Contents History of the Museum History of the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad Museum Displays Contact Us

One of the earliest railroads that ran through Bellevue in 1839 was the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad, and the first engineer of the "Sandusky", Thomas Hogg.

The Mad River & NKP Railroad Society, a non-profit organization, chose this as part of our name when we formed. In 1976 we opened the museum as a lasting bicentennial project. Henry Flagler, who built the Florida East Coast Railroad once lived on the property where the museum is now located.

The Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad

• History of the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad
• Picture and Obituary of Thomas Hogg.
• Photo of the first MR&LE RR Locomotive, the "Sandusky"

Museum Displays TSCX COLLECTION

The private collection of Ted & Sarah Church of Erie, PA is an interesting addition to our museum. The collection is displayed in former Troop Sleepers 9210, 9211, 9212 which were used by the U.S. Army during the war.

Within these cars you will see wall and floor cases and pictures lining both sides of the cars. In the wall cases are displays of torches, buttons, badges, locks, silverware and many hand tools with historical interest. The floor cases hold china and linens and much more.

MUSEUM ARTIFACTS

...such as uniforms, timetables, lanterns, china, locks and much more continue to grow each year thanks to the many donations from the people interested in preserving the history of the railroading.

Hanging along the walls are numerous lanterns and light fixtures from as early as 1890. A large drawing from 1880 shows the Old Union Station on the lake front in Cleveland while another drawing shows the corporate history of the LS&MS Ry.

MUSEUM TOURS

• Steps and open doors mean welcome aboard to folks of all ages who come to this "hands on" Museum to enjoy the day and reminisce at their leisure about railroading.
  
  
• Books, videos, patches, pins, T-shirts, hats, and mugs are just a few of the items available in the gift shop.
  
  
• A picnic shelter is located in the former LS & MS passenger depot area. The area has been made into a park.
  
  
• The former Bellevue Monument Works now houses some of the displays, wooden cars and a video viewing area.
  
  
• There is plenty of room for cars and buses.
  
  
• Restrooms are handicapped accessible and are located in the Monument Station.
  
  
• Safety Videos by Operation Lifesaver®

Be sure to click on the "Equipment" link below to view a list and photos of some of the many rolling stock displays on our grounds.

Mad River & NKP Railroad Society, Inc.
233 York Street
Bellevue, Ohio 44811-1377
madriver@onebellevue.com
(419) 483-2222