Holiday Christmas train is a lot of fun for families. They were accommodating to my mom who needs canes to walk. I was concerned about the steps up and down, but it was doable for her (I included a picture since I didn't see it in any other reviews.) Workers helped her aboard and made sure she didn't get run over by people rushing to get good seats. Really nice experience to have that kind of care and concern for someone that has trouble walking / mobility issues. The trains are, of course, not ADA fully since they are historical, but they really do the best they can to make sure she could get on and enjoy the experience. Thank you so much! We made memories that we well cherish.

I visited recently to see the trains and ride the Holiday Express. Everyone there loves trains so the atmosphere is upbeat, like a hobby shop, but with huge real trains and historical displays and train-themed things to buy, like hats and sweatshirts, books and pictures. A couple of the little kids had railroad hats on. It can be visited year-round. I didn't know until now that they do rides from April to October as well. The building is easy to spot-it's orange- parking, across the MAX tracks -is free. Be patient-use the walk signal.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

This place is so cool and a great way to bring out your inner child! My partner and I took a weekend ride on the holiday express during night, so it was hard to see outside but the train itself was such a fun experience. Some of the volunteers were much more lively than others which was understandable but you do get a lot from the ride. They have you order the tickets in advance so it shouldn't get too crowded inside. I would definitely recommend it to get into the holiday spirit, would love to try it again next year during daylight.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Fantastic museum exploring Oregon and Portland area’s railroading history as well as a great showcase for restored and as-found steam engines and railroad equipment and memorabilia. Truly awesome to stand by human-sized wheels and marvel at the behemoth machines. Not only a fun weekend visit, but also a great event venue! Enjoyed a fun hors d’oeuvres/cocktail ride on their restored baggage and passenger cars as part of a conference and the ride down the east bank of the Willamette was beautiful!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

This is my first trip visiting. We came just for a holiday train ride. Even though it was after Christmas, Santa was still on board to hand out candy canes. Enjoyed the ride wandering the train cars. What I am bummed about is that there is a whole bunch of train paraphernalia inside the main building! If I had known, I would have scheduled more time to visit and enjoy what they have on display. That's the only reason I rated a four. After I go back and see the rest, I will likely bump the rating.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Good experience with one adult and a 7yo. Museum was fascinating, but brief. Train ride was fun, however we thought it might speed up on straight tracks...it does not. Great for little kids, very safe. Also, the train does not loop...it goes (parallel to the Springwater Trail) to one point, then returns to the station in reverse. Overpriced merchandise, but many options with clothing, jackets, hats toys, sundry tourist items. Very friendly staff.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

I bought my son a membership a really long time ago when they first open when he was a probably a wee little kid I think at the age of five. He's always enjoyed this place and I'm telling you guys if you like trains and if you have kids you'll love going here they also have a fantastic gift shop and a wonderful assortment of books for a really good price. Highly recommended! Also the staff is fabulous. You will love going here
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

What a neat experience. We rode the 5:30 train and saw very little of the exterior scenery but the inside was decorated with lights, a Christmas tree, wrapped gifts, and other cute decorations. Santa came through with his helpers, passed out candy cane's, and took photos with the passengers if you wanted. There are no restrooms on the train, so be sure to go before boarding. I wish they would play some sort of holiday music, just subtly in the background.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Important to note that this is a hybrid between working restoration shop and museum, which to me is cooler than a static museum to see these trains that run in the middle of repair and restoration. Clean facilities, gifts available, and friendly staff. Next to efficient public transportation and a good brewery with food next door. Best part is no admission charged, however would strongly recommend donating or purchasing from gift shop.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

This small volunteer-run operation is worth the stop if you (or your kids) love trains. My two young ones had a blast looking at the trains and playing with the children's replica, and the staff of volunteers were very generous with their time and expertise, and made my kids feel very welcomed. We were in and out in 45 minutes.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

A great facility with a ton of history run by some good people. I dropped in during my visit to Portland and even though they were getting ready for the holiday train ride that night, the folks there were very inviting and helpful. Definitely worth a stop.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

A wonderful family friendly place to visit. Completely free and a must for the train lovers in your life. I usually take my two kiddos and then dine across the street in one of their caboose cars with delicious pizza and treat myself to a craft beer.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

It was fun. I think it's great the workers are all volunteers. They make it seem like you're not gonna have seats, but there is plenty. They were out of hot chocolate, which was disappointing. Parking is scary and expensive. It's not the best of neighborhoods. They did take us to the front of the train. That's one of my videos. But I feel like it needs a lot of tlc.

A phenomenal museum full of operative equipment. This is a must for any one who likes any aspect of railroading. Each locomotive has been meticulously maintained. The volunteers are a wealth of railroading knowledge. This place is great for kids and adults alike. The SP 4449 is the crown jewel of the museum, and rightly so.

So glad we were able to stop by this museum and it is great for what it offers. Please donate when you go. There are mediocre museums on the west coast that charge and arm and a leg to get in.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Great experience with fascinating antique trains. Definitely get tickets in advance to ride the train along the river. A wonderful experience for kiddos and adults alike! Be prepared for a very loud (and fun!) train whistle! Thank you to the kind volunteers who run this place- what a nice group of people. More

Took the family for the Holiday Train Experience. We booked the 7pm trip. Santa and his helpers were great. The entire staff were friendly and the train was beautifully decorated. Unfortunately, we couldn't see anything outside the train and once Santa left there was nothing else to do. More

It's a cool spot. You can see a bunch of trains, and they actively work to maintain them. You can also see a working turntable, as well as quite a few exhibits and activities for kids. Donation suggested, and they also have occasional steam train rides that you can buy tickets for. More

Loved my experience here as a rail enthusiast. The have a huge steam engine inside with a bunch along with old passenger cars outside. Plus you can take a train ride to Oaks Park !
Visited on
Weekend
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Trains are cool. Trains are just the coolest way to get around and this museum is dedicated to some of the most unique trains to ever reach the west coast. The volunteers are polite and knowledgeable. The location is clean and these trains

Awesome place to introduce your little ones to the massive majesty and history of the steam locomotive! Multiple static displays, interactive learning stations, and incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and most importantly friendly folks on

So much history and interesting train facts! A fun family afternoon. Glad this is in Portland! The staff are helpful and knowledgeable. Donation based.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
$1–5

Love the place sad to see Doyle's PA-1 and the Utah railroad rsd-5 go but i love the SP 4449 and I have heard that the Mount Emily #1 is coming so I am so excited for that! Rick Franklin has been a great help I visited in 2020 More

Man, some of these old trains were GIGANTIC! I stand at 6' tall and still am not quite as tall as some of the wheels on the old models you can visit here. Super cool and an awesome look into some of our nation's rail history!

The ORHC Holiday Train was a great experience & worth the time and money!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

This place is AMAZING!!! If you know anything about railroading then likely you know about the Southern Pacific Daylight trains and the mighty locomotives that towed them down the line.

Great to have a few unique locomotives retored and available for viewing. Plan on spending 1-2 hours. Volunteer staff is very helpful. More

My first visit here. Friendly staff and a great Christmas ride behind a steam locomotive. Great assortment of gifts available. More

This was a very fun experience. I think I would absolutely do it again. Friendly people as well
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We did the Holiday Express and my 2.5 yr old loved it. Great for the whole family.