👉 A Lecture on Portland’s Historic Zoo Railway

Steamer Oregon at the Washington Park Station

🚂 The Portland Zoo Railway: The Biggest Little Railway in the Country

Step back in time and rediscover one of Portland’s most beloved treasures.

Join us at the Architectural Heritage Center for a special lecture by historian and archaeologist Melissa Darby, as she brings to life the remarkable story of the Portland Zoo Railway—founded in 1958 in the West Hills, even before the zoo itself opened.

From the debut of the sleek, Space Age–styled Zooliner—which carried over 2,500 riders on its very first day—to the addition of the beloved steam-powered Oregon Locomotive No. 1, this “biggest little railway” captured the spirit of post-war optimism and helped fund the creation of the zoo we know today. By the end of its first summer, more than 200,000 passengers had climbed aboard.

Melissa will trace the history of the railway, explore its iconic route, highlight its rolling stock, and share stories of notable passengers—offering a fascinating glimpse into a defining chapter of Portland’s past.

📍 Architectural Heritage Center
701 SE Grand Avenue
📅 Saturday March 28th
🕒 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM

🎟 Seating is limited — pre-registration is highly recommended here: Link

Whether you rode the train as a child or are discovering its story for the first time, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.