Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum
Preserve · Restore · Educate
Applebutter Fest Sunday, October 11, 2026
Applebutter Fest shuttle
Effective Sunday, October 11, 2026. Fest-day shuttle only. Not the motorcar attraction. Service runs both directions.
Saylor Lane is reached from Poe Road. Watch for the signs.
| Station | Stop | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Saylor Lane | 17475 Saylor Ln | Directions |
| 3rd Street Triangle | Fest grounds | Directions |
| Both ways · included with Saylor Lane parking | ||
| Station | Stop | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Front St | River crossing | Directions |
| Grand Rapids Rd | Parking | Directions |
| Both ways · $5 one-way, cash only | ||
Who we are
Our museum is in Grand Rapids, Ohio with railroad operations on the historic Clover Leaf route. We preserve this corridor and its artifacts, restore the equipment that used it, and educate the public about the railroads that built the region.
For years the Bluebird Express was how many families in this valley first saw the Maumee from the rails. We were that operating group first. Later we took on a museum. Today we are a museum with railroad operations, putting the Bluebird back together so those trips can belong to families again.
Our museum prioritizes artifacts from the Clover Leaf route and the trains that used it. Local and regional railroads follow. The collection includes equipment from C&O, B&O, Penn Central, Conrail, and Norfolk & Western.
2026 progress
Preserve
- The museum closed ~3 years ago for renovations. That stalled project was restarted August 15, with a planned reopening in May 2027.
- Artifact collection management for the indoor and outdoor collection began.
Restore
- Wabash 553 flat car re-decked and re-painted.
- C&O 5109 axle, steps, and brake work finished August 29. Engine service and certification are next.
- Phase I track work continues toward a limited Bluebird return.
- Motorcars and heavy machinery are being rehabilitated for their intended use.
- Patton Road crossing rebuilt.
Educate
Mid-Season Roundtable Discussion
- Public website rebuilt and opened in March.
- Implemented a new phone system in July.
- Interpretive signs and an online catalog for the outdoor collection were started.
Motorcar attraction
Weekends, May through October. A public ride on the line. Not the Applebutter Fest shuttle.
Sponsored vendors
3rd Street Triangle. Exact booth spots are set the week of the festival.
Food
- The Front Porch Perfect MarketLemonade (hot and cold), Apple Cider (hot and cold), Caramel Apple cups, Strawberry chocolate cups, Mini Pancake cups, Roasted Nuts, Kettle Corn
- TACO FIESTA HINOJOSA LLCMexican food, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, drinks. 🇲🇽
- The Cotton GinCheese curds, Pickle dogs, Lemon shake-ups, Funnel cake, Deep-fried Oreos
- Carmella Grill and Sweet TreatsChicken tenders, Fries, Funnel burgers, Smash burgers, Poor dog, Root beer floats
Non-food
- Classic Irish ImportsCeltic, Irish, Scottish merchandise
- Ryans RingsHandmade rings made from coins and embroidered clothing.
- Rut ApparelHats, Hoodies, Shirts
- Tags VintageVintage goods
Applebutter Fest shuttle — Oct 11
Fest-day shuttle only. Two routes. Not the motorcar attraction.
Saylor Lane is reached from Poe Road. Watch for the signs.
- Saylor Lane 17475 Saylor Ln · TLE&W property Directions
- 3rd Street Triangle Downtown / fest grounds Directions
- Front St To Grand Rapids Rd parking across the river Directions
- Grand Rapids Rd To Front St across the river Directions
Museum and railroad operations on the historic Clover Leaf route in Grand Rapids, Ohio.
Preserve. Restore. Educate.
Who we are
Our museum is in Grand Rapids, Ohio with railroad operations on the historic Clover Leaf route. We preserve this corridor and its artifacts, restore the equipment that used it, and educate the public about the railroads that built the region.
For years the Bluebird Express was how many families in this valley first saw the Maumee from the rails. We were that operating group first. Later we took on a museum. Today we are a museum with railroad operations, putting the Bluebird back together so those trips can belong to families again.
Our museum prioritizes artifacts from the Clover Leaf route and the trains that used it. Local and regional railroads follow. The collection includes equipment from C&O, B&O, Penn Central, Conrail, and Norfolk & Western.
2026 progress
Preserve
- The museum closed two years ago for renovations. That stalled project was restarted August 15, with a planned reopening in May 2027.
- Artifact collection management for the indoor and outdoor collection began.
Restore
- Wabash 553 flat car re-decked and re-painted.
- C&O 5109 axle, steps, and brake work finished August 29. Engine service and certification are next.
- Phase I track work continues toward a limited Bluebird return.
- Motorcars and heavy machinery are being rehabilitated for their intended use.
- Patton Road crossing rebuilt.
Educate
Mid-Season Roundtable Discussion
- Public website rebuilt and opened in March.
- Implemented a new phone system in July.
- Interpretive signs and an online catalog for the outdoor collection were started.
Motorcar attraction — May through October
The motorcar attraction runs weekends, May through October. It is a public ride on the line. It is not the Applebutter Fest shuttle.
Sponsored vendors
Sponsored vendors
3rd Street Triangle. Exact booth spots are set the week of the festival.
Food
- The Front Porch Perfect MarketLemonade (hot and cold), Apple Cider (hot and cold), Caramel Apple cups, Strawberry chocolate cups, Mini Pancake cups, Roasted Nuts, Kettle Corn
- TACO FIESTA HINOJOSA LLCMexican food, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, drinks. 🇲🇽
- The Cotton GinCheese curds, Pickle dogs, Lemon shake-ups, Funnel cake, Deep-fried Oreos
- Carmella Grill and Sweet TreatsChicken tenders, Fries, Funnel burgers, Smash burgers, Poor dog, Root beer floats
Non-food
- Classic Irish ImportsCeltic, Irish, Scottish merchandise
- Ryans RingsHandmade rings made from coins and embroidered clothing.
- Rut ApparelHats, Hoodies, Shirts
- Tags VintageVintage goods