Looking for a getaway from the busy beaches and themed parks of Florida? Check out these must-see tourist railroads, museums and displays across the Sunshine State, right out of Trains Magazine’s Tourist Trains Guidebook.
Florida Tourist Railroads and Museums
Central Florida
Florida Railroad Museum – 12210 83rd Street E, Parrish
Diesel-powered excursions traverse a 6-mile section of the former Seaboard Air Line Railway’s Parrish Subdivision between Parrish and Willow. Passengers ride in coaches native to both the Atlantic Coast Line and Seaboard as they make their way to an old lumber mill in Willow. For an immersive experience, take part in the museum’s locomotive rental program where patrons can operate one of the diesels.
Sugar Express
Understanding the value of honoring the rail heritage surrounding central Florida, the Sugar Express is a young yet blossoming tourist operation. Headquartered out of Clewiston, year-round excursions travel across the U.S. Sugar Corporation system. The star is steam locomotive No. 148, a dashing, 4-6-2 Pacific-type that was built in 1920 and called Florida home for more than 50 years. Visit Sugar Express’s website for the most up-to-date schedule as operating days will vary each year.
South Florida
Gold Coast Railroad Museum – 12450 Southwest 152nd Street, Miami
Located at a former World War II military airship base, the museum’s collection is impressive with pieces you’d least expect. There’s Pullman private car Ferdinand Magellan, U.S. No. 1, the railroad equivalent of today’s Air Force One, and streamlined passenger cars from the Chicago-San Francisco California Zephyr. You’ll also see equipment native to the state including an E-unit diesel and 4-6-2 steam locomotive No. 153, both from the Florida East Coast Railway. On select Saturdays, on-site train rides are also provided.
Murder Mystery Dinner Train – 2805 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers
The shortline Seminole Gulf Railway operates its Murder Mystery Dinner Train in conjunction with its freight service. The 3.5-hour round trip traverses the former Atlantic Coast Line and Seaboard Air Line while crossing the Caloosahatchee River drawbridge as a scenic highlight. Of course, additional highlights include the dinner and show aboard the train!
TECO Line Streetcar System
If you’re planning to visit the Tampa area, make sure to catch a ride on the TECO Line that connects downtown Tampa, Channelside, and the Ybor City entertainment district. A total of nine replica Birney Safety Streetcars, an open-air “Breezer” car, and a restored original Tampa streetcar make up the fleet. Stops along the line allow you easy access to the Florida Aquarium, Amalie Arena, Tampa Convention Center, the Tampa Bay History Center, Ybor City Museum, and the cruise ship terminals.
Other Florida railroad sites to consider
During your visit to Florida, consider also visiting these railroad sites:
- Central Florida Railroad Museum – Winter Garden
- Flagler Museum – Palm Beach
- Henry B. Plant Museum – Tampa
- Naples Depot Museum – Naples
- Tampa Union Station – Tampa
- West Florida Railroad Museum – Milton
