Age of Steam Roundhouse
Home to the world's largest private collection of steam locomotives, housed in a historic 18-stall roundhouse.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Age of Steam Roundhouse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to the world's largest private collection of steam locomotives, housed in a historic 18-stall roundhouse.
"A truly impressive collection of steam trains, probably the best we've seen so far."
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Tours are essential for understanding the collection. Book ahead!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet for the duration of the tour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Roundhouse
Main Exhibition Hall
An impressive 18-stall brick roundhouse, the first built in the U.S. since 1951, housing a vast collection of steam locomotives.
The Turntable
Center of the Roundhouse
Witness the operational turntable, a crucial piece of equipment for maneuvering locomotives within the roundhouse.
Diverse Locomotive Collection
Throughout the Roundhouse
Marvel at the sheer scale and variety of steam engines, each with its own unique history and story.
Smol Camelback Engine
Restoration Area
See the recently acquired and soon-to-be-restored tiny 0-4-0 Camelback engine, a favorite among enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Guided Tour
Understand the Collection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Tours are essential for understanding the collection. Book ahead! +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet for the duration of the tour.
👂 Listen Closely to Guides
Guides are knowledgeable, but some speak fast. Ask questions! +1
📸 Capture the Steam
Great photo opportunities, especially of the turntable and engines.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Tours are essential for understanding the collection. Book ahead! +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet for the duration of the tour.
👂 Listen Closely to Guides
Guides are knowledgeable, but some speak fast. Ask questions! +1
📸 Capture the Steam
Great photo opportunities, especially of the turntable and engines.
📜 Sign Liability Waivers
Required before your tour. Be aware of what you're signing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Age of Steam Roundhouse for its impressive collection of steam locomotives and the unique, historic roundhouse setting. The passion of the owner and the knowledge of the guides are frequently highlighted as major positives, making it a must-visit for rail enthusiasts. Some visitors noted that tours can be fast-paced, and accessibility might be a concern for some.
"The largest collection of steam engines in the country, beautifully presented in an amazing roundhouse structure. Learning the provenance of each engine, and how it came to the Age of Steam collection, as well as learning about one man’s passion that created the current collection and display, was fascinating. As architects, it was interesting to learn about the building. Our guide was somewhat difficult to understand because he spoke fast and some words were muddled. Would have appreciated the opportunity to ask questions as the tour progressed."
Silvia Weber
"Age of Steam Roundhouse was an awesome experience. Seeing the massive size of the locomotives from early 1900's was amazing. The ingenuity of the times is very impressive. Our tour guide, Scott was informative, friendly and very good with our group. Highly recommend visiting. I hope to go back again!"
Terri Bertke
"A truly impressive collection of steam trains. My son has been an avid train lover since he was just a tot, so whenever we travel near a train museum, we try to visit. This was probably the best we’ve seen so far, certainly in the Ohio valley area.
Not only did they have a huge collection of engines, but the set up was clean, and bright, and beautifully laid out.
The tour was interesting and engaging, and the turntable was an extra cool thing to see too.
Highly recommend for any rail fans!"
Grace Cline
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Age of Steam Roundhouse is located in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Driving is the most common way to reach the museum. Many visitors arrive via scenic drives, sometimes as part of car club meetups.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors. It's recommended to arrive a bit early if you're attending a special event, as parking can fill up.
Public transportation options are limited in Sugarcreek. It's best to plan your visit with a car or consider ride-sharing services if available in the area.
The museum is located in the Bolivar-Zoar region, which has historic villages. You might also find other smaller railroad-related sites in the broader Ohio area.
Specific driving directions can be found on the museum's official website or by using GPS navigation. The museum is well-marked for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's best to check the official Age of Steam Roundhouse website for the most current pricing. Guided tours are typically included with admission.
While walk-in visits may be possible, booking tickets and tours in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends or special events, to guarantee your entry and preferred tour time. +1
Operating hours can vary seasonally and for special events. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
Information on discounts for seniors, children, or groups is usually available on the museum's website. It's worth checking for any special offers.
Admission typically includes access to the museum and a guided tour of the roundhouse and its collection. Some special events may have separate admission fees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best way to experience the Age of Steam Roundhouse is by taking a guided tour. The knowledgeable staff provide context and stories about the locomotives. +1
While the guided tour is the primary way to see the collection, you can observe some areas from a distance. However, direct access to all exhibits may be limited.
The Age of Steam Roundhouse is primarily a visual and historical experience, not a 'hands-on' museum. The focus is on appreciating the preserved locomotives.
Tours are led by passionate guides who share details about the engines' history, restoration, and significance. They often highlight the turntable's operation. +1
The museum is housed in a historic roundhouse, which may present some accessibility challenges. It's advisable to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific accessibility features and tour routes. Some visitors suggest seating options might be beneficial for older guests.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and it's a fantastic spot for train enthusiasts and photographers alike. Capture the impressive scale of the locomotives and the unique roundhouse architecture.
The operational turntable is a prime photo opportunity. Also, focus on the details of the steam engines, their massive wheels, and the historic roundhouse structure.
For professional shoots or commercial use, it's best to contact the museum in advance to inquire about their policies and any potential fees.
While general photography is permitted, be mindful of other visitors and the tour guides. Avoid using flash photography if it's disruptive.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the roundhouse and locomotives. A telephoto lens can help capture details of the engines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Book tours in advance: Ensure you get a spot on a tour that fits your schedule.
* Talk to the guides: Encourage kids to ask questions; guides are often happy to engage younger visitors.
* Focus on the 'wow' factor: The massive engines and the turntable are usually big hits.
* Consider the tour length: While informative, ensure your children can remain engaged for the duration of the tour.
🚂 Rail Enthusiasts & History Buffs
Key attractions for enthusiasts:
* The diverse locomotive roster: From early industrial engines to larger mainline locomotives, there's a wide range to study.
* The Camelback engine: Keep an eye on the restoration progress of this unique engine.
* Architectural interest: The roundhouse and turntable offer insights into railway infrastructure.
* In-depth tours: Guides often provide technical details and historical context that enthusiasts will appreciate.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips:
* Utilize the turntable: It's a dynamic element for capturing locomotives in motion.
* Focus on details: The intricate machinery, rivets, and paintwork on the engines offer great close-up opportunities.
* Capture the scale: Use wide-angle lenses to convey the immense size of the engines within the roundhouse.
* Check for special events: Steam festivals or special operations can provide unique photographic moments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Passion Behind the Collection
Learning about the provenance of each engine—how it was acquired and its journey to the collection—adds a rich narrative layer to the visit. The museum doesn't just display trains; it tells their stories, connecting them to America's industrial past and the ingenuity of the eras they represent. This storytelling aspect is frequently highlighted by visitors as a key element of the experience.
The ongoing restoration efforts, such as the recent acquisition of the Camelback engine, demonstrate a commitment to preserving and revitalizing these historical artifacts. This dedication ensures that future generations can appreciate the power and engineering marvels of steam locomotion.
Exploring the Roundhouse Architecture
Architects and history buffs will find the building's design and construction particularly interesting. The roundhouse design is optimized for efficient locomotive maintenance and storage, with each stall radiating from a central turntable. This layout is a key feature that visitors often comment on, appreciating its functional elegance.
The preservation and presentation of this structure, alongside the locomotives it houses, create an immersive environment. It allows visitors to step back in time and imagine the bustling activity of a bygone era of railroading. The clean, bright, and beautifully laid-out presentation is frequently praised.
The Significance of the Turntable
Many visitors are fascinated by the mechanics and engineering behind the turntable. It represents a critical element of operational efficiency in a steam locomotive depot. The ability to witness this piece of industrial history in action adds a dynamic element to the museum visit.
The turntable is often a focal point for photography, offering unique perspectives of the locomotives as they are maneuvered. Its presence underscores the authenticity and operational readiness of the museum's collection, even if not all engines are actively steaming.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit