Gold Coast Railroad Museum354

Since 1957, the Gold Coast Railroad Museum has been home to several trains of historical significance, resting on a half mile track. Significantly damaged by Hurricane Andrew in 1991, the museum continues to rebuild, as well as restore, these authentic dining, sleeping, and vista cars.

Check out the California Zephyr, with its Silver Crescent dome for viewing the countryside during travel. Built in 1948, this train's decor takes you back to a bygone era.

The highlight of the museum is the historical landmark train, the Ferdinand Magellan, originally built in 1928 by the Pullman Company. Refurbished in 1942, it became the only Presidential train built in the 20th century. Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first to use the train, followed by Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, and Ronald Reagan (for whistle stop campaigning). Check out the escape hatches in the ceiling of the observation room and the presidential bathroom.

Also available for visitors is an extensive model train exhibit with a Thomas the Tank Engine play area.

Link train rides, on smaller 2-foot gauge track, are scheduled on weekends, and are appropriate for both children and adults. The ride lasts about 20 minutes and is $2.25 per person. Standard rail rides in an air conditioned coach are also an option, and run on weekends at 2pm, and cost $5.50 per person. Cab rides in a real diesel locomotive are also an option but are not offered regularly; call for times and to make reservations. The cost is $11, and space is limited.