Georgia State Railroad Museum

655 Louisville Rd, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

Address:	655 Louisville Rd, Savannah, GA 31401, USA
Phone:	+1 912-651-6823
Site:	chsgeorgia.org
Rating:	4.5
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

Keri-Lyn Krafthefer

We absolutely loved this museum. We were on a hop on/hop off tour of Savannah, and our 6-year old son wanted to hop off here. We hopped off to humor him, but it ended up being the highlight of our day in Savannah for all of us. First, the staff is so passionate about trains and the restoration work they are doing, you cant help but get excited about trains - even though I previously had no real interest in them. Our "tour guide," Bill, was a former journalist who now volunteers at the Museum. He is extremely knowledgeable about both trains and this history of the roundhouse. He gave a handcar demonstration, and all who wanted to could operate the handcar for a ride. Then we went on a steam engine ride - short but informative, and they demonstrated how the roundhouse worked while we were on the train, so we were on the train as it moved, which the children liked. Then, Bill gave us a tour of the locomotives and showed us the restoration work that they are undertaking. So many people stayed on the tour that they decided to also give us a tour of the Executive Cars, even though there was not a tour scheduled while we were there. The best things about this museum is that a) it is very much a "hands on" museum - the staff removed the "do not climb on this" signs so that we could explore the train cars - and they made everything accessible - not off limits, although obviously they pointed out where we needed to exercise caution and b) the staff is wonderful and Bill, in particular, had such a passion and excitement for sharing his knowledge that his enthusiasm for trains and history was contagious. We ended up staying at this site for 3 1/2 hours - far longer than we thought we would. There is also a childrens museum there, but it closed by the time we were done with the railroad museum. For us, this was definitely worth the stop, and we hope that they succeed in their continued restoration efforts.

Ross Comstock

Took my wife and 2 year-old son to this museum today and was very warmly welcomed by the staff. Although the admission may seem a bit steep given the exhibits on display, I would gladly go back and pay it over again (and more) due to the fact that this railroad museum actually maintains and operates the equipment on site. The Roundtable still operates, many of the locomotives still operate and a dedicated staff of technicians work diligently to keep the equipment operating. I was very impressed with the amount of work that has gone into keeping this facility up and running. There is a family learning center that has a handful of things to keep the really young ones entertained in the air conditioning if you need a break, but it is the only part of the museum that is air conditioned. Just imagine what those blacksmiths and engineers had to deal with in the not-so-distant past to keep these engines and the facility in operating condition! Certain exhibits are only running on certain days so if theres something you definitely want to do (train rides, tours, etc.) be sure to call in advance so you know whats going to be available before you arrive. Lastly, the local model train club has an enormous and very interesting setup in the old Storehouse that is worth a look. Its a very good representation of the city of Savannah!

Wendy D

Looks better when you pull up. Experience was terrible. I wouldnt call this a museum. Childrens museum was the worst. Its an outdoor playground. It was not maintained whatsoever. Model trains did not work. I wouldnt recommend this to anyone, especially if youre interested in trains like my son. It was such a letdown. The large trains were okay, but there wasnt much to it. No history, no facts about them, they were just there for show. It was wheb we came back around to the front to the worker/cashier who sold us our tickets and expressed our dissatisfaction that she said, "Thats why we close the childrens museum early. Its under construction and were raising money to make an indoor museum." Didnt bother to tell us that before you said we should bundle up and that well save more money? Such a letdown. I was hoping to give my son a great experience because he loves all things train, but he was disappointed. Like I said, looked great when you pull up, but thats it.

Emelin

I did not enjoy this museum and thought it to be a waste of money ($10 per entry). Though I appreciate the cause that most of the contributions goes toward restoring trains in this museum, unless you can get onto one of the tours, this museum is nothing but a train parking lot since little effort has been put into making signs for visitors to learn about the exhibits. As someone who has little knowledge on trains, I learnt nothing from walking around the museum. Unfortunately, since we arrived there late, we were only able to go on one tour which was actually very informative. Would strongly recommend to go early and get on a few tours to fully enjoy this museum. Also, this allows you a reserve a spot on a train ride which looked pretty fun for both kids and adults. If you have more time to spend in Savannah, there is a deal called the see 3 pass which is $17 for adults and $11 for children - this allows you entry to 3 museums in Savannah.

Reina Bolanos

I highly enjoyed all the old railcars that you can examine both inside and outside! You get to see everything from the engine to the inside seating area! I was a little too early, and had someplace to go later in the day, but I unfortunately did not get to go on the tours that were available. I also went when it was raining, and since most of the museum is outdoors, I would suggest at least bringing an umbrella if it is forecasted to rain (I did not have one and I got soaked). But regardless, it was a fun museum! I live that the $10 entrance fee is useable for 3 days after the date of purchase; so if youre in Savannah for more than a day, you can contribute to drop by. They also have free parking, and its right by the Savannah visitor center where there are other museums, gift shops, and trolleys!

Katie Mildenhall

Everything was completely hands-off for children unless they were doing official "tours" that occurred sporadically throughout the day. We were excited about doing the handrail cart experience, but although we arrived at opening (9 am) they werent doing that until 2:30 PM. I cant imagine anyone under 50 enjoying it much. The old buildings are unique and surely a treasure but simply not interesting enough to teenagers or children. The train ride was a joke. 20 minutes of history while we putted back and forth of a 1/4 mile of train track.

Aaron Martin

Great staff and very interesting displays. Could easily spend a day here. There is a narrated train ride, a short film, model railroads, private rail car tours, a hand cart demonstration, a playground, a gift shop, and several locomotives on display. Located at the roundhouse next to the visitors center. The only place for improvement is to give them enough support to increase staff so the tours run more frequently and they meet their goals of extending the rail lines. There is no food onsite except snacks in the gift shop.