Big old trains
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Florida Railroad Museum

4.5
·2k reviews·Parrish, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Beat the crowds and enjoy rides

CrowdMedium
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Big old trains

Florida Railroad Museum

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Beat the crowds and enjoy rides

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(2k reviews)

"A great outing for families or anyone interested in trains. Definitely worth the visit!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Weekend Train Rides

Weekend Train Rides

Parrish, FL

Enjoy a scenic 13-mile journey on a historic train, a highlight for all ages.

InstagramReddit
North Pole Express

North Pole Express

Parrish, FL

A magical holiday experience with a 35-minute ride to the North Pole.

Instagram
Day Out with Thomas

Day Out with Thomas

Parrish, FL

Meet Thomas the Tank Engine and friends for a day of family fun and train rides.

TikTok
Locomotive Cab Ride

Locomotive Cab Ride

Parrish, FL

An unforgettable experience riding in the cab of a historic diesel locomotive.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Popular events like the North Pole Express and Day Out with Thomas sell out quickly. Pre-registering online is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment, especially during peak seasons. TikTokInstagram

Arrive Early for Train Rides

Lines for train rides can form rapidly, particularly on weekends and during special events. Arriving early ensures you get a good spot and a more relaxed boarding experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekend mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and enjoy rides
Crowd
Medium
When
During special events
Why
Unique themed experiences
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons (if available)
Why
Quieter, more relaxed visit
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Last chance to grab your tickets for Day out with Thomas! Tomorrow is the last day! Don’t miss your chance to ride, play and stay all day at the Florida Railroad Museum for loads of party fun! Get your tickets at https://www.ticketwebdowt.com
@flrailroadmuseum
8.6K likes • 397.8K views

🎟️ Book special events early

Popular events like the North Pole Express sell out fast. Book online in advance! TikTokInstagram

⏰ Arrive early for rides

Lines form quickly, especially on weekends. Get there early for the best experience. Reddit

I gotta do some tree trimming lol ##Miami##Gcrm##Florida##GoldCoastRailroadMuseum##NASA2##SW1500##Conductor##engineers
@donovanduggins
2K likes • 19.7K views
📍The North Pole Express at The Florida Railroad Museum 12210 83rd St. E Parrish, FL We had a blast on The North Pole Express. This 35 minute train ride takes you from Parrish to The North Pole! This experience is about 3.5 hours long and is such a fun holiday activity! The next event at The Florida Railroad museum that’s so fun for little ones is A Day Out With Thomas coming in March! 🚂 Pricin...
toddlerfriendlytampabay
1.3K likes • 49.8K views

💰 Donations are appreciated

While rides are free, donations help keep this volunteer-run museum running. Reddit

📸 Capture the moment

Great photo opportunities with historic trains and during special events. Instagram

Florida railroad museum no.1835 passing through dicky rd
the_florida_railfaner
64 likes • 839 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book special events early

Popular events like the North Pole Express sell out fast. Book online in advance! TikTokInstagram

⏰ Arrive early for rides

Lines form quickly, especially on weekends. Get there early for the best experience. Reddit

💰 Donations are appreciated

While rides are free, donations help keep this volunteer-run museum running. Reddit

📸 Capture the moment

Great photo opportunities with historic trains and during special events. Instagram

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly fun

Perfect for kids and train enthusiasts of all ages. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

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

Friendly and knowledgeable volunteers
Enjoyable train rides
Magical special events

What People Dislike

Can get crowded during events
Need to book popular events early

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Public transportation options to Parrish, FL, are limited. It is generally recommended to drive to the Florida Railroad Museum for the most convenient access. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTokReddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🚂 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! Reddit

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer lighting for photography. During special events, the decorated trains and crowds can offer unique photographic subjects. Instagram

The museum features various types of historic trains, including diesel locomotives like the SW1500 and others numbered like #1835 and #204. TikTokInstagram+1

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Florida Railroad Museum is a dream destination for families with young children. The weekend train rides are a hit, offering a gentle introduction to the joy of train travel. For an extra dose of magic, look out for 'Day Out with Thomas' and the North Pole Express, which bring beloved characters and holiday cheer to life. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

🚂 Train Enthusiasts & Railfans

For serious train enthusiasts, the Florida Railroad Museum offers a treasure trove of historic locomotives and rolling stock. You can admire various diesel engines, such as the SW1500, and learn about their operational history. The opportunity for locomotive cab rides is a major draw, providing an intimate look at the engineering and operation of these powerful machines. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

🎁 Unique Gift & Experience Seekers

Looking for a truly unique gift or an unforgettable experience? Consider the locomotive cab ride at the Florida Railroad Museum. It's an extraordinary way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, offering an adrenaline rush and a deep connection to railroad history. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Weekend Train Experience

The heart of the Florida Railroad Museum experience for many visitors is the weekend train ride. This isn't just a quick trip; it's a 13-mile journey that offers a glimpse into the past. The trains themselves are historic, often featuring restored locomotives and passenger cars. Riders can expect a smooth and relaxing journey, with some trips even including a stop where passengers can disembark to view artifacts and use restrooms. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Special Events: Beyond the Regular Ride

The Florida Railroad Museum truly shines during its special events, transforming into a hub of themed excitement. The North Pole Express is a standout holiday attraction, offering a magical 35-minute train ride to the North Pole, complete with festive decorations and a holiday atmosphere. This event is incredibly popular and requires booking tickets well in advance. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. TikTokInstagram

The Thrill of a Cab Ride

For the ultimate train enthusiast, the Florida Railroad Museum offers an unparalleled experience: a locomotive cab ride. This is not your typical passenger experience; it's an opportunity to sit in the engineer's seat and witness the operation of a historic diesel locomotive firsthand. Imagine the rumble of the engine, the view from the front window, and the feeling of being in control. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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