All Aboard for Train Day 2026! 🚂🐾
Duane, new Friends and Doug at ORHC Train Day
What a fantastic weekend at National Train Day at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center on May 9 & 10!
The Friends of the Washington Park & Zoo Railway had a wonderful time connecting with longtime train lovers, meeting new supporters, sharing stories and memories, and talking about the growing momentum to restore the Washington Park & Zoo Railway.
One of the highlights of the weekend?
Our special four-legged guests — therapy dogs Gill and Walter — who quickly became crowd favorites! Between tail wags, smiles, and train conversations, they helped make our booth feel extra welcoming and fun for visitors of all ages.
We were especially encouraged by how many people stopped by to share personal memories of riding the Zoo Train:
first train rides as children,
trips with grandparents,
family traditions,
and hopes of one day riding the full loop again.
Every story reminds us why this effort matters.
We also loved seeing so many kids light up around the trains — future railroad enthusiasts in the making! 🚂
A huge thank you to everyone who:
visited our booth,
signed up to volunteer,
shared ideas,
donated,
or simply stopped by to cheer us on.
The excitement and support continue to build, and events like Train Day remind us that Portland still has tremendous love for the Washington Park & Zoo Railway.
We’re grateful to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center for hosting such a terrific celebration and for all they do to preserve and share Portland’s rail history.
A Few Favorite Moments from the Weekend
🐾 Gill and Walter soaking up attention
🚂 Kids exploring the locomotives
📸 Families sharing old Zoo Train memories
🛤 Conversations about bringing the full loop back
❤️ Meeting so many passionate supporters
The train may be quiet for now — but the momentum is growing.
All aboard!
Jennifer, Walter, Arlen, Gill and Dan doing outreach for AORTA and the Friends.
Malakai, Caden, Bob and Duane at our booth.