All railway museums to visit in Kentucky

Make a historic journey through railway history at 7 museums in Kentucky dedicated to trains and railroads. These museums celebrate the development and impact of rail transport.

Are you a train enthusiast? Here are the best railway museums in Kentucky:

  1. Historic RailPark & Train Museum1

    Historic RailPark & Train Museum

     Bowling Green, KY
    The Historic Railpark and Train Museum, previously known as the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Station, is situated in the historic railroad station in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This building holds significant historical value, as it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 18, 1979. This recognition underlines the importance of the building in the history of the United States, making it a site of interest for those interested in history and architecture.
  2. Elkhorn City Railroad Museum2

    Elkhorn City Railroad Museum

     Elkhorn City, KY
    The Elkhorn City Railroad Museum, situated in Elkhorn City, Kentucky, was founded in 1990. The museum is dedicated to preserving and educating the public about the history of railroads in the Eastern Mountain Coal Fields region of Kentucky.
  3. Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati3

    Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati

     Covington, KY
    The Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati is home to a vast collection of 80 historic railroad equipment pieces. These are displayed across a 4-acre site, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with these pieces of history. The collection includes everything from passenger cars to locomotives, each with its own unique story to tell. The museum is dedicated to preserving these pieces and educating the public about their significance in the history of railroads.
  4. Kentucky Railway Museum4

    Kentucky Railway Museum

     New Haven, KY
    The Kentucky Railway Museum, situated in New Haven, Kentucky, is a non-profit institution dedicated to the preservation and education of the state's rich railroad history. The museum offers a unique insight into the development and impact of railroads on the region, showcasing a variety of exhibits that include steam and diesel locomotives, rolling stock, and other railroad paraphernalia. Visitors can learn about the people who built these railroads and the significant role they played in shaping Kentucky's history.
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    David A. Zegeer Coal-Railroad Museum

     Jenkins, KY
    The David A. Zegeer Coal-Railroad Museum is a local history museum situated at 102 Main Street in Jenkins, Kentucky. It is conveniently located across from the former Jenkins High School, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum offers a deep dive into the local history, providing a unique perspective on the area's past.
  6. 6

    Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum

     Versailles, KY
    The Bluegrass Railroad and Museum, located in Versailles, Kentucky, United States, is a unique combination of a railroad museum and a heritage railroad. It offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of railroads in the region while also experiencing a functioning heritage railroad.
  7. 7

    Kentucky Coal Museum

     Benham, KY
    The Kentucky Coal Museum, located in Benham, Kentucky, is a heritage center that provides a deep dive into the history of the coal industry in Eastern Kentucky. The museum is housed in a former company store built by International Harvester in 1923, adding to its historical significance. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the coal industry's impact on the region and the lives of the miners and their families.