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Blog: Off The Rails

Railroad Canteen Opening in Bowling Green1945

Women Waving GoodbyeRailroad Canteen Opening in Bowling Green 1945 Amid the chaos and challenges of World War II, communities across the United States rallied together to support the troops. Bowling Green, Kentucky, was no exception, as revealed in a heartwarming…

Sip, Putt, Repeat – Reliving the Fun from Sip & Putt 2025!

RailPark Sip and PuttThe most challenging hole of the course was located in our Giftshop!Located in our Railcar, players shared drinks and laughs as they putted.On the second floor of the museum, another complex putting green challenges participants.A player attempts…

Railcar Restoration Underway

A RailCar and Military Equipment Painting crew member mends the Presidential Car.Duncan Hines Dine Car under repair in preparation for full repainting.Towering Pine Sleeper Car under repair in preparation for full repainting.Towering Pine Sleeper Car under repair in preparation for…

Women in Railroading the Wheels Turning

Photo: Women railroad workers (1917 - 1918) at Lincoln Park Station working for te Buffalo, Rochester, and Pittsburgh Railway Company - World War Centennial.Photo: WW1 era engine cleaners on the Southwestern.Photo: Women railroad laborers (1918) in front of the engine…

Sip & Putt – Mini Golf Scramble 2025

Sip & Putt – Mini Golf Scramble 2025 We’re back for another year of fun, competition, and community support! Get ready for the 5th Annual Sip & Putt Mini Golf Scramble, happening March 14, 2025, at the Historic RailPark &…

War Letters from the Frontlines

Women Waving GoodbyeLetters from the Frontlines Amid World War II, as soldiers were stationed far from home, separated by vast oceans and continents, a connection was maintained through the written word. For the employees of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad,…

L&N Depot’s 100th Anniversary Launches Window Restoration Campaign

L&N Depot’s 100th Anniversary Launches Window Restoration Campaign For 100 years, the L&N Depot has been a cornerstone of history, travel, and community. As we celebrate this centennial milestone, we are embarking on a critical restoration project to preserve one…

A Forgotten Era: The Rise and Fall of the American Trolley

Passengers ride idly while some engrossed in conversation, pass through Charleston, South Carolina.A young women hoping off the trolley after arriving to her destination in Toronto.Two men stand alongside a trolley in downtown Yorkville, Illinois.The Tolley by Stephen Low. Photo…

Romance at the RailPark – A Night with Elvis

Romance at the RailPark – A Night with Elvis Get ready for an enchanting evening at the Historic RailPark & Train Museum as we present the 11th Annual Romance at the RailPark event with an exciting Elvis-inspired twist! This year,…

Explore the Legacy of John Carpenter with Bowling Green Trolley Tours

Michael Myers at the BG Capitol. Photo credit: BG CVB.John Carpenter Lives! will show Carpenter's iconic movies in January, 2025. Photo credit: BG CVB.Explore the Legacy of John Carpenter with Bowling Green Trolley Tours Bowling Green, KY, is rolling out…

Christmas Eve Magic with the Historic RailPark 

Light Up the Depot brings the BG community together to kick off the holiday season with lights and colors.Christmas Eve Magic with the Historic RailPark As Christmas Eve settles in and the twinkling lights of the season cast a warm…

Toy Trains Under the Christmas Tree

Polar Express themed ornaments and train toys ready for sale at the RailPark gift shop.As the holiday season rolls in, many families pull out an assortment of cherished decorations: ornaments, wreaths, lights, and for some, a beloved toy train to…

Hot Rod Meets Train

A vintage truck transformed into a train truck at the Orange Empire Railroad Museum. Photo credit: LGB Trains @lgb_trains, X.Car builder Ian Roussel works on transforming a vintage truck into a train truck at the Orange Empire Railroad Museum. Photo…
The Arkansas Missouri Railroad maintains its rich history with the display and use of historic railcars.

A Day on the Arkansas Missouri Railroad

The Arkansas Missouri Railroad maintains its rich history with the display and use of historic railcars.Many visitors and train enthusiasts have fun exploring the Arkansas Missouri Railroad Transportation Museum.A Day on the Arkansas Missouri Railroad By Jamie Johnson There’s something…

BG Trolley Tours presents “Christmas Presents of a Christmas Past”

Trolley Christmas Presents of Christmas PastBG Trolley presents "Christmas Presents of a Christmas Past".BG Trolley parked in front of the Historic RailPark & Train Museum.BG Trolley Tours presents “Christmas Presents of a Christmas Past” This December, immerse yourself in a…

Join Us to Light Up the Depot!

Light Up the Depot brings the BG community together to kick off the holiday season with lights and colors.A decorated Christmas tree adds warmth to the Grand Lobby during the 2023 Light Up the Depot.Join Us to Light Up the…

World War I: Troop and Passenger Movement by Railroads

First Contingent of soldiers at the University of Kentucky , University of Kentucky ArchivesMurray State University, Special Collections and Exhibits, , Murray Calloway County CollectionWorld War I: Troop and Passenger Movement by Railroads As the world plunged into the chaos…

Double Your Impact: $50,000 Matching Fund Gift

Duncan Hines Dining Car platform side damaged exterior.Duncan Hines Dining Car track side exterior in progress of repair.Towering Pine Sleeper Car unpainted track side exterior.Towering Pine Sleeper Car platform side damaged exterior.Double Your Impact: $50,000 Matching Fund Gift By: Jamie…

The Haunting of the L&N Line: The Legend of the Ghost Train

Only on the foggiest nights can the Ghost Train be seen, many theories help explain the folklore.The Haunting of the L&N Line: The Legend of the Ghost Train For decades, train enthusiasts and locals alike have shared eerie tales of…

Polar Express Storytime 2024

Polar Express Storytime: Early Ticket Access for Members The holiday season is approaching, and so is one of Bowling Green’s most beloved traditions: Polar Express Storytime at the Historic RailPark & Train Museum. This enchanting event, running from December 2-12, 2024, brings the…

Exploring the Ozarks on the Branson Scenic Railway

A young man waits with other train enthusiasts to travel the White River Railway.Liam, the train's conductor, shares stories explaining the history of the Branson Scenic Railway.Branson Scenic Railway greeted guests of the Heritage Rail Alliance with a customized place…

Canteens Offer Trackside Compassion During WWII Pt 2.

Photo: Display a heartfelt letter of appreciation from soldiers who stopped at Troy, Ohio.Photo: Canteen hut in Crestline, Ohio was built with pennies donated by school children.Photo: Some volunteers walked along the trains passing out treats to troops, while other…

Canteens Offer Trackside Compassion During WWII Pt 1.

Photo: The War Department's transportation map shows the main routes across the United States for the movement of troops. Canteens were strategically established along these routes, with states like Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and new York witnessing the highest traffic…

728th Railway Operating Battalion

Photo: 728th with one of the trains they had responsibility for maintaining - the University of Louisville ArchivesPhoto: Little Toot - University of Louisville ArchivesWW2 Exhibit 728th Railway Operating Battalion - Doug Lathrem728th Railway Operating Battalion As World War II…

WWII & the L&N Railroad

Map of RailroadsWW2 Exhibit at the Historic RailPark and Train MuseumWWII & the L&N Railroad The echoes of World War II resonated far beyond the battlefields, reaching every corner of society, including the railways that crisscrossed the nation. The Louisville…

African American Women Railroaders

Photo: WW2 (1943) Women working on a railroad crew, track maintenance - Alamy.com.Photo: WW2 - Track Cleaners - B&O Railroad - Alamy.com.African American Women Railroaders World War II brought about unprecedented changes to the workforce as the nation faced a…

A Students View  – Travel Critique of the RailPark by Abigail Markel

Travel Critique Assignment: A Student’s View of the RailPark By Abigail Markel Welcome back to another edition of “A Student’s View” series, where I share insights from my recent journey to the RailPark. As a student at Western Kentucky University,…

World War I: L&N Railroad Birth to the Battlefronts

Photo of a Louisville & Nashville Railcar.World War I: L&N Railroad Birth to the Battlefronts The Louisville & Nashville Railroad, affectionately known as the ‘Old Reliable,’ stands as a testament to the evolution and endurance of America’s railroads. Established in…

Preserving History on A Journey through the RailPark

Preserving History on A Journey through the RailPark Stepping into the RailPark is like stepping back in time. The L&N Depot, meticulously restored by the dedicated volunteers of the Friends of L&N Depot, stands proudly as one of Bowling Green’s…

Celebrating Independence Day with the Railroad

The Historic RailPark & Train Museum administrative team decor the depot with the US flag for July 4, 2024 celebration.Celebrating Independence Day with the Railroad: A Journey Through History Independence Day is a time to honor our nation’s past, celebrate…

Keep an Open Mind When Visiting the Historic RailPark

Men pose in front of a train during WW II. Photo courtesy: Doug Lanthrem.Men working on railroads during WW II. Photo courtesy: Doug Lanthrem. Keep an Open Mind When Visiting the Historic RailPark Visiting a train museum may not be…

Summer Reading From L&N Magazine

Summer Reading Suggestions from the L&N Magazine 1974Blog Image- Summer Reading Suggestions from the L&N Magazine 1974 article_Page_1Blog Image- Summer Reading Suggestions from the L&N Magazine 1974 article_Page_2Front of L&N MagazineBack of L&N Magazine SUMMERBOOKFAIR May of us today still…

Rosie the Riveter: Women at the Forefront of World War II Industry

Photo: American female workers/riveters - Library of Congress.Photo: A glimpse into the engine department of North America's Inglewood, CA plant, where American female riveters assemble part of the cowling for a B-25 bomber. This reflects the diversity of roles women…

A Students View  – Travel Critique of the RailPark by Meg Bevil

Travel Critique Assignment: A Student’s View of the RailPark By Meg Bevil Welcome back to another edition of the “A Student’s View” series, featuring insights from my recent visit to the Bowling Green Historic Rail Park Museum. As a student…

A Students View  – Travel Critique of the RailPark by Ian White

A Students View: Travel Critique of the RailPark By Ian White Welcome back to our ongoing series, “A Student’s View,” where we delve into firsthand experiences and critiques of various attractions. Today, we’re excited to share Ian White’s journey through…

L&N Magazine Farewell Edition

Front of L&N MagazineBack of L&N MagazineL&N Magazine Farewell Edition – No. 578 May-June 1974 We often receive handwritten requests for literature about our attraction and the famed L&N rail line. Our most recent request was from a youth from Illinois,…

Kentucky Derby 150th Anniversary

Amid newsmen and cheering crowds, proud groom and trainer lead 1960 Derby winner, Venetian Way, to winner's circle, Jokey Bill Hartack is aboard. Photo by Bob Ludwig.From the horse's mouthAmong the dozens of cars and trains handled into L&N's Station…

Caboose Get’s a Renovation

Caboose #6497 aftter restoration in 2023.Caboose Dishman -Lane Yard 7-01 (3)interior of caboose looking left 08 07 23Caboose crew 08 07 23crew of the caboose display 08 07 23interior display case right side 08 07 23lantern on top display case…

Bowling Green Hot Rods’ Opening Weekend

bg hotrods stadiumbg-hot-rods-logo⚾ All Aboard the Excitement Express: Bowling Green Hot Rods’ Unmissable Weekend Games! Gear up for a triple play of fun with the Bowling Green Hot Rods as they gear up to showcase their talent in a series…

See Bowling Green on the Historic City Trolley Tour

trolley toursTrolleyrent for your eventhop on hop offspecialty toursDiscover Bowling Green’s Rich History with the Historic City Trolley Tour! Spring break is upon us, and if you’re looking for an exciting way to explore the vibrant city of Bowling Green,…

Women in Railroading During World War II Pt 2.

Photo: Women baggageman (1943) on the Reading Railroad. A striking image captures a women in the of a Baggageman on the Reading Railroad, challenging stereotypes and demonstrating the evolving landscape of employment opportunities for women.Photo: WW2 (1942) women railroad workers…

Pie Day the Duncan Hines Way

Jeff Moore as Duncan Hines by historical markerDHD 2024Celebrate Pi Day with a Slice of History: Duncan Hines-Inspired Pie Recipe Pi Day is a fun time when we mix math and baking. It happens on March 14th, because the date…

Women in Railroading During World War II Pt 1.

Photo: Women railroad mechanic (1940's) at the Long Island Railroad.Photo: Mach 1943 - Seligam, Arizona. Teletype operatr in the telegraph office of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad - Shorpy Old Photos.Women in Railroading During World War II Pt…

Sip & Putt – Mini Golf Scramble March 15, 2024

Sip & Putt – Mini Golf Scramble We’re thrilled to announce the return of one of Bowling Green’s most anticipated events: the 4th Annual Sip & Putt Mini Golf Scramble! Mark your calendars for March 15, 2024, as we invite…

The Ingenious Dance of the Railway Mail Service Crane

The Ingenious Dance of the Railway Mail Service Crane In the intricate ballet of the American postal system, the Railway Mail Service (RMS) crane played a pivotal role, orchestrating a seamless exchange of mail between moving trains and towns. This…

Romance at the RailPark – Goes Mardi Gras

Romance at the RailPark – Goes Mardi Gras Get ready for an enchanting evening at the Historic RailPark & Train Museum as we present the 10th Annual Romance at the RailPark event with an exciting Mardi Gras twist! This year,…

200th Anniversary of Kentucky’s First Railroad: Lexington & Ohio

1859 Kentucky Railway Map: The section of track between Lexington and Frankfort was later expanded on to Louisville as this 1859 railway map shows. Courtesy of the Kentucky Historical Society. 200th Anniversary of Kentucky’s First Railroad: Lexington & Ohio The…

A Journey into Model Railroading Part 2

A Journey into Model Railroading Part 2 By Cory Ramsey My model railroad, 2022-23 version, started out costing a couple hundred dollars, which quickly became a couple thousand dollars before I could say “Chattanooga Choo-Choo.” Because it never becomes just…

A Journey into Model Railroading Part 1

A Journey into Model Railroading Part 1  By Cory Ramsey Running a railroad is expensive. Most of the time they failed as soon as the freight was exhausted, such as a forest logged out or coal mine picked clean. That’s…

The Great Bristow Train Robbery of 1866

By Cory Ramsey It seems the focus these days of Kentucky and Warren County are the goings on out at the industrial Kentucky Transpark off exit 30 of the Interstate. Sandwiched between the two old railroad station stops of Sunnyside…

Happy New Year: Here’s Our 2024 Events

Welcome to 2024! We hope you had a GREAT 2023 and will continue to have great experiences throughout this calendar year. At the RailPark, we have a year FULL of excitement with great events throughout the months. Check out some…

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

Everyone has their personal favorite when it comes to Christmas songs, but ever since 1943, Americans have held a special place in their heart for Bing Crosby’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Upon release, the song immediately became a holiday…

The Nutcracker at SkyPAC!

One of the most timeless Christmas traditions people celebrate is seeing the Nutcracker. The Nutcracker is a ballet filled with fairy tales set on Christmas Eve. The story is centered around a nutcracker that has come to life and befriended…

Lionel: History of the Train Around the Tree

Lionel: History of the Train Around the Tree When people think of classic Christmas decorations, they can envision a warm, cozy setting with a full Christmas tree decorated with bright lights, a star-topper, sparkly ornaments… and a train chugging around…

The RailPark’s Christmas Shopping Guide

As we near the Christmas season, many of us find ourselves scratching our heads trying to come up with the perfect gift for our friends and family. For those who struggle with coming up with the best gifts- fret not!…

Thanksgiving- The Duncan Hines Way!

Happy Thanksgiving Folks! One thing we are thankful for this coming Turkey Day is Duncan Hines’ Bowling Green Heritage. Thanksgiving is all about coming together and showing gratitude to the things in your life over a great meal… and what…

Grandma Got Run Over by BG!

Some of the most popular pastimes many families enjoy together during the holiday season are runs, races, marathons, and 5Ks! The “Turkey Trot” became a staple American Thanksgiving tradition in 1896 that has now spread across the country. Running USA…

Polar Express Storytime 2023

While many people think it is too early for Christmas music on the radio, many would agree it is NEVER too early to prepare for Polar Express Storytime!  One of the most beloved Bowling Green Christmas traditions is visiting the…

Happy Halloween from Derek the Depot Dog!

Happy Halloween folks! This year for Halloween, “Derek the Depot Dog” went trick-or-treating amongst the vintage railcars dressed as the infamous postal dog, Owney!  For those who don’t know the story of Owney, here is the tale of the postal…

Three Springs Hospitality: The Perfect Place for Your BG Stay!

Traveling to Bowling Green can include all types of exciting plans, from a guided tour throughout the vintage L&N railcars here at the RailPark to a boat tour through Lost River Cave to peering into the sinkhole beneath the Skydome…

Haunted Lantern Tours 2023

Wake up… Haunted Lantern Tours have returned! When the spooky season comes around, you are sure to find a fright during the Haunted Lantern Tours. Haunted Lantern Tours are seasonal tours put on annually by a cast of characters portraying…

“Fire and Ice” Rendezvous Recap

Rendezvous Recap September 14, the Historic RailPark & Train Museum hosted the 3rd annual RailPark Rendezvous. The signature fundraising event was themed “Fire and Ice,” with hot decor, cool drinks, and amazing live entertainment. Over 180 guests joined us in celebrating the museum’s history,…

Racehorses on the Railway

Racehorses on the Railway Happy Keeneland season folks! Here at the RailPark, you learn all about locomotive horsepower and how transportation evolved from horse-drawn carriages to passenger railcars. But that is not all that is interesting about horses and trains……

Curated Wine Collection

Curated Wine Collection The Historic RailPark and Train Museum is thrilled to announce the Curated Wine Collection, a collaboration with Carriage House Vineyards! The Curated Wine Collection is two specialty wines bottled and produced by Carriage House Vineyards to fundraise…

See the UnSeen!

  See the UnSeen The 2023 UnSeen season has commenced! For those who haven’t seen UnSeen, UnSeen is a seasonal set of walking, evening tours that share the history of Bowling Green and some of the infamous individuals who left…

A Students View  – Travel Critique of the RailPark #4

A Students View  – Travel Critique of the RailPark #4 By: Keelin Davis We’re back with the 4th and final installment of our “A Students View” series.  In this week’s blog post, we have shared some insight from Keelin Davis…

Miss Nellie: The Smiths Grove Woman Protecting the L&N Trains

Here at the Historic Railpark and Train Museum, some of the most noteworthy impact history of the railroad is the rails’ involvement in the evolution of the postal industry. While on our guided railcar tour, guests can learn about the…

Why is Rendezvous So COOL?

All of the Rendezvous events are HOT… but at the end of the day, a super cool evening isn’t what the RailPark Rendezvous is all about. The Rendezvous is an event we put on to fundraise for many different aspects…

A Students View  – Travel Critique of the RailPark #3

A Students View  – Travel Critique of the RailPark #3 By: Tyler Wheatley We’re back with the 3rd installment of our “A Students View” series.  In this week’s blog post, we have shared some insight from Tyler Wheatley from his…

On Exhibit For the First Time…

Here at the Historic RailPark and Train Museum, our goal is to restore and preserve the history of the L&N rail line and its impact on Bowling Green’s development. By going through tedious measures to find, restore, preserve, and display…

Trolley Downtown Circulator

The Bowling Green Trolley will be available through mid-September on Friday evenings as a complimentary service to transport “Concerts in the Park” goers from free downtown parking.  This program is a new Trolley service designed to help those exploring summer…

Day Of Caring 2023

United Way of Southern Kentucky facilitated the annual “Day of Caring” this past Tuesday. The Day of Caring is an event dedicated to matching individuals looking to volunteer in the community with 501C3 nonprofits tackling projects. This program has been…

Are You Fired Up… Rendezvous 2023!

Are You Fired Up for Rendezvous 2023?! Stay Cool… because we are too! We have been burning with anticipation to announce the third annual Railpark Rendezvous! This upcoming September 14th, the “Fire & Ice” Rendezvous will take place at the…

An Ode to Steam Locomotives

Ode to Steam Locomotives By Cory Ramsey It was a “Dirty Job” before Mike Rowe was there to narrate it. Steam power and the iron horse era was, in all honesty, a hot mess. Volatile. Temperamental. Dangerous in the face…

A Students View  – Travel Critique of the RailPark #2

A Students View  – Travel Critique of the RailPark #2 By Ann Marie Finley We’re back with the 2nd installment of our “A Students View” series.  In this week’s blog post we have shared some insight from Ann Marie Finley…

Summer BG Wine Fest…That’s a Wrap!

Summer BG Wine Fest: Let’s Recap! We sipped, we shopped, and we snacked at the 5th Annual BG Wine Fest, presented by Bluegrass Clinics. It was a fabulous summer festival held on Saturday, July 8th at the Historic RailPark!  The…

2023 BG Wine Fest… This Saturday!

2023 BG Wine Fest… This Saturday! We Are Ready! The second Saturday in July is our Annual BG Wine Fest held inside the Historic L&N Depot and on our front lawn. Join us for a day of sipping, shopping, and…

Portage Railway

Portage Railway By Cory Ramsey Freight was money. Moving it from the point of manufacture or growth to the point of sale was the challenge that spurred technological advancement in this country. These days, the question is, which locale has…

L&N #109 Segregated Passenger Car – Restoration Celebration

L&N #109 Segregated Passenger Car – Restoration Celebration The Historic RailPark & Train Museum recently celebrated the progress of the restoration of the #109 Segregated Passenger Car! Due to its rarity, our #109 enhances our museum’s mission of education and…

A Students View  – Travel Critique of the RailPark

A Students View  – Travel Critique of the RailPark By Louis C. Waddle III We never get better if we are not willing to allow others to critique who we are and what we do. A few months ago, Western…

Duncan Hines Days – A Weeklong Festival

Duncan Hines Days – Join us to Dine with Duncan! The Historic RailPark & Train Museum will take part in celebrating Duncan Hines Days as a part of the city festival being held in Bowling Green, Kentucky. On select dates…

Women In Railroading – Rosie the Riveter

Women In Railroading – Rosie the Riveter On May 29, 1943, the Norman Rockwell Rosie illustration was published on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post. Today, perhaps the most famous of all the Rosie imagery is “We Can Do…

American Railroad Legend – Tiny Cayce

American Railroad Legend – Tiny Cayce By Cory Ramsey Folks knew him by his whistle. In the night, down in the dripping, drooping humidity of 1890s Mississippi, folks in bed, tossing in the heat, could hear what sounded like a…

L&N #353 Presidential Office Car – Restoration Celebration

L&N #353 Presidential Office Car – Restoration Celebration Recently, we celebrated the completion of several interior restoration projects in the L&N #353 Presidential Office Car. The Historic RailPark & Train Museum’s objective is to preserve and promote the history of…
nick and ruth

Lady of the Garden-The Ruth Rabold Story

Lady of the Garden-The Ruth Rabold Story The RailPark is home to Bowling Green Trolley Tours & Rentals. While this new attraction is only five months old, we’ve hit the pavement rolling. You will hear more about the trolley in…
Railpark LN Depot

Off The Rails…And Now We Have Blog

Off The Rails…And Now We Have a Blog For some time, we have wanted to start a blog. But when to start, what to write about, and how to be consistent? All considered roadblocks for a very small museum staff.…

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