Tour Info
Tours generally consist of small groups, but to ensure a smaller tour you can schedule it ahead by emailing museum@town.minto.on.ca. You can even add any topics of interest that we may be able to expand on in the tour.
FAQ's
Q: Does the Museum offer tours or can we explore the space at our own pace?
A: You can enjoy a tour or look through our exhibits at your own pace! You do not have to book a tour unless you are bringing a large group with you (approximately 8 or more people).
Q: Is the museum accessible for wheelchairs/strollers/walkers?
A: The main museum building’s exhibits are all on the ground level floor. There is currently one step up to get into the building but we are currently looking into getting a ramp to increase ease of access. The exterior buildings (rolling stock, baggage shed) require walking up steps for entry and are not currently accessbile by ramp.
Q: Is there somewhere to eat during our visit to the museum?
A: While we do sell water and freezies, if you are looking for a snack or a meal during your visit, there are a number of places in Palmerston to suit your needs! We have created a small flyer for your convenience that lists a few local restaurants as well as their hours (also available in the museum brochure stand). You can also bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it in the park as there is a large pavilion and numerous picnic tables.
Q: When can I take a handcar ride?
A: The handcar is generally available for visitors to ride during all museum open hours, however the handcar will not be available in wet or rainy conditions or if there is a heat warning in place.
Q: When can I take a mini-train ride?
A: The mini-train is typically available during all Farmers’ Market hours (9am-12pm). We aim to make it available for visitors on our busier days (Friday through Sunday) but certain factors may affect the availability of the mini-train for rides. We do not operate the mini-train during rain or when there is a heat warning in place.
Q: When are you open?
A: Our open season hours are 9AM to 5PM, Wednesday to Sunday during the months of June, July, and August. We are closed on Mondays & Tuesdays during these months. Outside of our open season, the museum may be available by appointment. Email the museum at: museum@town.minto.on.ca to book a tour outside of our open season.
Q: Do you have activities/exhibits available for children?
A: Yes. We are a space that welcomes families and train enthusiasts of all ages. We have a ‘Kids Station’ available during open hours that is stocked with a play train set, train toys, colouring pages, and Kids’ Museum Guides. Once the Cook Car is finished undergoing construction, we also have a play kitchen and Kids Cupboard where there are some costumes and more.
Q: What is the cost of admission?
A: Admission is by donation – please donate what you can! We greatly appreciate anything you are able to give as it helps us to fund museum operations and preserve Palmerston’s incredible railway history for years to come!
Q: Do you accept item donations for the museum collection?
A: We do accept donations of archival items, photos, books, and objects. Our acceptance guidelines can be found below:
Acceptance Guidelines
Items will qualify to be accepted according to the following exceptions:
1. Item(s) must pertain to Palmerston railway and its history.
2. If Item(s) do not pertain to Palmerston railway history, they must be CN railway related and we must not already have multiples in our collection.
3. Item(s) must be in good or excellent condition. Item(s) are complete (if part of a set) and must not be broken or in disrepair. Item(s) must be clean and free of rust, pests, mould and mildew, and free of other contaminants that may be biohazardous in order to protect the safety of staff, visitors, and the museum collection.
If we are unable to accept your donation, we will attempt to connect you to another museum or archive which could potentially be a better fit for your donation.