The Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum, Inc. (TLE&W) is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the railroad heritage of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Our charitable purpose is to collect, restore, preserve, and display railroad equipment and artifacts to provide the public with an historical educational experience related to railroads in our region.
We operate a scenic 10-mile tourist railroad between Waterville and Grand Rapids, Ohio, and maintain a museum showcasing historic railroad equipment. Your membership directly supports these preservation efforts, educational programs, and exciting train excursions.
Membership Benefits
All membership levels include:
- A membership card and pass
- Invitation to the annual membership dinner
- A voice in organizational matters during member meetings (except for Non-Active members)
- One-year probationary period for new members
Active members are expected to volunteer a reasonable amount of time in TLE&W activities beyond meetings. Failure to do so may result in a status change to Non-Active the following year. Active members (after probation) have voting rights in corporate matters.
Non-Active members support the organization financially without volunteering and do not have voting rights.
Membership runs for the calendar year: January 1 – December 31.
All members (Active and Non-Active) gain access to exclusive online member resources, including members-only updates and a leadership directory.
We plan to add additional benefits and special access as time goes on and the members area is built out more.
Existing members: You already have a username and password sent to the email address on file.
New members: Login credentials will be emailed to you after your application has been processed and approved.
Once our online membership system is fully launched (coming very soon), approved members will receive instant access to these resources upon joining.
Membership Categories & Dues
Regular/Active – $25
Standard membership with volunteering expected and voting rights.
Regular/Non-Active – $30
Support without volunteering; no voting rights.
Retired (65 and older) Active or Non-Active – $15
Discounted rate for seniors.
Family – $90
Up to 4 family members (children ages 0-18). Great for families to volunteer together (note: most train service positions require age 18+).
Corporate/Donor – $150
For businesses or individuals providing higher support. One representative appointed.
Life (Active or Non-Active) – 10 × annual rate
One-time payment for lifetime membership (e.g., $250 for Active, $300 for Non-Active). Shows long-term commitment.
Volunteer Opportunities
Many of our members enjoy hands-on involvement—whether restoring equipment, operating trains, maintaining tracks, or helping at events. Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page for more information!
How to Join
We’re excited to welcome new members! Our online membership application with PayPal payment is coming soon — it shouldn’t be long before it’s ready. In the meantime, please join by mail using the application form below.
Join by Mail
Download and print the application, complete it, and mail it with your payment (check payable to TLE&W) to:
Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum, Inc.PO Box 168
Waterville, OH 43566-0168
All new memberships begin as “soft active” status upon registration and payment. We conduct a membership review process and will confirm your permanent active status within 30 days. You will be notified of the outcome.
During this period, soft active members have access to our exclusive online content. Full membership benefits (including voting rights for active members) apply only after official approval through our review process.
For any questions about membership, please visit our Contact Us page.
Thank you for your support! Your membership helps keep railroad history alive and on track in Northwest Ohio.