If you are looking for museums near Cleveland, don’t miss the Northern Ohio Railway Museum. It’s the best place to see the actual machines that built the “Forest City.” While the RTA Rapid still moves thousands of Clevelanders every day, the story of how it got started over a century ago is in nearby Seville.
Our museum preserves some of the earliest streetcars and interurbans that once raced through Public Square and connected the suburbs to the heart of downtown.
The Cleveland Connection
Cleveland has a rail history unlike any other city in the Midwest. At our museum, you can explore:
- The Shaker Heights Legacy: See the evolution of the cars that made the Blue and Green Lines famous.
- Public Square Origins: Before the Terminal Tower was the center of the city, hundreds of streetcars converged on Public Square every hour. You can learn about these and more at our museum.
- The Airport Link: Cleveland made history in 1968 as the first city in North America to link its downtown to an international airport by heavy rail. We preserve the spirit of that innovation.
Getting Here from Cleveland
We are an easy drive south of the city, making us a perfect weekend day trip from Cleveland.
- The Route: Take I-71 South past the airport. Continue south to the Seville/Lodi exit (Exit 209).
- Full Directions: For the best route from your neighborhood, get directions to the Northern Ohio Railway Museum here.
Make it a Full Day Adventure
Clevelanders love a good one tank trip. After you explore our carbarns and ride our restored Shaker car, take a 10-minute drive into the historic Village of Seville for lunch or head over to the Medina Public Square to see one of the best-preserved Victorian squares in Ohio.
We provide a hands-on, outdoor experience that is a perfect break from the bustle of the city. Whether you’re a lifelong railfan or just curious about Cleveland history, you’ll find it here.