Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights in Yorklyn, Delaware

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Yorklyn, Delaware · Updated October 19, 2026 · 13 min read

Museum with a major rail exhibitTrain ridesOpen Thursdays and Fridays, 1 to 4 pm; train rides on special event days; winter break from late December to early February

Built in 1947 by T. Clarence Marshall to house his antique automobiles, the Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights cares for one of the world's largest operating collections of Stanley steam cars and runs the coal-fired trains of the Auburn Valley Railroad around a Victorian family estate.

  • Museum building from 1947
  • Large operating Stanley steam car fleet
  • 1/8-size coal-fired steam trains
  • 1930s Lionel standard-gauge display
  • Run by Friends of Auburn Heights
  • 1897 Queen Anne mansion next door

Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights at a glance

Hours
Thursdays and Fridays, 1 to 4 pm, except major holidays; plus special event days
Admission
Museum $8 adults, $4 ages 12 and under; museum and mansion $14 adults, $7 children
Train rides
1/8-size steam train rides on Train Day (first Sunday in May) and Steamin' Days (first Sundays, June to November), 12:30 to 4:30 pm
Seasonal events
Steamin' Days, Train Day, Egg Hunts
Plan for
About 1 hour for the museum, 2 hours with the mansion
Best for
Families with train fans and car lovers of every age
Best ages
Ages 3 to 12, and grandparents
Parking
Event lot across the street; overflow and accessible parking inside the estate near the Carriage House and water tower
Accessibility
Accessible parking inside the estate; Touch Tours for guests with low or no vision

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Yorklyn.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Three generations of Marshalls, a paper mill and a love of steam

The Marshall story begins with the Marshall Brothers paper mill in Yorklyn. In 1897 Israel W. Marshall and his wife, Elizabeth, known as Lizzie, built a grey stone Queen Anne home on the hill above the mill and named it Auburn Heights. Construction took ten months and cost about $11,500, at a time when a typical middle-class house cost around $1,000. Three generations of Marshalls lived there.

Their son, T. Clarence Marshall, collected early automobiles, and in 1947 he built the building that is now the museum to hold his growing collection. He had a ready answer for visitors who found old steam cars quaint: every invention has a starting point, he said in 1960, and these early pioneers began a long line of refinement.

Clarence's son Tom and Tom's wife, Ruth, made sure the collection would stay together. In 2008 they gave the estate land and buildings, including the 1897 mansion, to Delaware State Parks, and donated the family's vehicles to the Friends of Auburn Heights, a 501(c)(3) charity. Today the estate is part of Auburn Valley State Park, which runs the mansion, while the Friends and their volunteers keep the Stanleys, the Auburn Valley Railroad and the museum running and open to the public.

Steam cars in the garage, steam trains on the hill

Inside the museum you can see one of the world's largest operating collections of Stanley steam cars, plus a 1914 Ford Model T, a 1916 Rauch & Lang electric car and Packards from the 1930s. Rail fans should look for the working standard-gauge Lionel electric train display from the 1930s, along with small locomotives and model steam engines. A hands-on exhibit shows how a Stanley power plant actually works, and other displays tell the story of the Marshall family and the mill town of Yorklyn.

Outside, the Auburn Valley Railroad runs 1/8-size coal-fired steam trains in a loop around the property. The trains and antique car rides run on special event days, not during the regular Thursday and Friday hours, when visitors can take a guided tour or explore the museum on their own. Next door, the 1897 Marshall Mansion still holds most of the family's furnishings and can be toured with a guide.

Don’t miss

  1. The Stanley steam carsThis is one of the largest operating Stanley collections anywhere, and the cars are kept running, not just parked.
  2. The Auburn Valley RailroadCoal-fired steam trains built at 1/8 size carry riders around the estate on Train Day and Steamin' Days.
  3. The 1930s Lionel standard-gauge displayA working layout of big prewar Lionel trains, the kind many grandparents remember from childhood.
  4. The Stanley power plant exhibitA hands-on display that shows how a steam car turns fire and water into motion.
  5. The 1916 Rauch & Lang electric carA reminder that electric cars were on the road more than a century ago.
  6. The 1897 Marshall MansionThe family home above the old paper mill, still furnished with the Marshalls' belongings and open for guided tours.

Train Day, Steamin' Days and egg hunts

For train-loving kids, the days to circle are Train Day on the first Sunday in May and Steamin' Days on first Sundays from June to November, both 12:30 to 4:30 pm. Those are the days the little coal-fired trains carry riders around the grounds, and Train Day is billed as an event for train lovers of all ages. Spring brings Egg Hunts on the Friday and Saturday before Easter, with timed hunts for kids up to age 12 and advance registration required.

Regular Thursday and Friday visits are quieter, with no rides, but kids can still see the Lionel trains and the hands-on Stanley engine exhibit. Construction work is underway on the estate, so keep children close and watch for equipment.

Plan your visit: tips for Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights

  • No rides are offered during regular Thursday and Friday hours; come on a Steamin' Day to ride.
  • Use Hockessin, DE in your GPS for the best directions to 3000 Creek Road.
  • Many visitors take the 1 pm mansion tour first, then explore the museum.
  • No advance tickets are needed for regular open hours.
  • The museum closes for a winter break after December 19, 2026, and reopens February 4, 2027.

Steamin' Days are the museum's signature events, held on the first Sunday of each month from June to November, with rides on the coal-fired trains, food from local vendors and family activities. Train Day opens the riding season on the first Sunday in May. The museum does not list a Halloween or Christmas train, so for holiday rides see our guides to Christmas train rides in Delaware and Halloween train rides in Delaware.

The Friends of Auburn Heights

The Friends of Auburn Heights, a nonprofit, owns the vehicles and runs the museum with a small staff and many volunteers, who drive the Stanleys, fire the miniature steam engines and lead tours. Auburn Valley State Park manages the mansion and grounds. You can help by joining as a member, donating, or volunteering, and the museum keeps a volunteer portal and mailing list on its website.

Steam rides close to Yorklyn

The Wilmington & Western Railroad is only about 6 miles away and runs full-size steam and diesel trains through the same Red Clay Valley. The West Chester Railroad is about 11 miles north, and the National Toy Train Museum in Strasburg is about 28 miles away. See all Delaware train museums for more.

Every train museum in Delaware

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of Rally the corgi dreaming about his toy turtle, green bone and yellow ball
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

Riding a coal-fired train small enough to circle a backyard estate sounds like Rally's kind of trip. Before his big ride in our book, he packs his suitcase with the essentials: his turtle toy, his green bone and his yellow ball. I think a Steamin' Day picnic would call for the same careful packing. My kids are learning to read with this book, and the train books for toddlers list has a few more we love.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Marshall Steam Museum: 20 questions visitors ask

What is the Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights?

It is a museum in Yorklyn, Delaware, built in 1947 by T. Clarence Marshall for his antique automobiles. It holds one of the world's largest operating collections of Stanley steam cars, early gas and electric cars, a 1930s Lionel train display and the Auburn Valley Railroad, a 1/8-size coal-fired steam railroad that circles the estate.

What is the Marshall Steam Museum and Friends of Auburn Heights?

The Friends of Auburn Heights is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that owns the Marshall family's vehicles and operates the Marshall Steam Museum. Tom and Ruth Marshall donated the collection to the Friends in 2008 and gave the estate land and mansion to Delaware State Parks. The Friends share an office with the museum at 3000 Creek Road.

What is the Marshall Steam Museum address?

The museum is at 3000 Creek Road, Yorklyn, DE 19736, and the mailing address is PO Box 61 at the same location. The museum recommends entering Hockessin, DE in your GPS for the most reliable directions, since the estate sits less than five minutes from the center of Hockessin along Red Clay Creek.

What are the Marshall Steam Museum hours?

As of October 2026, the museum is open every Thursday and Friday from 1 to 4 pm, except Good Friday, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year's Day. It also opens for special event days. The last open date of 2026 is December 19, and it reopens on February 4, 2027.

How much are Marshall Steam Museum tickets?

As of October 2026, museum admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. The Marshall Mansion tour costs the same, or you can tour both for $14 per adult and $7 per child. No advance tickets are needed for regular Thursday and Friday hours. Special events may be priced differently, so check the event listing.

Can you ride the trains at the Marshall Steam Museum?

Yes, but only on special event days. The 1/8-size coal-fired trains of the Auburn Valley Railroad give rides on Train Day, the first Sunday in May, and on Steamin' Days, the first Sundays from June to November, from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. No rides run during the regular Thursday and Friday open hours or on reserved group tours.

What is Steamin' Day at the Marshall Steam Museum?

Steamin' Day is the museum's signature event, held on the first Sunday of each month from June through November, 12:30 to 4:30 pm. It is the time to ride the miniature steam trains and see the collection in action, with family activities and food from local vendors. Check the museum's calendar or Facebook page for each month's details.

What is Train Day at Auburn Heights?

Train Day is held on the first Sunday in May from 12:30 to 4:30 pm and is aimed at train lovers of all ages. Rides on the 1/8-scale steam trains are included as part of the event, though antique auto rides are not offered that day. It is a good first visit for young train fans.

What cars are at the Marshall Steam Museum?

The highlight is one of the world's largest operating collections of Stanley steam cars. The museum also displays a 1914 Ford Model T, a 1916 Rauch & Lang electric car and 1930s Packards. A hands-on exhibit shows how a Stanley steam power plant works, and other displays cover the Marshall family and the mill town of Yorklyn.

Are there model trains at the Marshall Steam Museum?

Yes. The museum has a working standard-gauge Lionel electric train display from the 1930s, plus small locomotives and model steam engines. Outdoors, the Auburn Valley Railroad's 1/8-size coal-fired steam trains are big enough to ride on event days. Together they make the museum a good stop for young train fans as well as car lovers.

Can you tour the Marshall Mansion at Auburn Heights?

Yes. The 1897 Queen Anne mansion, home to three generations of Marshalls, is run by Auburn Valley State Park. Guided tours leave promptly from the front porch at 1 pm and 3 pm on Thursdays and Fridays and last about an hour. Many visitors take the 1 pm mansion tour and then visit the museum afterward.

Does the Marshall Steam Museum offer group tours?

Yes, for groups of 8 or more, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, with some weekend exceptions. Each tour lasts about an hour, and groups can add the Marshall Mansion. As of October 2026, prices are $8 per person or $4 per child for one site, or $14 per adult and $7 per child for both. No rides are offered on group tours.

Is the Marshall Steam Museum accessible?

Accessible parking is available inside the estate, between the Carriage House and the museum or past the museum near the water tower. The museum also offers Touch Tours for guests with low or no vision and their companions, about an hour and a half long. Construction is underway on the estate, so call (302) 239-2385 with specific access questions.

Where do you park at the Marshall Steam Museum?

On open days, park in the event lot across the street from the site. If it is full, parking is available inside the estate between the museum and the Carriage House, or on the far side of the museum near the water tower. Watch for construction vehicles and follow posted signs while improvements to the property are underway.

Is the Marshall Steam Museum good for kids?

Yes, especially on event days. Kids can ride the miniature coal-fired steam trains on Train Day and Steamin' Days, and the spring Egg Hunts offer timed hunts for children up to age 12, with advance registration required. On regular days, the Lionel trains and the hands-on Stanley engine exhibit hold young visitors' attention.

What do reviews and photos of the Marshall Steam Museum show?

Photos and posts on the museum's Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest accounts show the Stanley steam cars, the miniature steam trains and family event days on the estate. Visitors often describe Steamin' Days as relaxed family outings with food and rides. Searching the museum's social pages is the best way to see recent photos before you go.

What is the Marshall Steam Station?

The Marshall Steam Station is not this museum. The Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights is a car and miniature railroad museum in Yorklyn, Delaware, run by the Friends of Auburn Heights. If you are looking for the museum, its address is 3000 Creek Road, and it is open Thursdays and Fridays plus event days.

Is the Marshall Steam Museum closing?

No permanent closing is announced. The museum closes each winter: as of October 2026, the last open date of the year is Saturday, December 19, and it reopens on Thursday, February 4, 2027. During the break the office stays open for questions at (302) 239-2385. Construction on the estate is ongoing, but museum operations and parking remain available.

How can I volunteer at the Marshall Steam Museum?

The Friends of Auburn Heights welcomes volunteers to help with tours, events and the operating collection. Contact the operations and volunteer manager at volunteer@auburnheights.org, or use the volunteer portal on the website. You can also support the museum by becoming a member or donating, which helps keep the steam cars and trains running.

What train attractions are near the Marshall Steam Museum?

The Wilmington & Western Railroad is about 6 miles away and runs full-size steam and diesel excursions through the Red Clay Valley. The West Chester Railroad in Pennsylvania is about 11 miles away, and Strasburg, about 28 miles away, has the National Toy Train Museum, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and the Strasburg Rail Road.

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