Oklahoma Railway Museum

This was my husband’s favorite stop of our vacation!
My husband loved being able to climb inside some of the cars and climb up on the front of the engines. He wanted his picture taken with almost all of them haha. We took alot of pictures and really liked the trains.
The only thing I didn’t like, there was no guide, no workers, nobody in the office. We pretty much had the whole place to ourselves to walk around. It would have been really cool to have someone tell us more about the trains. I saw that they had an expansion project that would be in different phases, and based on the little map, it looks like they should have already finished phase one with a gift shop and what not, but we didn’t see one anywhere.

I came to visit ORM on a road trip a few months ago. While they were gearing up for their yearly Thomas event, it was still nice to see their collection, and several members were able to answer my questions (as I’m affiliated with another train museum myself). For this museum being relatively new, they have a nice collection, and clearly their membership base has done a lot in the preservation and aesthetics department. My only complaint is that they don’t operate each weekend and are closed on Sundays, but being a non-​profit, and one of which I’m intimately familiar, I won’t knock off stars — it’s not easy to get a railroad museum running, let alone operating all the time. I do hope to come visit here again in the future when I’m driving through OK City.

For having free admission and designed for self-​exploration, this is a great spot for children and those who love trains. To ride the train itself does have a fee, and honestly it isn’t a «must do» since you aren’t going very far and you’re essentially just sitting there. Not that I’m expecting to be jumping around or anything, but it would have been neat to have someone give a little history on steam engines or something during the ride.
The real highlight is during the Day Out with Thomas weekends. There are several more (free) activities aimed right at the children such as mini golf, temporary tattoos, play areas with Thomas toys, story time, Thomas shows playing on a loop, arts & crafts, etc, Sir Topham Hat is there for photo ops, and there’s a large gift shop filled with all kinds of Thomas goodies (although be well aware they are quite pricey). You can still ride the train, but this time with Thomas pulling it. However, the prices for that are rather ridiculous at $ 18 for ages two and older on Saturday/​Sunday. For a 25 minute train ride on «Thomas,» it would have cost my family of four $ 72. Fridays were cheaper at $ 16, making the total «only» $ 64. I can’t justify that at all. But this is clearly the weekend the museum makes a killing. Carnival-​esque food booths are also available during Thomas weekends so there are at least a few options if you find yourself hungry or thirsty.
Neat area for the rare visit. If you want the train ride, go during any day that doesn’t involve Thomas — it is considerably cheaper for the same thing just without Thomas at the front.

Great entertainment for children about 2 to 8 years old, I highly recommend you bring children on days the train rides are running or when Thomas The Train is in town. Ample parking, some air conditioning but mostly out door exhibits, events. Best fall or spring time. Not overly expensive, weekday train ride on Thomas was $ 16, you can purchase online or at the event. Military discounts available. Lots to do for no charge! Parking is free. If you’ve got guests in from out of town with young children this is great entertainment! You can also bring a picnic or your own drinks in a cooler. No pets. Lots of shade, seating, and tents available.

There’s not a huge indoor space full of exhibits, and the museum is very open air and self-​serve. However, there’s plenty to see here and no admission fee. I understand there are fees for train rides, but I didn’t check into that so I can’t speak about details. I settled on four stars because three just didn’t seem sufficient. If you’re expecting a fancy museum that will teach you all about railways in the region, you’ll be disappointed. If you would like to check out some cool old trains and climb aboard a few, you’re more likely to be delighted! One of the train cars was filled with photos of famous Oklahomans, past and present, which was a nice touch.

This railroad themed museum is small yet fun. I could tell this place was growing in popularity as when I first came here 4 years ago as work was just beginning. Today, The parking lot is paved, More exhibits are actually moving on the rails, the volunteers were all very nice and helpful. We rode the Polar Express late 2009 and my whole family had a great time. That is 14 folks who all enjoyed our 45 minutes together on the train in true family time. Perhaps when I’m retired I can volunteer here. This museum is close to the Zoo, Firefighters museum, Softball hall of fame, Army museum and the Cowboy museum, all located in a very safe area.