With summer lurking right around the corner, locals are starting to feel the effects of summer fever. We’re all longing for a day or two spent in the sun with family and friends, but we’ll also soon be longing for a shady escape from the Northeastern Ohio sun. Fortunately, there are plenty of lovely places in and around Cleveland that offer a bit of both. If you take a road trip south to the Chippewa Lake area, you can enjoy time spent on a beautiful sapphire lake before you take a trip back in time. Are you ready to visit one of Ohio’s best hidden museums?

Welcome to the Northern Ohio Railway Museum, or NORM, as its volunteers affectionately call it.
Northern Ohio Railway Museum/Facebook
Hidden in the remote landscape of Seville, a quaint community south of Cleveland, is a dreamy museum that will send you straight to the past.
Located at 5515 Buffham Rd. is a former section of the Cleveland, Southwestern, and Columbus Railway.
Northern Ohio Railway Museum/Facebook
Though formerly abandoned, the site now serves to collect, restore, display, and even operate railway equipment.
At this free museum, a team of volunteers works to restore railway equipment.
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And on their stretch of demonstration railroad, they often offer rides to the public.
Northern Ohio Railway Museum/Facebook
If you swing by on the second Saturday of the month, you may find yourself seated in a 100 year old trolley car.
The museum is open to the public on Saturdays from May through October.
Jean-Tim/TripAdvisor
Swing by between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for walking tours. Guided tours are the best way to experience the museum, as knowledgeable team members have an incredible passion for this piece of local history.
A visit to this museum is family-friendly, and kids and adults alike will spend the visit making memories.
Northern Ohio Railway Museum/Facebook
More than 40 pieces of rolling stock have been added to their collection.
Northern Ohio Railway Museum/Facebook
Many of their cars are already restored, but you may also get a unique glimpse into the restoration process during your visit.
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If you've never visited this incredible museum, be sure to swing by this summer!
Pam A/TripAdvisor
You may even want to consider attending an event and riding their operating trolley.
Northern Ohio Railway Museum/Facebook
Adventure is just a short journey from home, so don't miss out this summer!
Northern Ohio Railway Museum/Facebook

There is so much to love in Ohio, but we Clevelanders feel quite a bit of love for groups like NORM that are dedicated to preserving the story of our community. Have you ever visited this charming museum?

For more nostalgia in Chippewa Lake, check out these photos of its now-abandoned amusement park.

Are you ready for Cleveland’s best attractions? Here’s a 27-list for you.

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