Hesston Steam Museum
Hesston Steam Museum
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
92 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
27
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Andrea_R_Mishawaka
Mishawaka, IN34 contributions
Jun 2011
This place is run entirely by volunteers that LOVE what they do and it shows. They work hard to make sure everyone is smiling and enjoying themselves. We've been going here since my son was 2 years old. We never get tired of riding the trains, especially the smallest gauge ones. We haven't really looked around much as far as their displays because my son just wants to ride the trains over and over again. I don't mind, it's fun.
Some of the younger children do not like when the larger train toots it's horn. Occasionally, you may get some (cool) ash on you when riding the largest steam engine, if the wind conditions are just right. I don't recommend going here dressed in your Sunday Best. Also, all the trains ride though heavily wooded areas. If you aren't wearing mosquito repellent you may get a bite or two (at the most).
This is the first year we bought memberships since we didn't know that they offered them until this season. If you come here regularly, it is a bargain. The I Love Toy Trains store isn't too far away from here in New Buffalo, MI. It makes for a very special day for a young train lover.
There are Port-A-Johns in the front and sparse but clean restrooms on the back of the property. I believe they have a pedestal sink but nowhere appropriate in the bathroom to lay a child down to change diapers. I will check the next time we are there and add to my review if I find otherwise.
They don't have official stroller parking but the people that volunteer and patronize this place are SUPER NICE people. Most of them are regulars and I've never heard of anyone getting anything stolen or their car broken into. People watch out for one another here and I have yet to meet any rude people. I believe they have wheel chair access or that wheel chairs could easily be accomodated. No lockers or storage. I recommend a 4 ride ticket and a 2-3 hour visit although we usually stay there 4-5 hours. Enjoy!!!
Some of the younger children do not like when the larger train toots it's horn. Occasionally, you may get some (cool) ash on you when riding the largest steam engine, if the wind conditions are just right. I don't recommend going here dressed in your Sunday Best. Also, all the trains ride though heavily wooded areas. If you aren't wearing mosquito repellent you may get a bite or two (at the most).
This is the first year we bought memberships since we didn't know that they offered them until this season. If you come here regularly, it is a bargain. The I Love Toy Trains store isn't too far away from here in New Buffalo, MI. It makes for a very special day for a young train lover.
There are Port-A-Johns in the front and sparse but clean restrooms on the back of the property. I believe they have a pedestal sink but nowhere appropriate in the bathroom to lay a child down to change diapers. I will check the next time we are there and add to my review if I find otherwise.
They don't have official stroller parking but the people that volunteer and patronize this place are SUPER NICE people. Most of them are regulars and I've never heard of anyone getting anything stolen or their car broken into. People watch out for one another here and I have yet to meet any rude people. I believe they have wheel chair access or that wheel chairs could easily be accomodated. No lockers or storage. I recommend a 4 ride ticket and a 2-3 hour visit although we usually stay there 4-5 hours. Enjoy!!!
Written 15 June 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trainmom1
Michigan City, IN12 contributions
Jul 2011
Hesston Steam Museum is an excellent place to visit for children and adults alike. They run three sizes of trains that everyone can ride. I am so impressed by the volunteers. My almost 3 year old son takes us there at least once everyone weekend. It is well worth the money!
Written 11 July 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris H
Glasgow, KY212 contributions
Sept 2010
It's a hodgepodge of items from the steam age operarted by volunteers who are fans of what they're doing. It's a little hard to get to, but well worth it.
Our 5 and 2 year old both enjoyed it. I enjoyed seeing much of the equipment I remember my grandfathers using.
If you're looking for a slick produced experience, this is not for you. But the variety and home-grown development is part of what makes it great.
Our 5 and 2 year old both enjoyed it. I enjoyed seeing much of the equipment I remember my grandfathers using.
If you're looking for a slick produced experience, this is not for you. But the variety and home-grown development is part of what makes it great.
Written 18 August 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pixiedust011
New Buffalo, MI33 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
If you like trains or have kids that like them this is the place to go. They have old fashion steam train that takes you around the park. Very cool
Written 28 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wildbill4951
La Porte, IN30 contributions
Sept 2019
This past labor day weekend was a rather historical time for the museum. They just about finished up restoration on the Porter #2 steam engine. It was put out to pull this weekend for the first time since 1980. This engine and Shay #7 suffered severe damage from the engine house fire in 1985. The building burned right down to the ground. The Porter was in for repairs and both engines were in the fire. The Shay came back on line in 2008. In 2019 the Porter is back on line now. The museum decided to couple the two engines together and pull all of the coaches. It was an awesome sight to see. I filmed it and it really makes you feel good to see something like this brought back to life in this day and age. Don't know if they will do it again, time will tell. Also on labor day the steam power house is running, the saw mill was sawing wood and also on Sunday they had the parade of power. There were steam traction engines and antique tractors and trucks. Quite a display, well worth all of the photo opportunities. Of course they have an old time soda fountain now and modern restrooms. There was a flea market and various food vendors there. Great place for a family visit, just about something for everyone. It cost $5.00 to get in on labor day (only time there is an entrance fee) and $5.00 each per train ride. They have three different sizes of trains there and each size takes a different route into the county side. Free parking. Easy to find, well worth the trip. For 3 weekends in October the have the Ghost Train ride (ok for little kids) and around Christmas is the Christmas train. Bring a toy for tots and get a free ride. If you want to make a difference, you can join and be a volunteer. It takes a lot a work to repair, maintain and keep clean this museum. Plus meet some new friends.
Written 3 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda H
Saint Joseph, MI272 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
Must do if you are in Northern Indiana/Southwest Michigan. It's perfect for a family day or even if you are looking for something to do that's different and you don't have kids.
The staff is pretty much all volunteers and they take so much pride in the trains and making sure everyone has a great experience.
They even have a soda shop and restaurant there now too! I highly recommend the breakfast!
This is a seasonal attraction so make sure you plan ahead, however, they do open for Halloween with a Haunted Ghost Train (appropriate for all ages) and a Christmas Train with a Santa there too!
The staff is pretty much all volunteers and they take so much pride in the trains and making sure everyone has a great experience.
They even have a soda shop and restaurant there now too! I highly recommend the breakfast!
This is a seasonal attraction so make sure you plan ahead, however, they do open for Halloween with a Haunted Ghost Train (appropriate for all ages) and a Christmas Train with a Santa there too!
Written 29 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
greenacres2012
La Porte, IN21 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
The volunteer staff at Hesston Steam Museum has done a tremendous job of keeping everything in working order. While the trains are a total blast to ride, the kids (and their parents and grandparents) pick up on the ways of the past. The sawmill has been a favorite of our grandson since his first visit (about 7 months old!!). Everyone is friendly, and knowledgeable about their equipment. We do annual visits for the Ghost Train and Christmas Train, but the best times are had during non-event weekends when we have a little more time to relax and stroll. Can't thank the staff enough for the family memories they have helped to create!!
Written 13 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DonnaPerdue
East Chicago, IN81 contributions
Sept 2015 • Family
Took my grandchildren and they enjoyed riding the trains. The folks working (volunteers for the most part) were very nice and professional. To be honest, though, the place needs a lot of work. I'd recommend they charge a couple dollars more. Put a fresh coat of paint on the trains, get someone to create weatherproof displays about the old steam trains, put in some of those stand up characters with the cut-out faces for photography options for visitors, and put in some good signage that directs people where to go, where to wait. Although they have some signage, I could tell there were many tourists who were somewhat lost because the signage made many assumptions. Hire a marketing team, a good local one, and do it right. If you offer something in the Summer and then don't offer it in "off-season" but charge the same rate, that's bad business. Put in a lovely year-round garden (that means you'll have to tend to it throughout the year). When we went, few of the displays and shops were open. Signage for the rest room was confusing. Popcorn "vendor" apparently is not associated with Hesston and therefore doesn't accept cards...cash only. That's a heart-breaker for kids who want popcorn or cotton candy from the old steam operated machines. Few people carry cash. Also, if you're selling food, you're wanting people to stay longer. Well, give them more to see/do. Hesston has obviously put more effort into stocking their gift shop than in the experience. Honestly, if you want to see some old steam trains and let the kids ride them, plan on 45 mins and then just go elsewhere to eat and get your ice cream. Don't forget some cash for popcorn/drinks/cotton candy. I was disappointed that they're not trying harder!
Written 18 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tabatha B
Michigan City, IN1 contribution
Jun 2012 • Family
We had friends tell us about this place and decided to go. We have a 2 year old son and he went crazy over all the train stuff! He was making choochoo noises for days! I can definately say we will be back!
Written 26 June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keepsteam
1 contribution
Steam alive like it needs to be history alive for furture people to see and enjoy. Go and ride the rails, see the saw mill and how it was done.
Written 8 February 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristen L
Chicago, Illinois
Do they have all inclusive packages (to ride all 3 trains)? My family of 5 is planning a weekend trip there & I'm trying to go ahead & buy our tickets so that I can also book our Air BnB. I dont want to get there and there be no availability at Hesston. If there arent all inclusive packages, do I just buy 3 tickets per person?
Written 14 May 2020
Do they take debit/credit?
Written 2 September 2019
I suppose you can bring a small dog as long as it is on a leash. Trains cannot stop on a dime so loose animals risk injury. The train whistles are loud so a sensitive animal may have a problem with that.
Written 4 October 2019
Dylan P
Clover, South Carolina
Is there a weight limit in order to ride the trains?
Written 15 January 2017
I'm 6'3" 330 and no one looked at me twice. There's some really big people on them. I never saw anyone asked and there certainly aren't any signs anywhere. This applies to all trains including the smallest 'ride-on' trains.
Written 18 January 2017
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