NEW HAVEN, KY
Photo by C. Bedford Crenshaw, via Wikimedia Commons (Attribution)
Kentucky Railroad Museum
About Kentucky Railroad Museum
Riders travel aboard Louisville and Nashville’s historic Lebanon Branch, departing New Haven and tracing the last eighteen miles of the former L&N main line toward Boston, Kentucky. The excursion weaves through the rolling hills of southern Nelson County on a line once vital to the Union cause. Onboard, the celebrated L&N Steam Locomotive #152— the oldest known remaining 4‑6‑2 Pacific— provides authentic steam‑era ambience, complemented by themed dinner, mystery theater, and seasonal holiday trains.
At a Glance
Verified daily- Type
- Heritage railroad & tourist attraction
- Location
- NEW HAVEN, KY
- Rating
- 4.5 ★ 853 Google reviews
- Upcoming
- Thu, Jul 16
Upcoming Events
Plan Your Visit
- First Departure
- 2 PM
- Parking
- Free lot
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
- Good For
- Families
- Hours
- Monday: ClosedTuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PMSunday: 12:00 – 4:30 PM
Find the Depot
The Trains
The museum’s collection includes Louisville and Nashville Railroad #152, a 4‑6‑2 Pacific steam locomotive designated the Official State Locomotive of Kentucky, the Monon Route diesel engine No. 32 painted in Purdue’s black‑and‑gold colors, Louisville and Nashville Combine Car 665, the Mt. Broderick Pullman lounge‑observation‑sleeping car, and the Frankfort and Cincinnati Model 55 “Cardinal” gas‑powered rail car, all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Heritage‑rail excursions run over the last eighteen miles of the former Louisville and Nashville Lebanon Branch, operating between Boston, Kentucky and the museum’s New Haven site. The line follows the historic L&N main‑line corridor that once connected Lebanon Junction to Corbin.
History
See full history
The Kentucky Railway Museum is chartered in 1954 by Louisville rail enthusiasts through the Kentucky General Assembly, and its earliest site dates to the Louisville and Nashville Railroad construction of the Lebanon line in 1856‑1857. Its first public opening occurs on May 30 1958 at 1837 East River Road, following a dedication on September 30 1957, with the Louisville and Nashville #152 locomotive donated in 1957 and the first displays arriving that year. Flooding in March 1964 forces the museum to leave the original river‑front location, and a decision in December 1975 leads to a relocation to Ormsby Station in 1977 on a 32‑acre lease that is later terminated in 1993. The current New Haven campus opens on July 4 1990 on an 8‑acre parcel donated by the Simms family, and excursion service begins in May 1991; a razor‑wire fence is added in June 1992 after vandalism incidents. Subsequent milestones include a CSX grant in 1999, the designation of #152 as Kentucky’s official state locomotive on March 6 2000, and the 2003 honor bestowed on reporter Glenn Rutherford for his role in the museum’s move.
Around the Depot
Based in New Haven, the Kentucky Railroad Museum pairs with the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train about 13 mi away.
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 near New Haven
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.