Where do I board the train?

Boarding takes place at Parrish Station; guests should arrive before the 5:00 PM departure.

Is the BBQ dinner included in the ticket?

The structured description indicates a covered pavilion BBQ dinner is part of the experience; confirm menu and service details when booking via the referral link.

Can I bring alcohol to the pavilion?

Alcohol policy is not specified in the provided description; check the booking page or contact the operator for rules on beverages.

Is this experience suitable for children?

Yes—this outing is described as family-friendly with a casual backyard atmosphere suitable for kids.

Is the train or pavilion wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility details were not provided; guests with mobility needs should confirm boarding arrangements and accessibility at Parrish Station before booking.

What happens in bad weather?

The pavilion provides shelter from sun and light rain, but operators may cancel or alter plans in severe weather—confirm the policy via the booking link.

Willow BBQ Express: Scenic Evening Train Dinner from Parrish, Florida | Attraction | Museum

On warm evenings in Parrish, Florida, the Willow BBQ Express turns a simple dinner into a small local celebration. This 2.5-hour outing departs from Parrish Station and rolls through the low-lying landscapes of Manatee County before pausing at a covered pavilion in Willow where guests disembark for a relaxed barbecue-style meal accompanied by live music. The trip is as much about the ride as the meal: open windows frame long, flat views of pine flatwoods, citrus groves, and marsh fringes while conversation and guitar strings mingle inside the coach. Boarding begins at Parrish Station at 5:00 PM; the schedule completes a tidy round trip back to Parrish, making the experience easy to slot into an evening plan. The atmosphere is intentionally casual—picnic-style seating, communal tables, and family-friendly programming create a backyard barbecue vibe that welcomes multi-generational groups. Local musicians keep the tempo unpretentious; children can run familiar circuits around the pavilion while adults linger over plates and local stories. Key features are immediate and welcoming: the scenic evening train ride; the covered pavilion that shelters guests from sun or sudden showers; the BBQ dinner served in a relaxed setting; and live music that complements the rural soundscape. The landscape itself is a feature—predominantly saw palmetto, slash pine, pasture, and tidal wetlands nearby—so sunset light often paints the flat horizon in broad, photographic washes. Birdlife along wetland edges can include wading species and passerines that appear as the day cools. Why this experience matters locally is simple: it converts everyday travel into a communal outdoor event that feels rooted in place. For Parrish and nearby communities, the Willow BBQ Express is a social anchor where locals and visitors gather, eat, and enjoy low-effort outdoor time together. For visitors, it’s a straightforward way to connect with the region’s landscape and seasonal rhythms without needing hiking gear or long drives. Practical advice: expect a 2.5-hour duration, bring insect repellent in summer, and pack a light jacket for breezy nights. The ride is accessible for most ages and fitness levels, though anyone with mobility concerns should check boarding arrangements at Parrish Station. Photographers should favor late afternoon and golden hour for wide landscape shots and candid scenes under the pavilion. Book through the provided referral link to confirm dates and availability; the logistical simplicity and convivial tone make the Willow BBQ Express an excellent pick for families, small groups, and anyone seeking an easy, memorable evening in Parrish, Florida. Consider arriving early to explore the small station area, bring binoculars for dusk birdwatching, and reserve tickets ahead of weekends and holiday nights when community events attract larger crowds. Arrive prepared, and you’ll leave with full plates and a clear sense of place and good stories.

About Florida Railroad Museum

Florida Railroad Museum is a living-history museum and heritage railroad located in Parrish, Florida. The museum operates historic steam and diesel trains over a scenic 6.5-mile line, offering public excursions, special-event trains, and hands-on experiences that preserve railroading history.

Visitors can ride in open-air coach cars, air-conditioned coaches, or upgrade to a locomotive cab ride for an engineer’s perspective. Seasonal events include the Pumpkin Patch Express with both Coach Class and First Class seating, immersive reenactments such as Von Kessinger’s Express, staged Train Robbery performances, and family-friendly Willow Express round trips.

Unique experiences include locomotive cab rides and a locomotive rental program that allows trained guests to operate a locomotive under museum supervision. The museum also offers a Party Caboose rental that accommodates up to sixteen guests for private celebrations. Florida Railroad Museum collaborates with volunteers and preservation experts to maintain historic rolling stock and interpretive exhibits, ensuring safety and authenticity.

Trains run on a six-point-five-mile route between Parrish and Willow, emphasizing accessible, educational, and entertaining experiences for all ages. Ticketed excursions, special events, and private rentals are scheduled regularly; visitors are encouraged to check official schedules and reserve tickets in advance. The museum’s combination of operational locomotives, curated events, and volunteer stewardship provides an engaging way to learn about rail history while enjoying scenic Florida countryside. Established preservation practices and clear safety procedures support trustworthy and memorable visits.

Public schedules, pricing, and accessibility information are available on the museum's official site and ticketing channels. Advance reservations are recommended. Seasonally.