The Railroad Museum of South Florida is a volunteer-run train museum inside Lakes Regional Park on Fort Myers’ south side, a few minutes west of US-41. Families come for the miniature train ride and the hands-on exhibits, and rail fans come for the detailed model layouts and the regional railroad memorabilia.
Inside, operating model railroads in several scales wind through tunnels, towns and trestles. Display cases hold lanterns, signals, timetables and other artifacts tied to Florida’s rail history. The locomotive simulator puts visitors at the controls of a cab, and it is a favorite with older kids and adults. Younger children gravitate to the train-themed play area. Outside, the museum operates a scale train ride that loops through the park’s shaded grounds. For many first-time visitors, the ride is the main draw. The volunteers are usually happy to explain how the layouts work or share railroad stories.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Hours and train-ride schedules change seasonally, and the ride can pause for weather. Check the museum’s website or call before you go. Winter and spring, from January through April, bring the biggest crowds because seasonal residents and spring breakers arrive. Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit. Lee County parks typically charge for parking, so bring a card. You can round out the day with the rest of Lakes Park, which has walking trails, a lake, a fragrance garden and a large playground. The beaches of Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel are about a 20–30 minute drive away.
