The Chester Railway Museum is located off Route 20 in the village of Chester, Massachusetts. If you are coming from the east, take Route 20 from Westfield. From the Berkshires, you can pick up Route 20 in Lee.

Coming from the east, once in Chester, you will pass another local landmark, Carm's Restaurant & Gas Station. (It's been in the family for years and current owner (Mary) began working there at the age of 8). To reach the museum, watch for signs and take your next right (from the east) into Chester's main downtown. Follow the road to the end, where you will see the tracks. At the end, bear right and follow the road under the tracks and then loops back to the museum. The museum, housed in one of the oldest wooden railway station's in the country, is an absolute gem. Aside from lots of railroad memorabilia, there is a caboose that you can stay in overnight, excellent dioramas that demonstrate the layout of the arches and track and how the arches were constructed, a children's area, and much more. The Museum frequently hosts dinners (often in conjunction with a performance at the Chester Miniature Theatre--call the Theatre for ticket info) and it can also be rented for private functions. Among the museum's many holdings is a collection of trolley and railway songs that is now so extensive it would take more than 2 days of continuous listening to hear them all! For more information on the museum's hours, visit: www.ChesterRailwayStation.org or e-mail Dave Pierce, the Chester Foundation's president and local railroad buff at dpiercedlp@aol.com.

The Keystone Arches are within a few miles of the museum. From Route 20, in the center of Chester, take Middlefield Road about 3 miles. After you cross the tracks, the road bears to the left and parallels the tracks (which you can see through the forest). The next bend in the road is VERY sharp. Don't follow this! When the road veers up and away from the tracks, at the start of a steep hill, continue straight ahead to the parking area.

You will see a kiosk here with information about the bridges. Park here, and follow the dirt road on foot to reach the keystone arches. The first arch is very close by, and is one of the 2 remaining that is still used by freight and passenger rails. To reach the other arches, follow the wood road along the Westfield River (very pretty). The trail signs start at the parking lot, and there are yellow arrows at important turns. After a mile (or so) you will see signs pointing to the new trail (Keystone Arches Bridge Trail) that was constructed by volunteers in 2004. This trail will take you on to State-owned land that's part of a wildlife management area and eventually to the two largest arches, which are spectacular. The trail is about 2.5 miles, but the walk is nearly level and very pleasant. Enjoy...this is one of the prettiest walks in MA and you will enter the largest roadless area remaining in the state. For more: http://keystonearches.org/.

PS: Before heading on your walk, you may want to stop at Carm's Restaurant, or pick up a sandwich, snacks or drink at the A & L Market (not far from the Museum). Henrietta, the owner of the A & L, makes a terrific sandwich. There is also a convenience store near the town center (right off 20) that has a small restaurant and sells all sorts of snacks too. --Laurie Sanders