Tucked into the rural community of Parrish, just north of Bradenton and within an easy drive of Tampa and Sarasota, the Florida Railroad Museum offers a rare chance to step into Florida’s railroading past—and ride it. This living museum calls itself a “Museum in Motion” because its collection isn’t just for viewing; it moves.
Authentic locomotives and vintage railcars roll along several miles of track through old Florida landscapes, creating a family-friendly experience that blends history, engineering, and nostalgia.
While the museum operates excursions throughout much of the year, its most beloved event arrives with twinkling lights and cooler breezes: the North Pole Express, a holiday train ride that’s become a signature tradition for families across the region.
About the Florida Railroad Museum
Founded and run by passionate volunteers, the Florida Railroad Museum focuses on preserving and interpreting the state’s railroad heritage by operating trains on a former Seaboard Air Line route between Parrish and the tiny community of Willow…