Where Kentucky's Railroad History Comes Alive
Ride the Rails
Relive the History
FOUNDED 1976 · VERSAILLES, KENTUCKY
Nearly Five Decades on Kentucky's Iron Road
From a handful of passionate model railroaders to one of Kentucky's most beloved heritage destinations — the story of the Bluegrass Railroad Museum is a story of community, determination, and a deep love for the railroad.
Born from a Love of
Model Trains
THE BEGINNING
The Bluegrass Railroad Museum traces its roots to the Bluegrass Railroad Club — a group of model railroad enthusiasts in central Kentucky who shared a passion not just for miniature locomotives, but for the real thing.
In 1976, that passion took a decisive turn. The club incorporated as a non-profit museum with a bold mission: to preserve full-size railroad equipment and share Kentucky's rich rail heritage with the public.
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In those early years, members scoured rail yards and sidings across the region, rescuing locomotives and rolling stock that would otherwise have been scrapped. Without paid staff, without a permanent facility, and often without certainty about the future — volunteers showed up weekend after weekend to do the work.
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What began as a dream became, over the decades, one of the most authentic railroad museum experiences in the American South.
A HALF CENTURY OF HISTORY
Milestones on the Line
The 5.5-mile right-of-way that carries our excursion trains today was originally the Louisville Southern Railroad — built in the 1880s to connect the Bluegrass interior with the Kentucky River. At the end of the line stands Young's High Bridge, once the highest railroad bridge in America at 268 feet above the river gorge. When the museum acquired the right-of-way in 1986, the track was overgrown and the future uncertain.
Volunteers spent years clearing, grading, and relaying rail to restore it to operating condition. Today, every excursion train rolls over the same ground where Louisville Southern locomotives once hauled freight through central Kentucky.
1976 - FOUNDED
The Museum is Born
Members of the Bluegrass Railroad Club incorporate the museum as a non-profit, beginning the mission to preserve full-size Kentucky railroad equipment for future generations.
1983 - TRACK & LAND
Woodford County Park Agreement
The museum signs a landmark agreement with Woodford County to operate from the park in Versailles — establishing the permanent home that the museum occupies to this day on 9.5 acres.
1987 - MILESTONE
First Passenger Excursion Train
The museum operates its first public excursion train — a historic moment that marks the transition from static museum to living, breathing railroad. Passengers ride all the way to the Kentucky River gorge for the first time.
2000s - MILESTONE
Special Event Programming Expands
Holiday and themed excursions — including the beloved Polar Express and Fourth of July specials — become annual traditions, bringing thousands of new families to the railroad each year and establishing the museum as a regional holiday destination
1979 - ACQUISITION
First Locomotives Join the Collection
The museum acquires its first diesel locomotives from regional railroads, including an early Louisville & Nashville unit earmarked for retirement. Restoration work begins immediately.
1986 - TRACK & LAND
Louisville Southern Right-of-Way Acquired
The museum purchases the historic Louisville Southern Railroad right-of-way — a line originally built in the 1880s connecting Versailles to the Kentucky River at Tyrone. The 5.5-mile corridor becomes the backbone of all future excursion operations.
1990s - AQUISITION
Collection Expands to 20+ Pieces
Rolling stock from the L&N, Seaboard, and U.S. Army rail operations joins the collection. Coaches from the 1920s and 1930s are restored and placed into excursion service, giving riders an authentic vintage passenger experience.
2024 - MILESTONE
GP8 No. 7738 Full Overhaul Complete
After an 18-month restoration by volunteer mechanics, Illinois Central Gulf GP8 No. 7738 returns to active service in its ICG orange & white livery — the most comprehensive restoration project in the museum's history.
TODAY
Nearly 50 Years and Still Running
With 40+ pieces of rolling stock, 6 diesel locomotives, an all-volunteer crew, and thousands of riders every year — the Bluegrass Railroad Museum continues its mission of connecting generations through Kentucky's iron road heritage.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT
Built by Volunteers, Kept Alive by Passion
Every locomotive that runs, every coach that carries passengers, every exhibit that tells a story — all of it exists because of people who gave their time, their skills, and their dedication to this museum.
FOUNDING MEMBER
David Drake
1940-2025
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One of the original incorporators of the museum, David was responsible for negotiating the Woodford County Park agreement and overseeing the acquisition of the Louisville Southern right-of-way.
FOUNDING MEMBER
Marion F. Eldridge
1926-2016
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Marion worked for the L&N, Seaboard and CSX railroads for over 42 years, retiring on September 5, 1986. Marion was an avid railroad fan and took many movies and photos of trains and trolleys many of which have been published in DVD'S, books and railroad magazines.
FOUNDING MEMBER
Jack Reilly, Jr
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With 30 years in the cab, Jack has operated more excursion miles than any engineer in the museum's history. His calm expertise has introduced thousands of riders to the thrill of a moving train.
FOUNDING MEMBER
Wesley F. Ross
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Dr. Ross' passion for railroading continues to this day through his leadership of the Kentucky Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society.
FOUNDING MEMBER
Boone B. Baldwin
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Boone has been a lifelong railroad enthusiast. He was a founder, a charter member, and the first president of the Bluegrass Railroad Museum.