The railroad is a big part of Cincinnati's history, and our city is still a great destination for those who love to see locomotives in action and learn about their past. With places like Union Terminal (currently under restoration) and Entertrainment Junction, you could spend several days visiting the train-themed locations around the Queen City. However, there is one place located in Latonia, just south of the city, that is hiding in plain sight and will take you back in time with its historic train engines and cars. The Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati is an authentic stop for train-lovers and those who appreciate their history, and oddly enough most people don't even realize it exists.
The Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati is a lesser-known museum where railroad artifacts are kept on tracks and cared for by passionate volunteers.
This railway destination is unlike other train museums in our area, as it is all outdoors and allows you to get up close and take a good look at these retired engines and train cars.
You can visit on most Saturdays from May through October. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is only $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 10 and under.
Pick up some information about the trains when you arrive; the tour is self-guided, but there are plenty of helpful folks around to answer any questions you may have.
These trains were all active at one point and each one tells a unique story.
They sit on these quiet rails now, but as you walk around and check out the outside and inside of many of them, you can begin to imagine the lives they once led.
The museum is perfect for any train lover and great for young railroad enthusiasts. Just keep in mind that it is outdoors and on train tracks, so exercise caution as you walk around.
The museum also has a small, grassy area just outside the gate that is perfect for a picnic or to relax before or after your visit.
There are casual and fast food restaurants nearby, so perhaps pick up some lunch on your way, enjoy it on a picnic table, and then head into the museum.
The Railroad Museum of Greater Cincinnati is a hidden treasure that works hard to preserve the railroad history of our region.
It's remarkable that the museum remains relatively unknown, so keep it in mind the next time you're looking for a new destination to explore that's hiding right in plain sight just minutes from Cincinnati.
The Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati is a hidden gem in our area that ruggedly represents the life of a train and wonderfully takes you back in time to experience them. Did you know this train museum existed near downtown? Let us know in the comments!
The Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati is located at 315 W Southern Ave., Covington, KY 41015. For more information, visit its website here and follow along with them on Facebook here.
And for a day trip idea around Cincinnati that will take you to all of the best train-themed destinations, check out our previous article here.
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