Oregon Rail Heritage Center

2250 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214, USA

Address:	2250 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214, USA
Phone:	+1 503-233-1156
Site:	orhf.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	1–5PM Closed Closed 1–5PM 1–5PM 1–5PM 1–5PM

Location

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Leaflet

Photos 100

Reviews 24

Laif Kvarsten

Wonderful location on operating Union Pacific mainline with numerous UP and PW freights and the occasional intercity passenger train. Massive relics of the steam era in the form of SP 4449 and SP&S 700, volunteers willing to explain the railroad history of Portland and all passing trains (high priority, passenger, manifest, etc.) Just go to spend an afternoon here and be sure to bring your camera, really long trains around here are going just 10 mph because they have to make a sharp turn onto the Steel Bridge to cross the Willamette, so great place to observe the detail. Old and new meet at this terrific locale. Definitely the best thing in the entire state of Oregon. FYI, I am a train lover, so this might by slightly exaggerated, but really, great place to come.

Rebecca Schiefelbein

As others have said, you cant walk around on the trains and the facility currently has just 4 engines on display. However, they have questionnaires for different age groups of kids to fill out for a prize that my kids loved working on. They have to read descriptions, observe the trains, and ask the docents questions to answer all the questions and they learned so much and had fun. We adults also had a great time hearing stories and historical tidbits from the docents describing how Portland came to own (and nearly lose) these impressive engines that are either operational or being refurbished to run by a team of dedicated volunteers. So worth a few hours out of your weekend to visit this gem!

Jim St John

Want to get close and personal with our steam heritage? This is the place! Real working locomotives! Some under restoration. Some look like theyre brand new. Volunteers who really know their trains. On Saturdays you can ride in an open car, caboose or maybe an old passenger car to Oaks Park. The 3 mile ride is currently $5/person but fun and you can jump off and spend some time at Oaks, another Portland gem. If you have little ones you may not get past the toy trains at the front of the center, but its a great place.

Allen Kennedy

Has some nice trains being restored by the staff on site, as well as some nice history of the rail system in Oregon. They have two rides your can pay for, a trip on a vintage train, which takes about 20 minutes, and a ride on a small kind of rail based open air car, which is pretty neat. Staff is knowledgeable and the gift shop is as expected. Wen on a fee open house day and the place was packed. Dont think Id actually pay for a visit.

Greg Fitzgerald

This is the place to go to get up close and personal with gigantic working steam locomotives. The vintage rail cars are quite a sight. I love that there is a working machine shop fabricating parts to keep these trains rolling, and that the skills for maintaining this rail equipment are being passed on to younger folks. Fascinating piece of history!

Bill Hamby

This is a great place for the family and the kids really love it! Its also a great place to have a birthday party or other get together and the price is low. You can watch the work being done on the locomotives and there are friendly people there to answer your questions. Standing next to the giant steam locomotives take you back in time.

Christopher Pfingsten

Amazing place! My 2 year old was endlessly fascinated by the trains, and everyone was very friendly. I was also very impressed by the sheer size of the locomotives... I would liken the experience to seeing large ships at bay. You simply must stand next to these monsters to truly get it. Theres also a train ride that goes along the river.

Randy Ogata

What a great place to teach my boys (Cub Scouts) the history of trains. Have older passenger & diesels in the yard and surrounding the shed. But enter the shed and you can touch & see two of the most beautiful 4-8-4s (aka Northern Type) you will see... SP&S #700 and the Southern Pacific Daylight

Walt Moorhouse

Really cool place to stop by and see if youre into trains. Its free, but you can make a donation. The people working there are volunteers and really know their stuff. We had fun learning about the history of railways in Portland. They even have Trimet history that is kept very up to date.

Benjamin Carpenter

THE home of some of the best known Locomotives, including the 4449 Daylight. Friendly staff always ready to answer questions, and the whole time youre there, volunteers are busy working on the Locomotives. Busy UP mainline goes right by the center. A great place for any railfan!

Sean Rowan

This was GREAT family fun. My 4 yr old who loves trains had a great time here. Full locomotives on display and the only entrance charge is a donation. There is also a train tour along the Willamette River that is only 5 bucks. Great outing while downtown.

Sing PaPa

Have not been there for a while. FREE Admission, lot of old train engine stuff the folks are restoring there... a ride for 5 buck is not expensive at all. Stop by when you nearby... if you love train as much as my son, you owe yourself a trip there.

Kolin Leishman

A great time for the whole family. Lots of historical information about the local area. A handful of amazing engines to see up close. We took the train from oaks bottom which made it even more special. Our daughter loved every moment!

Rob Melton

Great fun for kids of all ages. Explore Portlands rail yard history and see locomotives that helped settle the West. Dont miss riding the train down to Oaks Park and back. Check out the gift shop specializing in railroad merchandise.

Nathaniel Sigrist

The kids loved seeing the 4449 in person. We regret not being able to see it run. There were engineers working on the 4449 who were friendly and offered our little foamer a tour of the cab. That made his year!

Kidogo84

This museum is nice. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. We asked if we could go inside one of the trains and they were more than willing to give us a guided tour. Parking and admission is free.

JP McConnell

Brought my 2yro son, hes loving it. There are some beautiful trains on display and some very knowledgeable people if you have any questions. There is also an area for kids to play with some brio trains.

Vanessa Peterson

Fun place to take kids or railroad enthusiasts. Wish you could go in the actual trains. They have train rides, but only on Saturday. . Services are limited because its based on volunteer availability.

Mns A

متحف تاريخي للسكة الحديدة، كان مغلق وقت زيارتي له خلال زيارتي لها في عام 2013

Daniel Ching

There is one good mural on the wall about the history of the MAX. Otherwise, its a really nice garage for old people who enjoy restoring trains. If you want a good railway museum, go to Illinois.

Jen Gosnell

Its fascinating to see these massive, old steam engines in various stages of repair. Theres also interesting historical info and artifacts. Volunteer staff are helpful and friendly.

Mathew Severson

Several engines parked inside, some under repair. Rail switch yard on site with several cars. Toy wooden railyard for kids. Train rides to Oaks Park. Friendly staff. On the Max line

Jonathan Hoffman

This places is amazing! Great people working as volunteers to keep alive older Trains/Locomotives from our historic US past! The old Locomotive cars are simply beautiful!

Dan MacMillan

Thankful that this place is available. Support them in any way you can. A piece of history that needs preservation but isnt cheap and easy to keep for the public.