Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum
Railroad History Comes Alive
Experience Northwest Ohio’s rich railroad heritage at the Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum in Grand Rapids, where history comes alive along the scenic tracks.
About Us
Our Railroad, Our History
The Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum (TLE&W) is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to preserving Northwest Ohio’s railroad heritage. Established in 1965 and incorporated in 1969, it operates on a 10-mile stretch of historic track between Waterville and Grand Rapids, Ohio, originally part of the Toledo, St. Louis and Western Railroad (aka Clover Leaf, later Nickel Plate Road and Norfolk & Western). The museum showcases vintage locomotives, railcars, and equipment, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rail history. Its signature Bluebird Passenger Train, though currently not running due to track restoration, is a focal point of ongoing volunteer efforts. The TLE&W also features a scenic 901-foot bridge over the Maumee River, the largest owned by a tourist railroad east of the Mississippi. In 2014, the museum expanded by acquiring the Waterfront Electric Railway Museum in Grand Rapids, enhancing its historical displays and community engagement.
- Founded in 1965: A 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Northwest Ohio for over five decades.
- Historic Track: Operates on 10 miles of former Clover Leaf track, crossing the Maumee River on a 1916 bridge.
- Bluebird Passenger Train: A beloved attraction, with volunteers working to restore service.
- Volunteer-Driven: Relies entirely on community support, with opportunities for membership and donations.
- Educational Goals: Offers motorcar rides, open houses, and displays to teach about rail history, open May to October.
- Community Impact: Engages visitors with scenic rides, historical exhibits, and events, preserving Ohio’s transportation legacy.
Fundraising
Help Us Move Forward
The Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum is moving forward with our most important project: restoring the iconic Bluebird to service. This ambitious effort is made possible by the generosity of our members, the local community, and railroading enthusiasts like you. Please consider clicking the donate button below to help us achieve this goal. For recent (2025 – current) updates on the progress of our Phase I initiative, visit the dedicated playlist on our official YouTube Channel.
Current events
Grand Rapids Motorcar Train Rides
2025 Season Closed | See you in May 2026
Saturday and Sunday Noon-5 PM (or later!)
$6/adults, $4/kids 3-12
*Please note-we can only accept cash at this time! We are unable to process credit cards on-site for motorcar rides and gift shop sales.
NOTE: Weather permitting. If you are unsure, please call (419) 878-2177 to find out if we are running!
Use the Google map below to find our motor car ride location or use the link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZXYb7d2u9JjYLrnTA
Join the TLE&W Crew
Volunteer Opportunities
We are looking for people like you who are interested in volunteering with our organization to help get tasks done. Follow this link over to our volunteer opportunities page to learn more about how you can get connected with Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum. There is something for everyone!