Special Events & Socials   

Fall is arriving and soon we will be able to witness autumn’s “coat of many colors”. What better way to observe and share in natures many splendors, then a day trip!

OLLI has arranged a FREE event to Mc Connell Springs in Lexington, Sept. 29 from 10:30am to 1:30pm, including a free box lunch from McAlister’s Deli @ 12:30pm.

The first event at the Springs will be a guided 90-minute walking tour with 2 miles of some paved roads and a boardwalk. It’s a leisurely walking trail with benches along the way to rest. During your stay at the Springs, you can visit the Educational Center seeing Ambassador Turtles swimming to and fro, Artifacts, pictures and info on the walls displaying the history of McConnell Springs.

There are picnic tables for our yummy box lunches, served from McAlisters Deli.

Rest rooms are available.

NOTE: Address: 416 Rebmann Lane, Lexington, KY 40504

**Parking: We ask that passenger vehicles park in designated spaces.

Saturday, October 17 / Lunch at Ricardos at Noon and Train Ride at 2:30PM

Start the day with lunch at Ricardos which occupies the former Southern Railroad Station. Then travel a few miles down the road to the Bluegrass Railroad Museum.

Restaurant Info:

12:00 NOON / Ricardos Grill & Pub / 110 Frankfort St., Versailles, KY

Registration deadline: October 9, 2026 / Limit 30

Time:2:30-4:30pm

Cost: Train Ride: $20.00 / Coach class / (cost of ticket includes admittance to Railroad Museum)

Lunch at Ricardos (in the old train station) self pay

Trains operate rain or shine / unless unusually severe weather

Bluegrass Scenic Railroad, Woodford County Park, 175 Beasley Rd., Versailles, Ky 40383

**Transportation: on your Own

Settle into the comfortable seats of our vintage railcars as the Pumpkin Express rolls out of Versailles and into the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass countryside. Outside your window, the rolling hills shift from green to gold, amber, and rust as October takes hold of the landscape.

You'll pass through thoroughbred horse farms, limestone cuts, and open pastures — the same route that has carried passengers through this corner of Kentucky since the Louisville Southern Railroad first laid these tracks in the 1880s.

Step off at Abbott's platform and stroll through pumpkins — little ones for decorating, big ones for carving, and everything in between.

**Seating is open and first-come, first-served once aboard. Arrive early for the best seats.

Dress for the weather —the autumn air can be brisk. Layering is recommended. Pumpkins are available for purchase and priced based on size- usually around $3 for small and $5 for large.

Cash and card accepted.

 Contact the OLLI office to request accessible seating.

**Free on-site parking is available with a paved path from the lot to the museum entrance and boarding platform.

**Please plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure to pick up your tickets and enjoy everything the Bluegrass Museum has to offer.  While you wait to board, explore our railroad museum, model train layout, outdoor static displays, and gift shop.  Boarding begins approximately 30 minutes before departure.

The Bluegrass Railroad Museum is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization.  We sincerely appreciate your support.  Every ticket purchased helps preserve and restore our historic railroad, ensuring future generations can continue to experience Kentucky's rich railroad heritage.