My son gets excited over two things: chocolate chip cookies and trains. If I could transform my son’s room into that of a train car where he was served cookies and milk upon demand, he’d never leave home. His sheets are Thomas-themed, his favorite shirts have Thomas or a train on them, and if you ask him his favorite color he’ll tell you blue…because Thomas is blue. I’ll admit, I get a little tired of trains; but I’ll also admit, it is nice to have a child with such a love of trains. I always know what to get him for a gift, and I can plan our activities around seeing a train or trolley and score major mom points. That is why I was so thrilled that The Ohio Railway Museum opened up again…but it really wasn’t what we had anticipated.
You may be familiar with The Ohio Railway Museum and not even know it. Ever travel down 161 heading east of High Street? You know that black tressel you go under before you hit 71? Well, that is part of museum. We took a ride on an old streetcar over that tressel and learned about some of the routes used 60 years ago in Worthington. The Ohio Railway Museum was full of old donated diesel, steam and electric engines that could be climbed on and toured through, and every hour they are open they offer rides on the streetcar or Pullman coach. My kids were thrilled there were trains tracks they were allowed to walk on.
People who love the history of trains or old trains and train parts would probably really enjoy it. But, I wouldn’t recommend this as a place for an outing with little kids. I saw a few families there with children like us, but I was kind of afraid my kids were going to get hurt on a rusty part by falling or cutting themselves. 
Unfortunately, it reminded me a little of a train junkyard, mainly because the engines offered for touring were in quite a bit of disrepair.
I know they are doing a ton of work to get it cleaned up and patron-friendly, and what I’ve written may hold no grounds in a few months or years. I will state, the guys who work there have a serious passion for trains and the history behind them, so if you need any information on trains I bet they would be a terrific resource!
If you are interested and don’t have the same rusty parts fear like me, The Ohio Railway Museum is open Sundays from 12 pm – 4 pm and tickets are $6 per person, 3 and under are free.
The Ohio Railway Museum
990 Proprietors Road
Worthington, Ohio 43017
(614) 885-7345
Appreciate the honest review. I also have a Thomas-loving son. A great place for kids who love trains is the EnterTRAINment center in Cincinnati. They have a special Thomas area, as well as lots of other trains. Definitely worth a trip if you are in Cincy with the family.
I am amazed that after 6 years there is still so much about Columbus that I have no clue about. Thanks for the review!
Ooh! I’ll have to check that out!
No doubt! I had driven by there for years and finally stopped in.
My kids would love this! We just moved from Indiana and there was a train museum there too and my two little ones would beg me to take them all of the time.
Thanks for the article!
Tara
Welcome to Columbus! Hope you have fun exploring this fun city.