Historic Train Collection — Attraction in Des Peres

A true hidden gem. You can't go here and not be in awe of their absolutely amazing collection.

Perfect for kids & adults alike.

Marvel at their collection of larger-than-life locomotives, including the Titan of Trains, the Big Boy 4006. There are many other pieces from locomotive history as well from engines to dining cars. Go for a ride on their mini steam engine and see if you can spot Thomas the Tank Engine in their model train set. (Btw, they set up avery special midel train exhibit during the holidays that used to grace the windows of downtown STL's Famous Barr.)

Gearheads will appreciate their astonishing collection of automobiles including a few one-of-a-kinds, a Turbine Powered car (one of only 2 known to exist), a car once owned by a music legend, and cars dating back to the days of steam-power!

You'll also find a giant tugboat, a plane, and much, much, more. This IS a transportation museum after all.

I encourage you to step back in time and go for a ride on an old-timey, fully restored street car. The volunteers who operate the streetcars are a wealth of knowledge and so passionate about what they do to keep this piece of teansportation history alive. (I HIGHLY encourage you to being some cash to give a donation in exchange for your "fare" for the ride - it helps keep this piece running for generations to come.)

There are many photos opps, so come with a fully charged battery or camera. Wear good walking shoes (you'll appreciate that you did), and take the time to learn from the volunteer docents. I got to speak to a retited RR worker and was blown away with how much he knew about locomotive history.

This place is handi-able accessible and does have a small little cafe serving quick eat items which is fairly priced.

Be sure to check out their gift shop, too. Because who DOESN'T need a train whistle or kitschy shirt in their lives?

I recommend going early to feel like you have the place to yourself. There is a fee to get in but in most cases it's just cheaper to spring for the membership, which covers a lot more all...

Took my Grandkids and they loved it, especially my 2 year old Grandson. Lots to see, miniature trains everywhere, beautiful butterfly garden where you can hunt for painted rocks, a small train to ride on, lots of cut-outs for pictures of the kids (they loved this), an awesome car museum, and a cafe' with very reasonably priced food and drinks. My only complaint is the high cost, which includes free trolley rides which wasn't working (but things happen). And the three train car tour was neat, but be warned...it has a tiny narrow hallway the length of three train cars, making it very hot, stuffy, and closterphobic......a few fans would have made all the difference. So if you have $20+ dollars per person to spend, it is a very cool experience, and all the workers are super nice and friendly (check for coupons before going, I could have saved $20). Not a negative, but be aware that there is a lot of walking and...

I took my daughter here and we had an absolute blast. I didn't realize there was a train that you can ride on around the grounds which takes you on two rounds per trip. Not all the trains can be boarded but there will be yellow handrails and stairs to indicate which ones you can get on. There are several pavilions as well that you can enter with more train related paraphernalia and gift shops. You can easily spend half a day here walking around if you wanted to take time to see everything. If you're with young kids who like to power walk the premises then it could take you a couple hours. Definitely worth visiting and I know my daughter would go back in...