Explore the history of St. Thomas and the railway, get up close to locomotives in the Rolling Stock Gallery or see the region’s rail yards from a bird's eye view through the History in Motion Room. Located in the historic Michigan Central Railroad locomotive shops (est. 1913).
Closed for the Season.
The railway has been part of St. Thomas since the completion of the London and Port Stanley Railway in 1856. More than 26 railways have passed through the city and, at one point, St. Thomas was interchangeable with the term “Railway City” and “Railway Capital of Canada”. Located in one of the area’s few remaining rail assets, the century old Michigan Central Railroad Locomotive Shops, the Elgin County Railway Museum houses and preserves a collection of more than 3,000 artifacts- from an enormous steam engine, to lanterns, pocket watches and historic railway images. While touring the Museum, guests can climb aboard the CNR 5700 steam engine, so fast in its day it would reach speeds well over 100mph and explore the interior of our Grand Trunk Caboose, originally built in 1891. Another popular attraction is the “History in Motion” model railway exhibit, constructed by volunteers and laid out over 1,200 square feet, it depicts railroad operations during the 1950s, at a time when steam, diesel and electric engines all ran through the area. Guided tours of Museum are available year round, please check the website for hours and events; tours outside of normal operating hours can be arranged by calling 519-637-6284.
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