For a unique and heartwarming holiday experience on the Oregon Coast, look no further than the Oregon Coast Historical Railway (OCHR) Museum in Coos Bay. Each year, this hidden gem transforms its historic rail yard into a festive spectacle, captivating visitors with a brilliant display of Christmas lights, including their vintage trains and artifacts. It’s an experience that perfectly merges local history with holiday cheer, making it a must-see during the festive season.
Located at 766 South First Street, directly along Highway 101, the museum’s display is easily accessible for both passing drivers and in-person visitors. What started years ago has blossomed into an extensive and elaborate showcase.
“The lights were very simple about nine years ago, and then we started going crazy and making them more and more complex every year,” said Nancy, who is the museum’s longest volunteer member.
Today, tens of thousands of lights are displayed on the old railroad equipment, creating a mesmerizing glow that illuminates the Coos Bay night. The display typically runs from before Thanksgiving to New Year’s. This is all accomplished often with the welcomed and encouraged help of student volunteers.
One of the most appealing aspects of the OCHR Museum is its hands-on approach. Unlike many other museums where historical artifacts are off limits, visitors here are encouraged to step inside the train cars. This provides a rare opportunity to witness what it was like to ride, work, and even eat in a train in the early to mid-20th century. During the holiday season, this interactive experience is amplified with festive internal decorations. Christmas plushies and strings of lights, that accessorize the interior of trains, create a whimsical atmosphere that complements the serious historical significance.
One of their most decorated trains, which is best seen at night when driving by, is the Steam Locomotive No. 104 (their black train). Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia in December 1922, this 73-ton, 2-8-2 Mikado-type engine was delivered to the Coos Bay Lumber Company in the spring of 1923. It was the first oil-burning steam engine for the company and became a workhorse, pulling massive log trains, sometimes as many as 100 cars, from the logging areas of Powers and Fairview to the mills in Coos Bay until its retirement in 1954. After being on standby and then on static display in North Bend for years, the OCHR group took ownership in 1999 and began the meticulous process of restoration to a historically accurate condition for display. Today, visitors can access the cab, ring the engine’s bell, and immerse themselves in a piece of living history. More information can be found on their website about each of their trains at http://orcorail.org/ or on their brochures for visitors.
The entire operation, from daily maintenance to the extensive holiday decorating, is managed by dedicated senior citizen volunteers. The museum operates on free admission but relies solely on donations, as it is not government-funded. Volunteers like Nancy and Terry, who is also a senior citizen, have a passion, rooted in a desire to give back to the community and preserve local heritage. According to Nancy, all of the museum’s trains have been, at one time or another, in use in the Coos Bay area.
“I have lived in the community for 45 years and retired and wanted to give back,” So all of us have lived here and retired and volunteer as part of this, it’s our Oregon history,” Nancy said.
The team’s collective effort reflects a shared belief that preserving this part of Oregon’s past is vital for future generations. This community involvement is key to the museum’s growth and the increasing complexity of its displays each year. The positive reviews, donations, and volunteer support are tributes to the impact the museum has on locals and visitors.
“And people stop by from all over different states to come by and check out our trains,” Terry said. “Because we have all the train cars decorated.”
The Oregon Coast Historical Railway is a budget-friendly destination for families and history enthusiasts during the holiday season. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays only, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. While the decorated trains are best viewed from the street at night for the full light effect, visiting during open hours allows you to go inside the cars, ring the bell on No. 104, and chat with the knowledgeable volunteers who make the Museum a special place to visit.
