A New Name for the Road? Making It Easier to Find the Bluegrass Railroad

At a February 2026 Woodford Fiscal Court meeting, county officials discussed a practical improvement for the recreational area that includes the Bluegrass Railroad Museum and Rail Explorers: giving the roadway serving the area a distinct name and assigning clearer, conventional street addresses.

It may seem like a small change, but for a destination welcoming visitors from throughout Kentucky and beyond, clear directions and accurate addressing can make a meaningful difference.

Why Clearer Addresses Matter

The issue was reported in the February 26, 2026 edition of The Woodford Sun. County officials discussed the need to better identify facilities along the roadway, including for 9-1-1 emergency response and insurance records. Some facilities in the area have not had the type of conventional street numbering that makes individual locations immediately clear. (kypublicnotice.com)

From our perspective at the Bluegrass Railroad Museum, there are two important benefits.

First, clearer addressing can make it easier for visitors to find us. A trip to the railroad should begin with excitement about boarding a train—not uncertainty about whether the GPS has led you to the correct entrance.

More importantly, accurate road names and addresses can help firefighters, EMS, law enforcement and other emergency responders quickly determine exactly where assistance is needed.

Working Together as the Area Grows

The county's discussion included input involving the recreational facilities in the area, including the Bluegrass Railroad Museum and Rail Explorers. The report indicated support for improving the way locations along the roadway are identified. (kypublicnotice.com)

Today, both attractions are associated with the familiar 175 Beasley Road location.

The Bluegrass Railroad Museum has welcomed generations of visitors to experience Kentucky railroad history through museum exhibits and excursion trains. More recently, Rail Explorers has brought another type of railroad experience to the property, allowing visitors to pedal specially designed rail bikes along the historic railroad corridor.

As more people visit the area for different activities, making each destination easy to locate becomes increasingly important.

What Might the Road Be Called?

During the February discussion, “Recreation Way” was mentioned as a possible name for the roadway.

Another suggestion was “John ‘Bear’ Coyle Way.”

At the time of the February 26 report, however, a final road name had not been established. The discussion should therefore be viewed as a proposal under consideration rather than an already completed address change. (kypublicnotice.com)

Visitors should continue using the museum's currently published address unless an official change is announced.

More Than a Road Sign

The conversation about road names and addresses is also a sign of how this part of Woodford County continues to develop as a recreational destination.

Rail Explorers' Bluegrass operation begins at the railroad museum and uses the historic railroad corridor for its rail-bike excursions. Combined with our traditional train rides and museum activities, the property now gives visitors several ways to experience the railroad and the surrounding Kentucky countryside.

That growth makes good wayfinding increasingly valuable.

A clearly named roadway can help families navigate the area, help delivery and service vehicles locate individual facilities, and—most importantly—help emergency personnel respond efficiently when every minute matters.

We'll Keep You Posted

We appreciate Woodford County officials taking a closer look at ways to improve access and addressing in the area.

If a new roadway name or museum address is formally adopted, we'll make sure our passengers and visitors know about the change and that our website, directions and visitor information are updated accordingly.

Until then, nothing changes for your visit.

The trains are still at 175 Beasley Road—and we'll be ready to welcome you aboard.