THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Climb aboard the Willow Express for a scenic 13-mile train ride through Parrish, Florida. Choose from open-air cars or air-conditioned coaches and enjoy a relaxing trip with beautiful views.
Climb aboard the Willow Express for a scenic 13-mile train ride through Parrish, Florida. Choose from open-air cars or air-conditioned coaches and enjoy a relaxing trip with beautiful views.
Book with Florida Railroad Museum
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Florida Railroad Museum · Parrish, Florida
The Willow Express offers a delightful journey through the scenic countryside of Parrish, Florida, aboard the historic trains of the Florida Railroad Museum. Covering a 13-mile round trip from Parrish to Willow, this unique experience invites guests to ride in either open-air vintage cars or comfortable air-conditioned coaches, making it perfect for families and train enthusiasts alike. Travelers looking for an extra special adventure can purchase a Cab Ride ticket, which places them right next to the Engineer in the locomotive cab, providing an up-close look at the train’s operation. Along the route, enjoy lush landscapes, striking wetlands, and the charming presence of local wildlife, all while learning about the history of railroading in central Florida. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or someone seeking a peaceful excursion from everyday life, the Willow Express ensures a memorable experience that captures the spirit of Florida’s rail heritage.
easy.
1.5–2 hours.
The ride is low-impact and suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with minimal walking required.
Pets are not allowed on the train rides, except for service animals with proper documentation.
Tickets can be refunded or rescheduled if the museum cancels or delays the ride due to weather or mechanical issues.
Children are welcome in the Cab Ride, but it may not be ideal for very young kids due to space and noise.
The Willow Express does not offer onboard food service, but you can pack snacks or visit local eateries nearby.
The museum offers limited wheelchair accessibility; please contact them ahead of time for specific accommodations.
The museum is accessible by car via US-301 and offers free parking on site.
The Florida Railroad Museum preserves historic railcars and equipment, highlighting the region’s rail heritage dating back to the early 1900s.
The museum promotes sustainable tourism by maintaining natural habitats along the rail corridor and minimizing environmental impacts.
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.
Book with Florida Railroad Museum