Bellevue home to largest railroad museum in Ohio

The Mad River and NKP Railroad Museum was built and now operates with no government funding -- a small admission fee, donations and monies earned from fund-raising activities completely support the museum. Volunteer members perform as much of the maintenance and restoration work as possible and make up the staff of attendants and gift shop clerks needed to keep the museum in operation.

This museum truly has something for everyone. With such diverse displays as an NKP baseball uniform to railroad china, silver, lanterns, tools, and a life-sized replica of the first engine in Bellevue (which was also the first engine west of the Alleghenies with a whistle) it's a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

Cars and engines are open to the public, giving everyone a feeling of going on a trip while in a coach or the first dome car ever built. Have a seat in the dining car, close your eyes and visualize the crisp while linens and fresh flowers. Take a deep breath and the fragrance of freshly baked bread, a slow-roasted prime rib and fresh apple pie seems as real as if you were actually having dinner in the diner. Next climb up in the engineer's seat or check out the Railway Post Office Car. Have you ever wondered what cabooses were like? This is your chance to visit a hands-on museum. See how perishable food items were shipped in ice refrigerator cars and learn about a steam engine that has no way of making its own steam. A Troop Sleeper is a car many servicemen rode during World War II while being shipped around the U.S., usually headed for a sad destination. Walk through one, bunks are ready -- army blankets in place.

History can come alive if you just open your eyes and ears and look around you. Ask one of the guides questions about artifacts, if that particular person doesn't know, they'll try to find out. This museum is built on the former estate of the late Henry Flagler. While not a native of Bellevue, Flagler made a fortune while living here. Probably the most lucrative investment he made during those years was being one of the founders of Standard Oil. In later years he moved to Florida and developed much of that state and it's railroads.

After Flagler left Bellevue, his home was converted into the local YMCA, where train crews stayed for years. Many of Bellevue's citizens remember spending long hours at the "Y." Therefore, this property is quite significant in the history of Bellevue, the state of Ohio and the development of railroads in this country.

This museum exists to honor the lives of former railroaders and to preserve their history for future generations. The collection of railroad equipment and memorabilia to be found at the Mad River and NKP Railroad Museum is quite extensive. Make it a top priority on your "to do" list. Bring the younger generation and teach them some of the most interesting and historical facets of railroading and how the railroad helped develop our country and specifically Ohio.

A firsthand look always makes things easier to understand, watch as your child or grandchild sits in the engineer seat and pretends to be in charge. Experience the wonderment they feel when they climb up in a caboose. Perhaps Daddy, Grandpa, Uncle Joe or maybe even Mommy are, or have been railroaders. Let them share the experience. Ask our friendly and knowledgeable guides questions, have them explain how mail was picked up "on the fly" in the Railway Post Office Car or how signals and messages were relayed to train crews before the days of radios and cell phones.

The museum, in conjunction with the "Operation Lifesaver" program has a very graphic display. Many people don't realize the seriousness of rushing to beat the train, this display will show you what happens when the train wins. Anyone who drives or even rides in a car should see this, it will demonstrate that by looking, listening and following the rules you can win.