Ohio Railway Museum Visitor Policies

Accessibility

We are committed to making the museum as welcoming as possible for every visitor. Because our site is a working heritage railway, accessibility across the grounds is limited: gravel paths, rail crossings, uneven surfaces, and historic equipment that often requires stepping up or climbing mean that many areas may be difficult or impossible to navigate for guests with mobility needs.

We do not currently offer a dedicated accessible car for our train events. Historic rail equipment is exempt from modern ADA accessibility requirements, and our vintage cars were not designed to accommodate wheelchairs. If you have specific mobility needs, we strongly encourage you to reach out in advance at events@ohiorailwaymuseum.org so we can review available options and plan ahead together. Our volunteers are also happy to assist you on the day of your visit!

What to Expect

Planning ahead makes for a smooth and enjoyable day. Here are a few tips for first-time visitors:

• Dress for the outdoors: Much of your visit takes place outside, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
• Plan your time: Most guests spend one to two hours exploring the grounds and enjoying a train ride, speeder ride, or even a cab ride. Be sure to check out Throttle Time while you're here!
• Come curious: Our volunteers love to talk trains, so bring your questions and your sense of wonder!

Safety Guidelines

Your safety is our top priority! Because this is an active railway with moving equipment, we ask all visitors to follow a few simple guidelines:

• Stay within designated visitor areas and walkways.
• Always follow the instructions of our volunteers and crew.
• Keep a safe distance from moving equipment and rail lines.
• Supervise children at all times.
• Watch your step on gravel, tracks, and uneven surfaces. Never walk on the railhead. Always step over it.
• On warm days, be mindful of hot metal.

A little caution goes a long way toward keeping the day fun and safe for everyone!

Liability and Assumption of Risk

Visiting an active railroad museum and boarding historic equipment involve certain inherent risks. Museum grounds and platforms may be uneven, and boarding, riding, and exiting vintage equipment can require stepping up, down, or across gaps. Guests are encouraged to wear sensible clothing and sturdy, closed-toe footwear suitable for outdoor conditions and uneven surfaces.

Guests are responsible for using appropriate judgment regarding their own health, mobility, and any medical conditions that may affect their participation. All guests must follow posted rules and staff instructions at all times.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the museum is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property, or for injuries, losses, or damages resulting from a guest's failure to use reasonable care or follow posted rules and staff instructions. By purchasing tickets and attending the event, guests acknowledge and accept these conditions.

Equipment and Motive Power

Our locomotives are vintage, historic machines. Mechanical needs, safety inspections, parts availability, and weather may require us to substitute equipment or motive power at any time. These changes do not entitle guests to a refund. Any substitution is made to keep the event operating safely and on schedule.

Refunds

All ticket sales are final. The museum does not offer refunds for guest cancellations, schedule conflicts, missed departures, equipment or motive power substitutions, weather-related discomfort, or other personal circumstances.

If you purchased ticket protection at checkout, any covered refund request must be submitted through the protection provider and is subject to that provider's terms and approval. The museum does not determine or guarantee coverage decisions made by the protection provider.

Ticket Transfers

Tickets may be transferred to another guest at any time, free of charge. Send your ticket confirmation to the new guest and notify us at events@ohiorailwaymuseum.org so we can update our records.

Date and Time Exchanges

Exchanges for a different date or time are accommodated on a best-effort basis, subject to availability. All exchange requests must be submitted at least 72 hours before your scheduled departure.

No-Shows

Guests who do not arrive at their scheduled departure are not eligible for a refund or exchange.

Event Cancellations

If a departure is canceled due to severe weather or a safety concern, affected ticket holders will be notified directly and offered the option to reschedule or receive museum credit for a future visit.

Ticket Protection

Optional ticket protection may be available at checkout. If you anticipate a possible change to your plans, we recommend adding it to help safeguard your purchase. Any covered refund request must be submitted through the protection provider and is subject to that provider's terms and approval.

Personal Photography

Casual, personal photography is encouraged throughout your visit! Snap away and share your memories on social media. We only ask that you stay within visitor areas, keep a safe distance from tracks and moving equipment, and be respectful of fellow guests enjoying their day.

Portrait Photography

Planning a portrait session at the museum? We love the idea! Casual portraits taken with handheld cameras during regular visiting hours are generally welcome, as long as they do not interfere with museum operations or other visitors. Tripods, lighting equipment, and directed portrait sessions require advance approval. Please contact us before your visit at events@ohiorailwaymuseum.org so we can make sure everything runs smoothly for you and everyone around you.

Commercial and Professional Photography

All commercial, editorial, and professional photography or videography must be arranged and approved by the museum in advance. This includes, but is not limited to, advertising shoots, film and television production, media coverage, and any photography intended for publication or commercial use.

When requesting approval, please be prepared to provide details about the nature and scope of your shoot. Approved shoots are subject to the following conditions:

• Shoots may be limited based on museum hours, special events, and staffing availability.
• Photographers and crew must remain in publicly accessible visitor areas unless specific access to other areas has been approved in writing.
• Shoots must not interfere with the visitor experience, museum operations, or the safety of guests and staff.
• Positioning near, on, or between tracks, or near moving equipment, is not permitted at any time.
• Proof of liability insurance may be required for larger productions.
• The museum reserves the right to approve, limit, modify, or deny any shoot request at its discretion.

Photographers and videographers may also arrange to rent the museum grounds or specific pieces of equipment for approved shoots. Whether you are looking for the perfect backdrop or want to feature our historic rolling stock, we would love to work with you! Contact us in advance at events@ohiorailwaymuseum.org to discuss availability, arrangements, and any applicable fees.

Use of Visitor Likeness

From time to time, our staff and volunteers may photograph or record video of guests enjoying the museum. By entering the property and purchasing a ticket, you grant the Ohio Railway Museum permission to use your likeness in photos and video for our digital presence, print media, exhibits, and other promotional materials. If you would prefer not to be featured, simply let a volunteer know and we will be happy to accommodate you.