Plan Your Visit

Welcome to the Ohio Railway Museum!

Step back in time and discover the golden age of rail travel! Tucked away in historic Worthington, just north of Columbus, the Ohio Railway Museum brings the sights, sounds, and stories of railroading to life. We are a volunteer-run heritage railway, and every person you meet here is a passionate rail fan eager to share the magic of trains with you.

Whether you are a lifelong railroad enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and memorable outing, we can't wait to welcome you aboard!

Hours & Admission

Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Open May 9 through September 26.

Adults: $12
Seniors & Military: $10
Kids (Ages 3–12): $10
Under 2: Free

Admission includes full museum access and all standard train rides for the day. Tickets are available at the gate, with extra ride tickets available in the depot.

What You'll See

Our collection is a treasure trove of railroad history! Explore vintage streetcars, interurbans, steam and diesel locomotives, a railway post office car, passenger cars, and cabooses that once traveled the rails across Ohio and beyond. You will also discover historic railroad structures that helped define small-town life, from a freight depot and section house to a scale house that fueled a community's energy needs during the coal age.

Every piece of rolling stock has a story to tell, and many have been lovingly preserved to reflect the era they served. Explore our exhibits up close and discover the equipment, artifacts, and photographs that bring the everyday world of rail travel back to life.

Seeing a train on television is one thing. Standing beside one is something else entirely!

What You'll Do

There is nothing quite like climbing aboard a piece of living history! Hop on for a train ride and experience firsthand the sights, sounds, and rhythms of rail travel from a bygone era.

Beyond the ride, the fun keeps going! Wander the grounds at your own pace, get up close with historic equipment, and strike up a conversation with our volunteers. They live and breathe railroad history and love sharing the story behind every locomotive, car, and artifact on site.

There is truly something here for everyone, and we love seeing families discover a shared passion for railroad history together!

Picnic on the grounds: Kick back and enjoy a meal or snack at our shaded picnic tables, a perfect way to recharge mid-visit.
Try gem mining: Feeling adventurous? Test your luck at our gem mining sluice, a hands-on activity the whole family will love!
Ride the rails: We offer train rides, speeder rides, and cab rides. There is a way for every visitor to experience the rails up close!
Take the controls: Want to run a real train? Visitors can actually operate a diesel locomotive with our Throttle Time experience. Book your session today and see what it feels like from the engineer's seat!

Amenities

We want your visit to be comfortable and easy from start to finish. Here's what you'll find on site:

Parking: Free on-site parking is available for all guests.
Restrooms: Restroom facilities are located on the grounds for your convenience.
Seating areas: Take a break and relax in our designated seating spots.
Gift shop: Browse railroad-themed souvenirs and keepsakes to remember your visit.
Snack Caboose: Enjoy tasty treats, beverages, and snacks throughout your day.

Accessibility

We are committed to making the museum welcoming for everyone. Much of our grounds and several viewing areas are accessible to visitors with mobility needs.

Please keep in mind that our site is a working heritage railway with gravel paths, rail crossings, and uneven surfaces in certain areas. Our equipment is historic and often requires stepping up or climbing, so accessibility can be challenging in some spots. If you have specific questions or need assistance during your visit, just ask one of our volunteers. We are always happy to help you make the most of your time here!

What to Expect

Planning ahead makes for a smooth and enjoyable day. Here are a few tips for first-time visitors:

Dress for the outdoors: Much of your visit takes place outside, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Plan your time: Most guests spend one to two hours exploring the grounds and enjoying a train ride, speeder ride, or even a cab ride. Be sure to check out Throttle Time while you're here!
Come curious: Our volunteers love to talk trains, so bring your questions and your sense of wonder!

Safety Guidelines

Your safety is our top priority! Because this is an active railway with moving equipment, we ask all visitors to follow a few simple guidelines:

Stay within designated visitor areas and walkways.
Always follow the instructions of our volunteers and crew.
Keep a safe distance from moving equipment and rail lines.
Supervise children at all times.
Watch your step on gravel, tracks, and uneven surfaces. Never walk on the railhead. Always step over it.
On warm days, be mindful of hot metal.

A little caution goes a long way toward keeping the day fun and safe for everyone!

Photography Policy

We love seeing your memories! Photography is a wonderful way to capture your visit, and we welcome it throughout the museum. For everyone's safety, please take photos only from designated visitor areas and never step onto the tracks or near moving equipment for a shot.

Personal Photography

Casual, personal photography is encouraged throughout your visit! Snap away and share your memories on social media. We only ask that you stay within visitor areas, keep a safe distance from tracks and moving equipment, and be respectful of fellow guests enjoying their day.

Portrait Photography

Planning a portrait session at the museum? We love the idea! Casual portraits taken with handheld cameras during regular visiting hours are generally welcome, as long as they do not interfere with museum operations or other visitors. Tripods, lighting equipment, and directed portrait sessions require advance approval. Please contact us before your visit so we can make sure everything runs smoothly for you and everyone around you.

Commercial and Professional Photography

All commercial, editorial, and professional photography or videography must be arranged and approved by the museum in advance. This includes, but is not limited to, advertising shoots, film and television production, media coverage, and any photography intended for publication or commercial use.

When requesting approval, please be prepared to provide details about the nature and scope of your shoot. Approved shoots are subject to the following conditions:

Shoots may be limited based on museum hours, special events, and staffing availability.
Photographers and crew must remain in publicly accessible visitor areas unless specific access to other areas has been approved in writing.
Shoots must not interfere with the visitor experience, museum operations, or the safety of guests and staff.
Positioning near, on, or between tracks, or near moving equipment, is not permitted at any time.
Proof of liability insurance may be required for larger productions.
The museum reserves the right to approve, limit, modify, or deny any shoot request at its discretion.

Photographers and videographers may also arrange to rent the museum grounds or specific pieces of equipment for approved shoots. Whether you are looking for the perfect backdrop or want to feature our historic rolling stock, we would love to work with you! Contact us in advance to discuss availability, arrangements, and any applicable fees.

Use of Visitor Likeness

From time to time, our staff and volunteers may photograph or record video of guests enjoying the museum. By entering the property and purchasing a ticket, you grant the Ohio Railway Museum permission to use your likeness in photos and video for our digital presence, print media, exhibits, and other promotional materials. If you would prefer not to be featured, simply let a volunteer know and we will be happy to accommodate you.

Tag us and share your favorite shots. We can't wait to see the museum through your eyes!

Directions

The Ohio Railway Museum is located in historic Worthington, Ohio, a northern suburb of Columbus, near major interstate freeways in the north Columbus area. Exit Interstate 71 at Route 161 (Worthington) and go west one mile. Proprietors Road is the first traffic light west of the three railroad underpasses. Head north on Proprietors and the museum is on the right, half a mile north of Dublin-Granville Road.

990 Proprietors Rd, Worthington, OH 43085

Come Visit Us!

We would love to welcome you to the Ohio Railway Museum. Gather your family and friends, plan your trip, and come find your inner rail fan. See you on the rails!