Hesston Steam Museum

It's a vacation cliche', but here's a railfan location the whole family can enjoy — the Hesston Steam Museum. We landed there over Labor Day weekend, and I was amazed at all the activity going on throughout the site. We had a blast riding the various railroad loops and looking at the numerous steam-powered exhibits. My daughter especially enjoyed the 1/4 scale Flying Dutchman trains (below, left) — just the right size for a little girl! But Hesston is no amusement park or mere zoo train operation: There is a plenty there to attract the technical railfan. The dual-gauge 24"/36" trackage is a real treat, and they roster Lima's last narrow-gauge 3-truck Shay. The 2.5 mile dual-gauge run features some impressive grades, but they are little match for this macho narrow-gauge steamer. The 1/4 scale trains are great fun, and the route rocks back and forth through dips and sags--showing its age, I'm sure, after many years of hauling families around the property. But surely the belle of this ball is 24" gauge steam kettle #242. Restored by Hesston just a few years ago, she has classic American lines and just looks like a little steam locomotive should look. Built for a zoo railroad on flat ground, the 2-4-2 "Columbian" type struggles a bit over Hesston's undulating property. Even so, she is a site to see and pleasure to follow. I had a moment to chat with the young engineer about her operation, and he had a grin on his face the entire time. If you are travelling near Chicago in the summertime, don't pass up an chance to see the Hesston complex. A wonderful place that everyone will enjoy.