Easter Bunny Express – April 19, 2025

The sun is shining, spring is in full bloom, and the Easter Bunny is hopping into town! Celebrate the start of the season by taking a delightful ride behind a steam locomotive.  On Saturday, April 19th, join us for a 45-minute ride along the Willamette River in Portland to Oaks Park and back. The historic …

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT – SUE ABERLE

Sue Aberle is a dedicated volunteer with a heart full of family stories and a deep passion for trains. Her family is spread far and wide internationally, with three adult children, who have gifted her with six grandchildren. Her family has lived in Monroe WA, Maryland, Mississippi, Minneapolis, and even England. She’s hopeful that soon …

Railroading and Portland’s Black Pioneers

In Oregon, the history of railroading and growth of our Black communities are interconnected and interdependent. Oregon Rail Heritage Center recognized this when we planned one of our first exhibits upon opening the Enginehouse in 2012. In conjunction with Oregon Black Pioneers, an education-focused nonprofit, we installed their Railroading and Portland’s Black Community exhibit, which …

Celebrating the Enginehouse’s Initiators

In the fall of 2011, celebratory wooden train whistles rang out as construction of Oregon Rail Heritage Center began. Then in September 2012, the building we know today opened its doors to visitors for the first time. Countless volunteer hours were dedicated to this massive project. In its early days ORHF’s primary mission was to …

Train Time the Documentary

Climb aboard for the biggest adventure on wheels! Showing at OMSI’s Empirical Theater, Stephen Low’s documentary Train Time propels audiences through the rugged beauty and vastness of the American landscape. Join the crew of a giant freight train for an eye-popping, music-infused journey across America, featuring the iconic Southern Pacific 4449 locomotive. Advance tickets are …