 Step back in time and uncover the stories that shaped St. Thomas. From historic landmarks to vibrant works of public art, explore the rich railway heritage that earned this city its iconic title as the Railway City. Discover must-visit spots that bring the past to life and reveal the spirit of a community built on steel, steam, and timeless stories! CASO STation Built between June 1871 and April 1873, the CASO Station was the largest of 31 stations constructed in Ontario by the Canadian Southern Railway Company during the 1870s. It served as both a transportation center and the company headquarters, with passenger traffic managed on the main floor and administrative offices located upstairs. By 1914, the station saw over 100 trains pass through each day, helping St. Thomas earn the titles of “Railway City” and “Railway Capital of Canada.” Today, the CASO Station remains a beautifully restored landmark. Visitors can explore the historic building, walk through the North America Railway Hall of Fame on the second floor, and view heritage photos that capture its legacy. The station also offers a unique setting for weddings, private functions, and community events.
Elgin County Railway Museum The Elgin County Railway Museum has been preserving the rich railway heritage of St. Thomas since 1988. Housed in the historic Michigan Central Railroad (MCRR) locomotive repair shops, built in 1913, the museum occupies a 55,000-square-foot facility located just south of the former CASO Station. These shops are among the oldest continuously operating locomotive repair facilities in North America and their legacy continues through the museum’s ongoing restoration work. The location of the MCRR shops was no accident. Strategically situated between two major railway hubs —Chicago and New York— St. Thomas served as a vital shortcut for freight shipments. Locomotives, passenger coaches, and maintenance vehicles are carefully brought back to life on-site, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship that defined railway operations. From historical exhibits and restored stock to guided tours and educational programming, the museum brings the story of St. Thomas’s railway past to life.
St. Thomas Elevated Park The St. Thomas Elevated Park is Canada’s first elevated park, rising 95 feet above the ground and offering a unique experience high above the city. Located at the western edge of St. Thomas, the park stretches across the historic Michigan Central Railroad Kettle Creek Bridge, which has stood since 1929 and once carried more than 40 trains a day at its peak. It’s a must-visit destination when exploring St. Thomas. Visitors can stand where history was made and see how the city transformed into the "Railway City." The park also features striking sculptures and artwork curated by the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, creating a vibrant mix of history, culture, and creativity.
MuralsSt. Thomas is home to over 50 murals that celebrate the city’s rich history and vibrant community through public art. Take a stroll down Talbot Street and experience the Railway City Mural Tour, where each mural tells a piece of the story that shaped the city. Some murals date back over a century, including St. Thomas Street Railway in 1906 by Nickolas Wilkinson, Foundation: Town & Rail from the mid-1990s by Paul Membourquette, and Elephant Parade created in 1990 by Paul Austin—just to name a few. Visit our mural page to discover both historic and contemporary murals that add colour, character, and meaning to the streets of St. Thomas! Walking Tours Experience the rich history of St. Thomas through its heritage walking tours. With routes covering Main Talbot Street, the Courthouse area, and the Old St. Thomas Church, these tours offer an engaging way to explore the city’s roots! The Courthouse Area walking tour takes you along a scenic path lined with beautifully preserved historic homes. This is one of the most popular tours, where you’ll learn about when these homes were built, the families who lived in them, and the stories they carry. The Talbot Street walking tour guides you through the heart of downtown, highlighting notable landmarks such as the Old Engineering Building, Lemons Pharmacy, and many more historic gems. The Old St. Thomas Church tour explores one of the city’s oldest buildings, constructed between 1822 and 1824. This walk offers a deeper look into the church’s history and the surrounding area that helped shape the early community.
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© 2025 Railway City Tourism
© 2025 Railway City Tourism