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”Oregon Rail Heritage Center
The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is a museum and one of the largest railroad museums in the United States. The center has over 80 pieces of rolling stock, including locomotives and cars from Union Pacific, Southern Pacific, and Amtrak. It also features rotating exhibits and an extensive research library. Visitors can make reservations for train excursions on historic trains or spend time walking around to take in all that this great institution has to offer.
The Oregon Rail Heritage Center was established in 1993. The center is located just north of downtown Portland on the east side of I-84. It’s open seven days a week from Wednesday through Sunday, with hours varying seasonally and by day. There are no charges for admission or parking at this incredible museum that tells the story of how railroads transformed the Pacific Northwest.
History About Oregon Rail Heritage Center
The Oregon Rail Heritage Center’s roots can be traced back to the late 1970s when a group of Union Pacific employees began restoring an old steam locomotive. That effort eventually grew into the Portland Vintage Trolley Museum, founded in 1984. The museum operated out of a small building near the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) until 1989 when it moved to a more prominent location on Portland’s west side.
In 1993, the name was changed to Oregon Rail Heritage Center, and that same year Union Pacific donated several vintage pieces of equipment for display at OMSI. In 1999, the center opened its current home along I-84 next to Riverfront Park in downtown Portland.
The Oregon Rail Heritage Center has about 80 pieces of rolling stock. Some are owned by the center itself, while others have been donated through partnerships with railroads, museums, and other institutions. It features rotating exhibits that allow visitors to experience different aspects of railroad history every few months throughout the year.
Visitors can also take a ride on one of the center’s historic trains. Reservations are required, and there is a fee for most excursions, but they provide a unique opportunity to see the Pacific Northwest from a different perspective.
What to See at Oregon Rail Heritage Center
The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is a great place to learn about the history of railroads in the Pacific Northwest. It has an extensive research library with books, magazines, photographs, and other materials dating back to the 1800s. Visitors can walk around and explore the different exhibits at their own pace or take a guided tour. Several historic trains run regularly and rotate exhibits for those who want to experience the excellent museum differently.
The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is open seven days a week and free admission. It’s located just north of downtown Portland on the east side of I-84, so it’s easy to find, and there is plenty of parking available. Be sure to check out this great museum the next time you’re in Portland!
Activities and Events at Oregon Rail Heritage Center
The Oregon Rail Heritage Center has several different activities and events for people of all ages. Some of the most popular include excursions on historic trains, lectures from guest speakers, rotating exhibits that allow visitors to experience railroad history in different ways throughout the year, and special holiday-themed events. The center also offers regular train rides along its demonstration rail line, which is a great way to experience the history and beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is open seven days from Wednesday through Sunday. Admission and parking are free, making it an excellent option for people who want to learn more about railroad history in the Pacific Northwest. The center has something for everyone and offers an excellent way for friends and families to spend time together.
Things to Do at Oregon Rail Heritage Center
People can do many different things when they visit the Oregon Rail Heritage Center.
- Visitors can take an hour or two to explore the museum on their own or take a guided tour.
- Everyone who visits can check out rotating exhibits that cover different aspects of railroad history every few months throughout the year.
- There are also many historic trains and locomotives at OREHC for people to see, learn about and even ride in if they want to.
- The Oregon Rail Heritage Center offers a variety of train rides on its demonstration rail line. These are perfect for families, friends, and everyone in between!
What Not to Do at Oregon Rail Heritage Center
There are many things that people should not do at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center.
- One of the most important is not touching any of the rolling stock without express permission from a staff member.
- It’s also essential for visitors to keep children within sight and under supervision at all times, so they don’t get lost or hurt while in the museum.
- Pets are not allowed in the museum, except for service animals.
- Smoking, eating, and drinking are also not allowed inside the museum.
- Finally, photography and videotaping are only allowed with special permission from a staff member.
What to Bring to Oregon Rail Heritage Center
There are a few things that visitors should bring with them when they go to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center.
- Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are all-important for those who plan on spending time outside.
- Comfortable shoes are also a good idea, as there is a lot of walking involved.
- Cameras and binoculars are a great way to capture the beauty of the museum and its exhibits.
- Finally, visitors should bring a sense of curiosity and an open mind so they can learn as much as possible about railroads in the Pacific Northwest.
How to Get to Oregon Rail Heritage Center
The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is located at 2250 SE Water Avenue in Portland.
Visitors can get to the museum by taking TriMet Bus #14 or MAX Blue Line to the Holgate Boulevard stop.
From there, it’s a five-minute walk to the museum.
Location: 2250 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Phone: +1503-233-1156
Email Address: [email protected]
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11 am-04 pm
Admission: $12 adult, $11 senior/military, $09 student with ID, kids under 12 free. Trains rides extra.
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