Where You "Ride the Exhibits!"
The Florida Railroad Museum, Inc. was founded as The Florida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum with the stated goal of preserving Florida’s railroad history. The train operates on a six mile rail line between Parrish and Willow, Florida in rural Manatee County
Trains are operated entirely by museum members volunteering thousands of hours a year to make this unique experience possible.
The Ticket Office, Gift Shop and Model Railroad is open Wednesday – Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. The museum’s exhibits and train rides operate on weekends only. Our operating train equipment is not available for viewing during the week.
Accessibility
Our historic passenger cars were built long before modern accessibility standards and are not wheelchair accessible between cars.
We offer step-free, level boarding via ramp into an open-air coach car that can accommodate a wheelchair during the trip. This car does not include a restroom, and other cars cannot be accessed by wheelchair or most mobility devices due to narrow passages and small steps. Guests using wheelchairs are welcome to board via ramp and transfer by walking to other seating areas if they choose.
We’re happy to help plan your visit and explain available accessibility options. Please contact our Ticket Office at (941) 776-0906 before arriving.
View Our Trains and Cars
Our Locomotives
See our operational and non-operational fleet of steam and diesel locomotives.
Our Passenger Cars
Check out our fleet of passenger cars you can enjoy.
Our Cabooses
Take a look at the fun cabooses we feature at the museum.
Tripadvisor's #1 Activity in Parrish!
Our family had an amazing experience at the Florida Railroad Museum. My son (8yo) is a train afficionado and was treated like royalty by the wonderful staff and Debbie especially nurtured his love of the railway. We were blown away by treatment we were shown there.
– Steve W. | Google
Nice open-car ride on a hot day.The museum at the other end was very interesting. Good to walk around. Kids were having fun running all over. Enjoyed the ride back to the station. Had fun shopping in the gift store. Close parking and easy walking ramps to train.
– Nancy P. | Tripadvisor
Great day celebrating my son's birthday! The volunteer staff members were amazing, friendly and knowledgeable. They shared a lot of information about the history of the trains. Would recommend at least one visit here. Will be back for the events they told us about! It was nice to ride the open rail cars on a beautiful day.
– Michelle Z. | Google
My husband and I visited today and took a train ride on one of their trains for the first time. We loved it! And we just live about ten minutes away. We will be back! Loved riding through the woods in the air conditioned comfort inside the train car.
– Kaliah M. | Tripadvisor
Had a great time and the kids loved it! Volunteers were very friendly and knowledgeable. So much fun!
– Erin B. | Facebook
Kay, Pat, Rick, and John all were amazing staff members and helped to create a one in a lifetime experience for my dad. We did the drive the train experience and I would highly recommend!!! We got more than our money’s worth. Thanks, Florida Railroad Museum!!!
– Jen | TripAdvisor