1 / 2Oregon Rail Heritage Center
π Portland, NY
Working railway museum housing three historic steam locomotives including Southern Pacific 4449. Seasonal themed rides include the Holiday Express with Santa visits and a 45-minute scenic river route.
π Family Action Verdict
Best for families with train-curious children of any age, with the Holiday Express being the standout seasonal event - Santa interactions, festive atmosphere, and a riverside ride in one package. The free museum tours work well even for families without a specific interest in trains, as the volunteers make the history genuinely compelling.
βΉοΈ What to Know Before You Go
π¬ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews β1,246 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Jerrold Fallstrom
10 months ago
βOur family had a fantastic time on the Holiday Express. It was fun seeing our grandkids interacting with Santa and taking advantage of the opportunity prior to boarding to pen a letter to the jolly one with their Christmas wish list. As a bonus we got a cup of hot chocolate for the old-fashioned price of $1 each! Our return trip was longer because somebody had gotten their car stuck on the train track near the rail center. About an hour later a tow truck extracted it and we were able to get back. Everyone involved with the train was friendly during the delay and passengers were offered a cookie for the unexpected delay. This was Nana and Grandpaβs fourth trip on the train visiting from Florida. It was also the first time we had gone at night, and that was a blast. The lights in the train cars are beautiful against the dark sky backdrop. The Holiday Express is a wonderful attraction in the Portland area, and everybody should take advantage of it!β
Jamie Hryciuk
7 months ago
βThis place is awesome! Iβm not even into trains but I really enjoyed visiting. I honestly just went in to use the bathroom but I was intrigued so I went ahead and took the free tour, the volunteers mere very knowledgeable and friendly, I highly recommend, great little family activity especially if your in the area visiting omsi or planning a day cycling the east bank !β
Elizabeth Hernandez
9 months ago
βCame for Holiday Express, the museum was super cool. I wish they played Christmas music during the ride and that Santa took a photo with everyone.... I might be 31 but I would have liked a photo with Santa. But overall really interesting. Hal (I believe was his name) told us a lot on interesting facts while we waited to board the train.β
π¬ What parents mention
Overview
The Oregon Rail Heritage Center preserves three historic steam locomotives and a working machine shop where volunteers restore vintage railcars. Seasonal themed rides - Holiday Express, Easter Bunny Special, Valentine's Express - depart along a scenic riverside route lasting around 45 minutes. Free museum tours with passionate volunteer guides run alongside ticketed ride events. Indoor exhibits cover living railroad history in depth.






