The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum

05/28/2026

True or False: you can hear a train coming before you see it.

False. Trains are quieter and faster than you expect.

There is no safe time to be near tracks.

Share this with someone you know who travels near tracks and trains.

Stay Off! Stay Away! Stay Safe!

05/25/2026

Today we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum wishes you a happy Memorial Day as we remember their sacrifice.

05/24/2026

In the news today…

A derailed train reportedly caused closures on a roadway in Hillsborough County Sunday evening.
https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/derailed-train-expected-to-block-hillsborough-county-road-for-several-hours/

05/19/2026

We were thrilled to join the community at Berry Nifty at Two-Fifty hosted by the Arts Council of Plant City as we celebrated America’s 250th birthday. Our Willaford Railroad Express kids train ran nonstop, and it was wonderful seeing families enjoying the day with us!

05/16/2026

Don’t forget tomorrow Plant City is celebrating Americas 250th Birthday early! Be sure to stop by and take a ride on the Willaford Railroad Train!

Plant City will mark America’s 250th birthday with a community celebration on Armed Forces Day, May 16, called Berry Nifty at Two-Fifty.

The event, organized by Plant City Parks and Recreation in partnership with the Arts Council of Plant City, aims to bring residents together in honor of the nation’s history and those who have served.

Learn more about this event, happening at Veteran's Memorial Park from 10 AM - 2 PM, in last week's Plant City Observer:

https://www.plantcityobserver.com/plant-city-celebrates-americas-250th-birthday-on-armed-forces-day/

05/15/2026

This would be great to see pass the depot!

05/10/2026

What an amazing National Train Day at the museum! Thank you to everyone who came to explore our exhibits and learn more about the important role railroading played in the history of Plant City. We also want to give a special thank you to our friend Danny Harmon for stopping by — we truly appreciate your visit! We look forward to celebrating with everyone again next year!

05/09/2026

We had a special visitor today to help us celebrate National Train Day! Thank you to our friend Railfan Danny at YouTubes Distant Signal for joining us!

05/09/2026

“Thanks for coming out today to celebrate National Train Day with us. We hope you enjoy the exhibits, activities, and all the great railroad history throughout the museum.”

05/09/2026

Happy National Train Day! 🚂

First established by Amtrak in 2008, National Train Day honors the rich history of trains and rail travel across the United States. Celebrated each May, the day commemorates the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad, when the iconic “Golden Spike” was driven at Promontory Summit on May 10, 1869.

While Amtrak no longer officially observes the occasion, many railroad museums and railfans continue to celebrate and keep the spirit of railroad history alive each year.

05/05/2026

Last night as director, I was honored to have been invited by the Marshall Middle Magnet School band director, Dr. Cayer to attend a special presentation of a commissioned work celebrating Plant City’s history. This commissioned piece, played by the Wind Ensemble includes Union Station in the second movement. Included in the comments is the pamphlet that describes each movement.