Railroad History & Behind-The-Scenes Tour at Kentucky Railway Museum
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness level recommended for walking and standing.
Overview
Step behind the scenes at Kentucky Railway Museum for an exclusive look into historic locomotive restoration and railroading history. Discover hidden workshops and explore vintage steam engines in action.
Behind The Scenes Guided Tours
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating guided tour of the Kentucky Railway Museum, exploring the working shop area and a historic 1911 turntable. Discover the rich history of the railroad and its displays, gaining exclusive insights from knowledgeable volunteer docents. This unique experience offers access to areas off-limits to self-guided visitors.
REQUIRED BOOKING AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE.
Take a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the railroad’s working shop area and visit a 1911 turntable. Take a step back in time and learn the history of many of our static displays and the railroad line our current railroad line. This guided tour takes you in areas not permissible on a self-guided tour, plus you learn much more about our railroad heritage from one of our expert volunteer docents.
For your safety and comfort, closed-toe shoes are recommended and high-heel shoes are strongly discouraged.
KENTUCKY RAILWAY MUSEUM IS IN THE EASTERN TIME ZONE.
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour involves walking on tracks and in workshop areas, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Bring a Notepad
Capture details and stories from the guide about railroad history and restoration efforts.
Arrive Early
Getting there early ensures less crowded access to exclusive off-limits areas.
Photography Allowed
Bring a camera to capture vintage engines and historic artifacts, but ask about restrictions in working areas.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bluebirds
- Eastern cottontail rabbits
History
The Kentucky Railway Museum was established in 1963 and has since become a leading preservation site for historic locomotives.
Conservation
The museum actively restores and maintains vintage engines to promote historical preservation and environmental responsibility.
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Adventure Hotspots in Louisville
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Sturdy shoes will keep you comfortable while exploring the workshop and tracks.
Notebook and pen
Useful for jotting down interesting facts or sketching engines.
Camera or smartphone
Capture vintage locomotives and historic scenes.
Layered clothing
Temperature can vary; layers let you stay comfortable indoors and outdoors.