Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Oregon Rail Heritage Center 2250 SE Water St, Portland, OR 97214 The SP 4449 pulled our nation's Bicentennial Train and may well be the most photographed locomotive in the world.
(1)

We are proud that Portland is unique as America's only city that owns two operating steam locomotives - the Southern Pacific 4449 and the Spokane Portland Seattle 700; along with a third - Oregon Railway & Navigation 197 - currently under restoration. Now these engines need your help! After their donation to the city in 1958, these three steam engines sat in the weather at Oaks Amusement Park for

decades. Starting in 1980 each moved for restoration to the Brooklyn Roundhouse in southeast Portland. It took three decades and thousands of volunteer hours to get restore two of them into operating condition. Now we face a crisis! The deadline is near to secure a permanent home for Portland's heritage steam engines. In less than a year these iron links to the past will be forced out of the Brooklyn Roundhouse in Southeast Portland. Thankfully many people - like you - have stepped forward to support our All Aboard capital campaign to move and save these community treasures. One year ago we set out to raise $4.7 million - today we are within $500,000 of having the funds needed to start construction. This is where you come in. Please join in support of the All Aboard campaign to save the engines in a new home near OMSI. Our new Rail Heritage Center will provide space for locomotive maintenance and restoration, and direct public access. When fully built, the Center will be a living workroom to celebrate the history of rail and be a focal point for the new rail-industry hub surrounding OMSI. The new Willamette Bridge will deliver streetcars, light rail, cyclists and pedestrians right to the Center's front door. We must save the past for future generations. Steam drove the 19th and 20th centuries, its momentum still has a lot to teach us in the 21st century. Our children and grandchildren can learn this story and nothing brings this to life like steam locomotives

We have a giving level that is just right for you. They range from $44.49 to $700, and your contribution comes with a premium gift. All Aboard Portland's heritage steam engines - save the past for future generations. Can we count on your support today?

We are more than a museum — we are a working one. At the Oregon Rail Heritage Center you can stand beside towering steam...
05/30/2026

We are more than a museum — we are a working one. At the Oregon Rail Heritage Center you can stand beside towering steam locomotives, watch an operating machine shop in action, see our outdoor plaza with a working turntable, and explore hands-on exhibits that bring Pacific Northwest rail history to life.

Whether you're a lifelong railfan or just looking for something memorable to do with the family, everyone's welcome aboard.

🎟️ Thurs–Sun, 1–5 PM | 2250 SE Water Ave, Portland.

Our popular Weekend Train Rides are BACK! Every Saturday & Sunday, now through October 11, climb aboard behind historic ...
05/29/2026

Our popular Weekend Train Rides are BACK!

Every Saturday & Sunday, now through October 11, climb aboard behind historic diesel locomotive BNSF 3613 for a scenic roll through the heart of Portland. Ride in an open-air car or relax in a vintage coach as you take in skyline views, the riverfront, local wildlife, and the timeless charm of Oaks Park.

Tickets start at just $12 for kids, $17 for adults — and Center admission is included! 🎟

🚂 Calling all dads, grads, and steam lovers! Celebrate Father's Day weekend aboard a true piece of living history. Join ...
05/27/2026

🚂 Calling all dads, grads, and steam lovers! Celebrate Father's Day weekend aboard a true piece of living history.

Join us Saturday, June 20 & Sunday, June 21 for a special excursion powered by the legendary Polson #2 steam locomotive. Feel the rumble, hear the whistle, and step back into the golden age of rail travel.

🎟️ Departures at 12:00, 1:30, 3:00 & 4:30 PM. Free Center admission included with every ticket! Link https://orhf.org/blog/fathers-day-special-steam-train-june-20-21-2026/

WEEKEND TRAIN RIDES!Starting this weekend, May 23 and 24; thru October 11.Tickets still available!Trains depart at 1, 2,...
05/22/2026

WEEKEND TRAIN RIDES!

Starting this weekend, May 23 and 24; thru October 11.

Tickets still available!

Trains depart at 1, 2, 3, and 4 each day!

Tickets can be purchased in advance at ORHF.org.

Hope to see you there!

ORHF exists to preserve and celebrate Oregon's railroading history. Come by the Oregon Rail Heritage Center to get up close to three historic locomotives.

🚂✨ NEW ON DISPLAY! ✨🚂A brand-new display of historic railroad signal lanterns is now on view, featuring lanterns from ra...
05/15/2026

🚂✨ NEW ON DISPLAY! ✨🚂

A brand-new display of historic railroad signal lanterns is now on view, featuring lanterns from railroads across the Pacific Northwest and the nation.

The exhibit explores how lanterns served as essential tools for railroad safety and communication, using movement and colored lights to signal important messages along the rails.

Huge thanks to volunteers Nick Gerba and Matt Webster for bringing this fascinating piece of railroad history to life! 👏

Stop by the Center to explore these incredible artifacts and discover how railroad workers helped keep America moving safely.

🚂✨ Weekend Train Rides are BACK starting May 23 — and this year, we’re expanding service to BOTH Saturdays & Sundays thr...
05/13/2026

🚂✨ Weekend Train Rides are BACK starting May 23 — and this year, we’re expanding service to BOTH Saturdays & Sundays through October! That means even more chances to climb aboard and enjoy a scenic ride along the riverfront.

Ride behind historic diesel locomotive BNSF 3613 and choose your perfect experience:
🌬️ Feel the breeze in an open-air car
❄️ Relax in a vintage, air-conditioned coach

Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the city skyline, local wildlife, Oaks Park, and the timeless charm of rail travel.

🎟️ Book your tickets now: https://orhf.org/weekend-train-rides/

🚂✨ What an absolutely EPIC National Train Day weekend! ✨🚂From steamed-up locomotives 🚂💨 and scenic train rides, to thril...
05/11/2026

🚂✨ What an absolutely EPIC National Train Day weekend! ✨🚂

From steamed-up locomotives 🚂💨 and scenic train rides, to thrilling turntable demos, and countless enthusiastic railfans of all ages 📸❤️ — this celebration truly had it all! And yes… there was even a marriage proposal 💍🥹 making this a weekend for the books!

A HUGE thank you to the thousands of visitors who traveled from near and far to celebrate with us. And an extra special shoutout to our incredible volunteer crew who helped make the magic happen all weekend long. 🙌

We’d also like to give a special THANK YOU to our amazing tablers — Willamette Shore Trolley, Friends of Washington Park and Zoo Railway, Santiam Excursion Trains, Willow Creek Railroad, Oregon Operation Lifesaver, Longview, Kelso and Rainier Model Railroad Club, and Pacific Northwest Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society — for helping make the weekend even more memorable!

We can’t wait to welcome everyone back next year for another unforgettable National Train Day celebration! 🚂🎉

📸 Photo credit: Mark Toal

05/10/2026

A historic locomotive and a once-in-a-lifetime “yes” 💍
We’re honored the 700 could be part of such a special moment. Love is in the air at Train Day ❤️🚂

05/10/2026

Train Day - Day 1!

Address

2250 SE Water Street
Portland, OR
97242

Opening Hours

Thursday 1pm - 5pm
Friday 1pm - 5pm
Saturday 1pm - 5pm
Sunday 1pm - 5pm

Telephone

(503) 233-1156

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Oregon Rail Heritage Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Oregon Rail Heritage Center:

Shortcuts

Share