Sails to Rails Museum at Flagler Station in Key West, FL

901 Caroline StreetKey West, FL 33040
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Overview

Discover the Age of Sail when tall ships navigated the waters of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Then journey through the steam-power period when Henry Flagler conceived of building an overseas railroad from Miami to Key West. A visit to Sails to Rails Museum is a comprehensive look at the Florida Keys complete with hands-on immersive activities for all ages.

1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Tour is about 45 minutes.
  • Paid parking is available nearby.
  • Under 4 years old are FREE.
  • Hands on, immersive activities for children are available.

Description

Sails to Rails Museum at Flagler Station takes visitors on a journey through the Age of Sail, a time when tall ships plied the treacherous waters of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico from the 1500s to early 1900s. The journey continues into the era of Henry Flagler's Overseas Railway in the early part of the century. Located in the historic Key West Bight at 901 Caroline Street, this state-of-the-art museum features hands-on exhibits, raw footage, unique artifacts, and the only scale model of Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas.

Travel through this interactive timeline of Key West history and discover the history of sponging, turtling, fishing, wrecking, cigar making, and tourism that put Key West on the map. Lift a genuine silver bar from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha that sank full of gold, silver, and emeralds during a hurricane off of Key West in 1522. Get to know Henry Flagler, John D. Rockefeller's partner in Standard Oil, in the original paymaster's railway car from the Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway. Inside the Maggie Atwell House, the only remaining wooden structure built by the FEC, learn about the backbreaking work of building the railroad over the open ocean and the mosquito-infested mangrove swamps of the Florida Keys.

For the younger set, the museum offers an area full of hands-on activities, picture-taking opportunities, and the National Park Service Junior Ranger Program.

Highlights:
  • Discover the Age of Sail in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Florida Keys
  • View a diorama of Fort Jefferson National Park
  • Lift a genuine silver bar from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha
  • Enjoy video presentations on the Overseas Railroad

  • Step back in history 500 years
  • Hands-on, immersive activities for children and adults
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

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Sails to Rails Museum is located at 901 Caroline StreetKey West, FL 33040
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sails to Rails Museum

What are the hours of operation?

The museum is open daily from 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

Is parking provided?

Paid parking is available nearby.

Are there any age restrictions for this attraction?

All ages are welcome. Under 4 are FREE.

Is the attraction wheelchair accessible?

Yes.

Can I bring my camera?

Cameras are allowed, but no videos.

How long is the tour?

The tour can take at least 45 minutes self-guided tour.

Do my tickets expire?

Tickets expire 1 year from the date of purchase.