. Remember to book tickets for special events well in advance, as they are extremely popular and tend to sell out quickly. Arriving early for any train ride is also a good strategy to minimize wait times.
🚂 Train Enthusiasts & Railfans
Beyond the rides, the museum's collection and the dedication of its volunteer staff offer a deep dive into railroad heritage. Keep an eye out for specific numbered locomotives like #1835 or #204, which are often featured in enthusiast photos and videos.
Even if you're not riding, the museum grounds offer excellent photography opportunities. The chance to see trains in action and learn from passionate volunteers makes it a worthwhile visit for anyone with a passion for trains.
🎁 Unique Gift & Experience Seekers
Alternatively, gifting tickets to a special event like the North Pole Express or Day Out with Thomas can create lasting family memories. These themed experiences offer a magical escape and are perfect for those who appreciate immersive entertainment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Weekend Train Experience
What truly elevates the experience is the passion of the volunteers who operate the museum. They are often eager to share their knowledge about the trains and the history of railroading in Florida. For families, the opportunity for children to pull the train horn is a memorable highlight.
It's important to note that while the museum itself is free to enter, donations are highly appreciated to support the upkeep and operation of these historic trains. This volunteer-driven model means the passion for preserving railroad heritage is palpable throughout your visit.
Special Events: Beyond the Regular Ride
Another major draw is the annual 'Day Out with Thomas' event, where children can meet the beloved blue engine and enjoy a day filled with train-themed activities. These events are designed to be immersive and fun for young children and their families, making them highly anticipated.
These special events often feature unique decorations, character meet-and-greets, and a festive ambiance that goes beyond the standard train ride. Due to their popularity, securing tickets early is crucial to avoid disappointment. Checking the museum's website or social media for event dates and booking information is highly recommended.
The Thrill of a Cab Ride
Visitors who have experienced this rave about the knowledgeable and passionate engineers, like Joshua, who share insights into the mechanics and history of the train. It's described as an unforgettable, thrilling, and deeply personal encounter with railroad heritage. This is a premium experience that requires significant advance planning and inquiry.
This deep dive into the operational side of a train offers a unique perspective that goes far beyond simply riding in a carriage. It's a chance to connect with the machinery and the craft of railroading in a way few get to experience.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit