Adjacent to Metrozoo in south Miami-Dade County is one of the most unusual and fascinating museums in the country--the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, where actual historic railroad cars are on display on a half-mile of real track. There are no electrified miniature trains here. This is the real thing!

The Gold Coast Railroad Museum displays authentic engines, pullmans and dining cars, but its proudest acquisition is the Ferdinand Magellan, one of America's most luxurious private railroad cars. Built expressly for President Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s, it's now a designated National Historic Landmark all by itself.

The Magellan, was also used by Presidents Truman, Eisenhower and Reagan. Damaged during Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the Magellan has now been completely restored to its former glory by a team of experts from the Smithsonian Institute; and stands ready to go back into service should any sitting president need it.

The Museum is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Museum opens additional hours, by appointment, for school and group tours and as a photo shoot location.

On Saturday and Sunday, the museum offers rides on the "Edwin Link Children's Railroad," a 20-minute ride on a 2-feet gauge track. As a personal hobby, Mr. Link developed the "Link Trainer" for pilot training as well as a two-man submarine for undersea exploration. Following his death, Mr. Link's family donated the equipment as well as an endowment for the maintenance.