Do you have a train enthusiast in your family? If so, make sure you check out the LaGrange Railroad Museum.
If you’ve ever visited LaGrange you know that one of its unique characteristics is the train tracks running down Main Street. Many visitors are surprised to see trains slowly passing through, right in the center of town. The train watching doesn’t end in town. Just down from the stores and restaurants of Downtown LaGrange is the LaGrange Railroad Museum. Located at 412 East Main Street, this small museum is a great place to visit.
Volunteers have been working hard updating the inside of the museum, grounds and train cars. The museum is filled with great interactive exhibits, historical memorabilia, children’s area and of course, trains! There is a new children’s area upstairs that coincides with the museum’s Reading by the Rails program.
The museum is free to the public and ran solely on donations and grants. Step inside the old 1910 L&N train depot where there are several things to see. There is a large room in the basement with several model train displays with levels of trains running and passing each other along the tracks. The displays have intricate settings and details and fun seek and find games.
The train cars outside are fun to explore as well. Visitors can explore “Ernest the Engine,” where they can climb inside to push and pull the different levers. The museum has set up picnic tables on an open car behind it also.
There are three train cars, painted with vibrant colors. The dining car and caboose add to the fun, educational experience. The 1929 dining car is available for rent for events. The car has water, several tables and chairs and electricity and is a unique setting for any kind of event.
Follow the museum on Facebook to keep up with tour hours and special events. The museum participates in Light Up LaGrange and Oldham County Day. They also have a fun playgroup, Ernie’s Lil Engines, for children under 5.
Another unique train experience is the train viewing deck located on Main Street. It sits between the museum and shops. Try to catch a train coming through LaGrange so you can view it from up high. Also, coming in 2025 – LaGrange Rail Fest 175! Save these dates for Rail Fest on May 9, 10 & 11, 2025!
