At a Glance
- TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
- LocationOH
- Rating4.8 ★396 Google reviews
About Allen County Museum
The Allen County Museum in Lima, Ohio, presents a compact campus that spans half a city block, where the centerpiece is a 1925 Lima‑built No. 10 Shay locomotive— a three‑foot‑gauge, two‑truck geared engine weighing roughly 24 tons. Inside, visitors explore a Victorian mansion, a log house, a Children’s Discovery Center, extensive railroad archives, and a Children’s Garden, while the museum’s accredited status reflects its adherence to national museum standards.
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Allen County Museum. Many heritage operators publish schedules seasonally or run on regular open hours instead of dated events.
Check the operator’s website for current hours and special runs, or subscribe to event alerts and we’ll email you when something is scheduled.
Plan Your Visit
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
- HoursMonday: ClosedTuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Find the Depot
The Trains
The museum’s rail collection centers on Shay Locomotive No. 10, a 3‑foot‑gauge, two‑truck geared engine built by the Lima Locomotive Works in 1925 for the Lima Stone Company; the locomotive weighs roughly 24 tons. It was rescued from scrap in 1953, restored at no cost by Baldwin‑Lima‑Hamilton for the Allen County Historical Society, and now sits behind the museum’s iron‑clad window structure as the visual centerpiece of the site.
History
See full history
The Allen County Historical Society, formed in 1908, serves as the operator of the Allen County Museum. After outgrowing Memorial Hall, the Society raised private funds in the 1930s, but World War II delayed the building project; the museum’s cornerstone—set with a stone from the original White House—is laid in 1954. Since that time the Society has expanded the campus and, in partnership with the American Alliance of Museums, secured accreditation, a distinction held by fewer than 800 of more than 11,000 U.S. museums.
Around the Depot
The Allen County Museum is a worthwhile Ohio stop for transportation history — plan time to see the collection.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
Compare rentals on Discover Cars →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Tours & Activities Nearby
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Allen County Museum located?
Allen County Museum is located in OH.
How do I get tickets to Allen County Museum?
Tickets and current schedules are available on the operator's official website at https://www.allencountymuseum.org/.